ANNUAL WORK PLAN YEAR 1

3.2.3. TASK 1.3 IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY
Objectives
The overall objective of this task is to induce farmers to reduce water use for crop production
by shifting to or expanding production of crops with higher value, lower water use requirements,
and to make better use of water saving practices and technologies, thereby increasing
productivity and efficiency of water use.
Background
Attempts to increase water productivity in Egypt have traditionally focused on conservation of
water through the adoption of on-farm water saving practices and technologies, such as laser
leveling, sprinklers, and drip irrigation. Less attention has been given to cultivation of alternative
crops that use less water per feddan but generate significantly high returns for the same area,
and in this way, increase the value added per unit of water consumed. In addition, since the role
of the MWRI has historically been limited to the planning, construction, operation, and
maintenance of water conveyance systems up to the farm level, there have been fewer
opportunities for local irrigation staff to engage with farmers on questions of crop selection.
The latter has been the province of individual farmers assisted by local agriculture extension
workers.
Recent analysis of crop performance in Egypt and several other countries, suggests that there
are a host of horticulture crops that can be grown in the project area, that generate an
equivalent level of income per feddan to that of rice, but that require less water per season.
Production of these crops can be found sprinkled throughout the project area. This production
will be studied and analyzed to identify the full potential of these crops, and then a
comprehensive communication and extension campaign will be developed in order to induce
the farmers to adopt these new practices and technologies.
Moreover, on-farm water use efficiency is low to the extent that farmers tend to over use water
on their farms, and increase the level of the water table. This can be damaging to some crops, so
the objective of this project is to encourage farmers to use more efficient water saving
technologies, thereby in a similar manner, increasing water use efficiency.
Expected Results
The project will induce project-assisted farmers to shift to high-value, lower water-consuming
crops and make better use of water saving practices and technologies.
Expected Outputs (Deliverables)
• Develop and disseminate information on alternative high-value crops to include
information on water consumption, production rates, cultivation practices, economic
returns, and market opportunities and risks
• Encourage increased collaboration among MWRI staff, Ministry of Agriculture staff,
and farmers concerning issues of crop selection and on-farm water conservation
• Introduce new technologies for crop production and for saving water
• Conduct training and outreach to farmers in the BCWUAs on alternative crops and
water saving technologies.
Partners
Partners for this task will include MWRI, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation,
BCWUAs, water users, farmers, private investors, and local councils.
Annual Work Plan Year 1(January–December 2009) 17