Photo credit: IWMI-CGIAR
Irrigation of onions in a dry river bed.
Photo: Matthew McCartney
IWMI’s research assesses water resources in Myanmar
Excerpt
Assessing water resources in Myanmar’s Dry Zone
Much of the prevailing poverty and food insecurity in Myanmar’s central Dry Zone is due to variability in water resources and insufficient water management. The IWMI study contained three parts:
- Assessment of groundwater and surface water resources in the Dry Zone Area
- A community level survey to evaluate water resource access and management for local communities
- Analysis of existing irrigation programs, investment outcomes and recommendations to improve access to, and management of water resources in the Dry Zone

Photo: Matthew McCartney – http://g9jzk5cmc71uxhvd44wsj7zyx.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/A-small-holder-irrigation-scheme-in-the-Dry-Zone-of-Myanmar.-Photo_-Matthew-McCartney.jpg
Key Findings
Due to the Dry Zone’s variability of environments, farming systems, water access, and irrigation infrastructure, the report recognized that rather than a single blanket solution, water-related interventions must be tailored to specific needs. The study identified the following 5 key areas to better understand the impact of irrigation on incomes and livelihood and to target investments in agricultural water management in the Dry Zone:
Read the full article: IWMI