Dealing with the Dry Zone

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:

1. Assessment of groundwater and surface water resources in the Dry Zone Area
2. A community level survey to evaluate water resource access and management for local communities
3. Analysis of existing irrigation programs, investment outcomes and recommendations to improve access to, and management of water resources in the Dry Zone

A small-holder irrigation scheme in the Dry Zone of Myanmar.
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