From exploring biogas initiatives in the Global South to assessing pathways to water peace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) researchers have contributed to diverse global studies published in March and April 2025. The following is a selection of their open-access work; click the links to access the full articles.
High-resolution climate change projections and their adaptation planning implications for small basins in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Climate change is straining water resources, yet the impacts on small basins in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories are not well researched. In their most recent report, IWMI researchers Karim Bergaoui and Makram Belhaj Fraj, and Al Murunah project leaders Wasudha Abeyrathna, Stephen Fragaszy and Vidhisha Samarasekara, offer high-resolution projections to guide adaptation strategies. Their findings highlight how rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns and increasing droughts threaten water security, agriculture and community resilience in these regions. Using advanced modeling techniques, the study provides detailed insights into future climate scenarios, enabling better planning for sustainable water management and resilient agricultural practices. The authors emphasize the urgency of addressing climate challenges through innovative solutions like nature-based water systems and community-driven adaptation measures.
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Unraveling agricultural water use in three Central Asian irrigation oases using remote sensing
In many places around the world, drylands face challenges to sustainable water management due to the intensification and inefficient use of water for agriculture. In Central Asia, water for agriculture accounts for around 90% of the region’s freshwater use. However, precisely measuring irrigation water withdrawals in the region for water balance analysis can be difficult due to the challenges of monitoring groundwater use and water use during the non-growing season for soil preparation. IWMI’s Maha Al-Zu’bi and co-researchers formulated a comprehensive method for analyzing agricultural water use in Central Asia, incorporating enhanced remote sensing techniques with a focus on three irrigation oases in Uzbekistan. They estimated key hydrological components, particularly reservoir storage and irrigation water use and demonstrated how optical remote sensing imagery, combined with satellite laser altimetry, can track the availability and use of active water storage in reservoirs. This approach allows for independent monitoring of active reservoir storage, which offers scalability to arid and semi-arid regions with similar data challenges. By systematically integrating Earth Observation data into a water balance analysis, this study provides a framework for local water authorities to optimize regional water allocation and adjust reservoir operations accordingly.
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Unraveling agricultural water use in three Central Asian irrigation oases using remote sensing.
From waste to value: key insights and lessons learned from biogas initiatives in the Global South
There is transformative potential for biogas technology in the Global Sout. Organic waste can be converted into renewable energy and nutrient-rich by-products. IWMI’s Tosin Somorin, Susanne Bodach and Mansi Tripathi delve into the environmental, economic and social benefits of biogas systems, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving waste management and enhancing rural livelihoods in their most recent report. Through case studies from countries like China, India and Rwanda, the study examines the drivers, barriers and opportunities for scaling biogas initiatives. Their report also provides actionable recommendations for overcoming challenges, including policy reforms, market development and community engagement.
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From waste to value: key insights and lessons learned from biogas initiatives in the Global South.
Pathway from water-conflict to water-peace in the Middle East and North Africa
The MENA region is the most water scarce in the world. Challenges with managing limited water resources are intensified by political tensions and socioeconomic inequalities, which often results in water playing a key role in conflicts. Research conducted by IWMI’s Muhammad Khalifa, Maha Al-Zu’bi and Youssef Brouziyne examines the role of water in conflicts, actors and the scale of conflicts across five MENA countries. Their analysis finds that water-related incidents have increased significantly over the past two decades. The study proposes a concentric circle transformation (CCT) framework with three strategy tiers: foundation, supportive and expansive to help move from water conflict to water-peace. The framework integrates soft interventions such as empowering local communities or raising awareness with hard interventions such as building resilient infrastructure and using technological solutions.
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IWMI works to turn water conflict into peace with new framework for the MENA region – IWMI
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Pathway from water-conflict to water-peace in the Middle East and North Africa.
Future land use simulation modeling for sustainable urban development under the shared socioeconomic pathways in West African megacities: insights from Greater Accra Region
Human-induced changes, such as urban and agricultural expansion, have increased greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously causing irreversibly biodiversity loss. Alteration of natural landscapes lead to significant impacts on human welfare, heightening risks such as food insecurity and flooding; thus, assessing land use changes and human impact is crucial for ensuring a sustainable landscape. In this study, IWMI’s Komlavi Akpoti and colleagues utilize modelling to simulate future land use and subsequent impacts on green spaces within West African megacities such as Greater Accra. Researchers found that the integration of urban initiatives and policies to promote green areas will be essential for ensuring sustainability in an urban ecosystem. Conclusively, enforcement of these policies will enable West Africa to achieve its global commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and towards the Africa Urban Agenda 2063.
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Implications of changes in water stress and precipitation extremes for cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
Irregular rains, due to climate change, have caused variability in drought patterns that greatly impact cocoa production in cocoa-growing regions such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. This has adversely affected cocoa yield and productivity, leading to several major consequences, particularly in terms of agricultural sustainability and increased food insecurity. In this study, led by IWMI’s Salomon Obahoundje in collaboration with Komlavi Akpoti, Sander J. Zwart, Seifu A. Tilahun and Olufunke Cofie, researchers evaluate water stress and agricultural drought conditions from 1981 to 2022, revealing a major reduction in annual precipitation. Researchers found that Ghana has experienced the most significant decrease, while Côte d’Ivoire is additionally experiencing high levels of sustained water stress. Subsequently, both these countries have faced decreasing yields of cocoa production and accompanying negative impacts. Suggested solutions going forward advocate for a targeted approach to implement cocoa irrigation in water-stressed regions whilst noting the dynamic nature of this issue.
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