Empowerment
IWMI recognizes that empowering women, youth and other disadvantaged groups is essential to addressing water challenges and securing the future of water systems. IWMI also prioritizes strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers to improve food security and build resilient livelihoods.
Through initiatives that promote farmer-led irrigation, renewable energy solutions and multiple-use water systems, IWMI supports rural, peri-urban and urban communities in meeting both productive and domestic water needs. By advancing policy coherence and fostering citizen science, IWMI helps create open, inclusive platforms for community engagement, ensuring that water management interventions are responsive, sustainable and equitable for all.
Contacts
Latest news on this topic
Strong roots, inclusive futures
Throughout 2026, IWMI is highlighting the imperative role of women farmers in water security and climate resilience …
Why gender equity must shape Africa’s water future
IWMI’s Likimyelesh Nigussie highlights that tangible progress depends on putting women’s leadership and perspectives at the heart of water decisions and solutions …
In Zambia, women build independence through climate-smart agricultural practices
Through finance, climate-smart farming training and community programs that engage men, IWMI is helping survivors of violence rebuild their livelihoods …
IWMI’s Inga Jacobs-Mata honored as one of 2025’s Top Agri-Food Pioneers
The World Food Prize Foundation recognizes IWMI’s Director of Water, Growth and Inclusion for her leadership in empowering farmers and businesses across East and Southern Africa …
Latest publications on this topic
Report
Improving policy coherence in food, land, and water systems to advance sustainable development in India: a case study of Odisha
International Water Management Institute | November 20th, 2024
Journal Article
A system readiness approach to support the packaging and scaling of innovation bundles for farming systems transformation
Elsevier | November 12th, 2024
Report
Resource recovery from livestock waste: a compilation of business cases from the Global South
International Water Management Institute | November 12th, 2024
Events on this topic
Gender Mainstreaming Guidelines Launch
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture launches its Gender Mainstreaming Guidelines to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment interventions in the country’s agriculture sector …