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Egypt

Egypt is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. The Nile River, the country’s primary source of water, supports the livelihoods of over 90% of the population, but it is facing increasing pressure due to growing demand, climate variability, and upstream developments.

Agriculture accounts for around 65% of Egypt’s total water usage, making it a vital sector for food security and economic stability. However, the country’s agricultural systems are increasingly stressed due to unsustainable water management practices, land degradation, and the impacts of climate change. As the nation navigates these challenges, there is a growing need for integrated approaches to water management, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices.

IWMI in Egypt

IWMI’s work in Egypt focuses on addressing the critical water-agriculture nexus, with a particular emphasis on enhancing water security, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience in the Nile River Basin. One of the key projects, Al Murunah, seeks to increase water security across Egypt and neighboring countries by integrating nature-based solutions for water management and agricultural practices, aiming to build resilience to climate extremes.

IWMI is improving water management through high-resolution climate modeling, specifically targeting small basins in the Middle East and North Africa, which guides better decision-making for water allocation and agriculture in Egypt. Various projects explore the historical and future dynamics of Nile water and agriculture, analyzing farming systems and productivity to develop sustainable water usage strategies. Additionally, IWMI support policy coherence through initiatives like the integrated agrifood advisory and extension system, which helps improve climate-adaptive water productivity, ensuring that both policy and practice align with the pressing water and food security needs of Egypt. Through these efforts, IWMI strives to foster a more sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural future for Egypt, ensuring the effective management of its vital water resources.