Latest news with #InternationalWaterManagementInstitute
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning over worsening crisis threatening food security around the globe: 'A threat to humanity'
Experts issue warning over worsening crisis threatening food security around the globe: 'A threat to humanity' One of the biggest consequences of rising global temperatures is the impact they have on food security. Across the globe, rising temperatures are threatening agricultural production, causing experts to sound the alarm, as was the case at a recent gathering held in Kathmandu, Nepal. What's happening? Key stakeholders at the Sagarmatha Sambaad forum in May discussed the challenges of Earth's overheating, underscoring the reality of food and water insecurity. According to reporting by Republica, one of the topics discussed was the current water crisis, which Dr. Mark Smith, executive director of the International Water Management Institute, said poses a "serious threat to the long-term sustainability for future generations but also to equality." "Scientists have considered this a threat to humanity," Smith added. With extreme weather — such as intense droughts and increasingly powerful storms — destroying crops and driving food prices up, vulnerable areas are grappling with climate-driven poverty and starvation. Leaders from around the world emphasized the need to take action and develop solutions to address all aspects of the current crisis. Why is global food insecurity important? Rising global temperatures are taking a serious toll on farmers trying to make a living and yield successful harvests. With intense droughts and more powerful storms ruining crops, farmers have increased their prices, which in turn makes everyday necessities less affordable and accessible. Global food insecurity not only threatens public health but also human rights. As vulnerable communities suffer from the consequences of extreme weather, they lose access to safe and nutritious food and water supplies. What's being done about climate-driven food insecurity? World leaders and organizations are advocating for climate-driven solutions to combat food insecurity and water shortages. However, these conversations are just the beginning. Experts have indicated that more steps need to be taken to practically tackle these global challenges on a larger scale. As Republica reported, Dr. Usha Jha, a former member of Nepal's National Planning Commission, warned at the forum that hunger and poverty could rise if precautions aren't taken. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Ken Shimizu, the Food and Agriculture Organization Country Representative for Nepal and Bhutan, raised another important point of discussion, noting how the climate crisis has brought on numerous socioeconomic challenges. "It is a further challenge to ease access to necessary financing, technology, and support," Shimizu said, per Republica. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword


Al-Ahram Weekly
26-06-2025
- General
- Al-Ahram Weekly
IWMI and Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Sign MoU to Advance Climate Resilience in the Water Sector - Urban & Transport
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation under the AWARe (Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience) initiative. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in research, capacity building, and policy engagement to support climate change adaptation through water-centered approaches. Key areas of cooperation include: Supporting AWARe through evidence-based research and regional knowledge exchange Organizing technical events and training in Egypt, such as courses on water accounting for climate-resilient planning Contributing to the development of fundable project proposals aligned with AWARe's Action Track 6 Promoting IWMI-led initiatives such as the National Policy and Strategy Initiative, the Fragility to Resilience Initiative, and the Future Transformations of Water Security Initiative. Launched at COP27 under Egypt's presidency, AWARe is a global initiative that seeks to catalyze inclusive, practical water solutions for climate adaptation and resilience—especially in water-scarce and vulnerable regions. It supports the integration of water into climate strategies while promoting cooperation, capacity building, and investment in innovative, nature-based approaches. This MoU marks a strategic step toward fostering adaptive, resilient, and inclusive water solutions for vulnerable communities across Egypt, Africa, and beyond. About IWMI The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a global research-for-development organization with a mandate to improve water and land management for food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. With headquarters in Sri Lanka and offices across Africa and Asia, IWMI operates in over 30 countries. The IWMI MENA Regional Office, based in Cairo, plays a pivotal role in advancing water science, innovation, and policy engagement across the Middle East and North Africa, working closely with governments, development partners, and local stakeholders to address pressing water challenges in the region. IWMI is a member of the CGIAR global research partnership, which is committed to transforming food, land, and water systems to build a food-secure future in the face of the climate crisis. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


Business Recorder
07-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
KP inks MoU with IWMI to address water issues
PESHAWAR: The Irrigation Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has agreed to work with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) to address the growing water crisis, climate change and poor water governance in the province. In this regard, the guidelines issued by various institutions in the light of KP Water Act 2020 and National Water Policy 2018 will be implemented in the province. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Irrigation Department KP and the International Water Management Institute. Secretary Irrigation Department Muhammad Ayaz Khan, country representative of International Water Management Institute Dr Muhammad Ashraf, Director Water, Food and Ecosystem Dr Mohsin Hafeez, Policy Advisor Engineer Naeem Khan, Team Leader KP Engineer Kifayat Zaman, Senior Research Officer Bioinformatics Engineer Naqash Taj Abbasi and senior officers of the Irrigation Department attended the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Engineer Naeem Khan said that the main objective of the IWMI project is to conduct an accurate and scientific analysis of the groundwater situation so that the water crisis can be overcome through effective policymaking. He said that the Irrigation Department is the largest government agency working on water resources in the province with which he has been associated for 40 years. However, through this important project, the relationship will be further strengthened and the institution will be developed on modern scientific lines. However, Dr Mohsin Hafeez said that the process of geo-tagging of tube-wells has been started in Mansehra and Charsadda districts. This initiative is being carried out under the Water Resources Accountability Program, which is supported by the UK's Commonwealth Development Office and the CGIAR's Nexus Gains Initiative. Secretary Irrigation Department Muhammad Ayaz Khan said that the province is facing many challenges due to reducing water resources and increasing usage. The guidelines compiled by the International Water Management Institute are improving the irrigation system of the province. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Time of India
16-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Climate action initiative launched in Odisha
1 2 Kolkata: In a significant step towards building climate-resilient, inclusive, and low-emission development in Odisha, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management (ICAR-IIWM), recently launched the CGIAR Climate Action Program . The initiative was formally inaugurated by Anu Garg, additional chief secretary, department of water resources and development commissioner, Odisha. The event also witnessed the presence of Kamal Lochan Mishra, executive director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), and A K Nayak, deputy director general (natural resource management), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The launch event saw a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from state departments, academic and research institutions, development agencies, and civil society organisations. Discussions centred on strengthening climate risk management , promoting digital climate services, and fostering community-led adaptation and innovation. Recognised as one of India's most climate-vulnerable states, Odisha faces frequent extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods and droughts, which threaten agriculture, water security and rural livelihoods. The CGIAR Climate Action Program aims to support Odisha's climate response by delivering science-based, technology-driven solutions and facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration. Key focus areas include strategic foresight and early warning systems, development of low-emission food systems, climate finance mobilisation, and alignment with Odisha's state action plan on climate change. The initiative also envisions identification of priority geographies and sectors for early implementation, capacity-building initiatives involving govt, academia and civil society, establishment of an advisory group to steer implementation and scaling, and the creation of long-term partnerships and funding frameworks to ensure sustained impact.


Observer
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Observer
Prayers held for rain in wilayats
Muscat: The Istisqa prayer, a collective prayer where people gather to supplicate for rain, was performed during the weekend in different wilayats of Oman including Nizwa, Nakhal, Ibri and Dima W'attayeen. This prayer is also known as the drought prayer. On Saturday morning, men, women and children gathered outdoors for the prayer next to the Sa'al Dam in the Wilayat of Nizwa. Another prayer is scheduled to be held on April 25. Khalsa al Abry, from the Wilayat of Al Hamra, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, explained that this winter has not seen any rain. 'We depend on well water and not desalination. This is why rain is extremely important for us.' Not everyone has a well, so others have to rely on the water supply provided by the well owners. Oman is known for its irrigated agriculture, which has historically been a central feature of the nation's economy. According to a report by the UN Water, irrigation is a fundamental component of the country's agricultural activity, with over 80 per cent of cultivated land being irrigated using groundwater. This highlights the importance of rain. Rainfall must take into account the evaporation rate, rainwater runoff to the sea, and direct infiltration to groundwater. The International Water Management Institute reported that the northern parts of Oman receive the rainy season between December and April, which accounts for 58 to 83 per cent of the annual rainfall, with a focus on March and April.