Thanks to participants and summary of the discussion
Dear Colleagues About 4 weeks ago, we opened the online discussion on the topic: How to develop hydro-agricultural resources in West Africa? within the Food Security and Nutrition Forum for West Africa (FSN West Africa). In a few days, 16 people have been able to participate and put their points of view and contribute to this question. On behalf of all the facilitators of this discussion, I would like to thank everyone for their valuable contributions, which, I am sure, will be taken into account by those responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies/strategies and development programs for small-scale irrigation and water management with the objective of achieving food security in West Africa. Furthermore, I would like to summarize the reactions to the different questions which we have posed on this subject. 1. Is the field of groundwater resources well understood? Where and how can relevant information be found? The opinions have been varied and quite often contradictory: some think that the field of groundwater resources is well known and that one has only to ask the relevant national services in order to get the information and data required. Others, on the other hand, believe with great conviction, that the level of detail in the studies available in the sub-region, both at national and sub-regional levels, does not provide the necessary information for efficient and effective planning and implementation of small-scale irrigation projects and programs. On this question, it is important to remember that realities are not the same in all countries. The countries concerned do not have the same size. If small countries like Gambia are easily able to do detailed hydrological studies of the whole country, this is not the case for Mali, for example. Major efforts invested in learning about groundwater resources are really necessary if the vision of massive exploitation of water for irrigation, without risks, is to be realized. 2. How can groundwater be extracted without appropriate technology and the necessary energy supply? Regarding this question, the impression is that those responsible are at loss. Despite the fact that there are many water mobilization systems, it is not evident that the appropriate technologies are employed on every occasion. Those which are adapted to the development of the water table are not suitable for deep underground water. The break down comes from the fact that it is not known in advance whether in such or such point water is available from deep underground or from groundwater. Besides knowing about the water resources, it is necessary on the one hand to work with research institutions so as to test and assess innovative technologies (solar pumping systems, for example) and, on the other hand, to take advantage of well-tried sound practices in this field and disseminate them among those who want them. 3. Which forms of infrastructure management will guarantee the viability and sustainability of irrigation projects by the improvement of the productivity of crops and water? Arising from this question, it appears that substantial progress can be achieved quickly if: · Directives and tools for planning and management of water are put in place, in particular by observing the principle of the integrated management of water resources; · The quality of the design of irrigation infrastructures is improved. · Regarding irrigated perimeters, farmers are more closely involved in water management while respecting the rules of good governance for water and land. 4. Is a call to action needed for the alignment and harmonization of different initiatives, taking into account national objectives and priorities, with a view to a common approach to implementation by those involved in the development of irrigation in the Sahel? Very few comments have been made regarding this question, even though it has tremendous importance. Is it that the discussion over the question should take place at a level other than the technical? In any case, to increase the surface area of small-scale irrigation and improve its efficiency, financing is needed for: · Groundwater sector knowledge studies; · Applied research studies on technologies for water mobilization; · First class engineering studies for irrigation infrastructures; · Work for the implementation of these infrastructures. It is obvious that the sub-regional mechanisms at the level of ECOWAS, CILSS, and WAEMU could be more effective at mobilizing the funds for these purposes than isolated actions at country level. A United Nations body like FAO could therefore provide support to these mechanisms using its competence in the technical field concerned and, in the mobilization of resources. Once again, thanks to all those who have contributed. I am sure that many of our colleagues were able to read and follow the discussion even though for lack of time they were not able to contribute directly. Until next time. Aliou Bamba FAO RAF, Accra Facilitator of the discussion |