1

Why the project matters

The Mediterranean region faces a severe water management crisis in agriculture, which consumes 70% of global freshwater withdrawals while being a major source of water pollution. Climate change is intensifying water scarcity across the Mediterranean basin, where over 180 million people already face water poverty. The MENA region is particularly vulnerable, housing 6.3% of the world’s population but accessing only 1.4% of renewable freshwater resources. Inefficient water management in agriculture leads to degraded water bodies, low productivity, pollution from runoff, and reduced farmers’ income, worsening living conditions. These shared challenges demand urgent, coordinated action across the region.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To increase the use of sustainable water management practices in Mediterranean agriculture.
• To promote efficient irrigation and water reuse through field-tested, eco-friendly solutions.
• To strengthen local capacities and foster public-private cooperation on water issues.

 

3

Expected change

• Improved access to sustainable irrigation and non-conventional water use
• Enhanced technical skills among farmers, trainers, and local stakeholders

 

4

What the project delivers

• 5 Transnational Joint Water Management Action Plans on water sustainability and irrigation with local stakeholders to identify sustainable irrigation solutions tailored to each target area.
• 6 Pilot Actions implemented to test innovative water saving solutions and non-conventional water (NWC) to scale up proven practices across 5 countries, directly involving 220 farmers.
• 5 Transnational capacity building programmes on Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and Non-Conventional Water (NCW), including exchange visits, training-of-trainers (ToT), and cascade trainings reaching 60 agricultural advisors and 280 additional farmers.
• Technical support and training for 500 farmers
• 5 Institutional roadmaps co-developed with national stakeholders outlining the steps for integrating project solutions and recommendations into policy.
• Policy recommendations and institutional roadmaps for water governance
• 5 Public-Private Alliances (PPAs) signed to support the scale-up of successful solutions, linking irrigation technology providers, financial institutions, and public authorities.

 

5

Who benefits

• 500 farmers benefiting from direct support to improve irrigation, reduce water use, and adapt to climate change through tested solutions and hands-on training.
• 60 extension agents and technical advisors – from agricultural institutions in Lebanon, Jordan, and Tunisia – receiving advanced training.
• 700 local stakeholders (local authorities, irrigation equipment providers, financial actors, vocational schools) engaged in co-creation, knowledge exchange, and policy dialogue.
• 1,288 farmers in target areas – indirectly benefiting from improved water management practices, better access to water, and increased income opportunities.
• 600 technicians and advisors in project countries gaining knowledge through replication and best practice transfer.
• National policymakers and institutions receiving roadmaps and policy guidance to enhance long-term water governance.
• Over 616,000 residents in the target areas benefiting from safer, more reliable water for agriculture and daily use.