26th ICID International Congress
For the European Irrigation Association (EIA), the Congress provided an opportunity to bring the European irrigation industry’s practical experience into the wider international debate on sustainable water management.
EIA President Moshi Berenstein also participated in a World Bank Group (WBG) panel on Farmer-Led Irrigation Development and Results-Based Financing, sharing the European industry’s perspective on the conditions needed to make irrigation investments effective and sustainable.
Irrigation goes beyond technology
A key message from EIA’s contribution was that irrigation, particularly for smallholder farmers, involves much more than the provision of equipment.
While technology is essential, the performance of irrigation systems also depends on sound design, appropriate skills, effective operation, local partnerships and access to finance. These elements are critical to ensuring that investments deliver lasting benefits for farmers and contribute to more resilient agricultural systems.
This applies across regions, whether in Europe, Africa or elsewhere. Irrigation solutions need to be adapted to local conditions and supported by the expertise and resources required for their successful implementation.
Financing and measuring results
The discussion also highlighted the role of public funding in creating the conditions for sustainable private investment. Financing mechanisms can help support the development and adoption of irrigation solutions, but their effectiveness must be assessed against tangible results.
As EIA emphasises, greater irrigation efficiency at field level does not automatically mean water savings at basin level. Assessing the wider impact of irrigation investments therefore requires careful consideration of water use and the context in which systems operate.
This distinction is important when developing results-based financing approaches and evaluating the contribution of irrigation projects to water resilience.
Bringing industry experience into the global debate
EIA’s participation in the ICID Congress and the World Bank Group panel reflects the Association’s commitment to contributing industry expertise to international discussions on irrigation, agricultural development and water management.
EIA thanks Bruno Grawitz, Celine Papin, the ICID and Eau, Agriculture et Territoires (formerly AFEID) teams for bringing the event to Marseille, as well as Pieter Waalewijn and the World Bank Group team for the invitation to participate in the panel discussion.
By connecting technical knowledge, practical experience and financing approaches, the irrigation sector can contribute to the development of solutions that strengthen agricultural resilience and support more sustainable water management.
