i

Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI)

Annual Report, 2014

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Table of Contents Acronyms .......................................................................................................................... iii List of Figures: .................................................................................................................... v List of Tables: ..................................................................................................................... v Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... vi

I. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 7 II. Regional Activities .............................................................................................................. 8 III. Achievements at the Benchmark Sites ........................................................................... 12

Egypt ................................................................................................................................ 12 ......................................................................................................................................... 13 Iraq ................................................................................................................................... 16 Jordan ............................................................................................................................... 19 Lebanon ........................................................................................................................... 23 Palestine ........................................................................................................................... 25 Tunisia .............................................................................................................................. 27 Yemen .............................................................................................................................. 30

IV. Resource Mobilization .................................................................................................... 32 V. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 34

Appendix 1: Publications Completed and Under Development ......................................... I Appendix 2: WLI Benchmark Sites and Outscaling Areas .................................................. II Appendix 3: WLI Pilot Testing Areas at the Benchmark Sites ........................................... III Appendix 4: Simplified Version of the WLI Regional Logframe ........................................ IV Appendix 5: Simplified M&E Plan for Operational Use at Country Level, 2014 ................ V Appendix 6: Report on Selected FTF Indicators ................................................................ VI Appendix 7: Outline Plans for 2015 Approved by WLI Steering Committee .................. VIII Appendix 8: WLI Country Research Teams ....................................................................... XI Appendix 9: Members of the WLI Steering Committee .................................................. XIV

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Acronyms ARC Agricultural Research Center AUC American University in Cairo AUB American University of Beirut ARIJ Applied Research Institute of Jerusalem BCR Benefit /Cost Ratio BCM Billion Cubic Meters BFS Bureau for Food Security, USAID BU Benha University CPIC Commission of Planning and International Cooperation CBO Community Based Organization CGIAR Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research CRP CGIAR Research Programs FIG Farmer Interest Group FtF Feed the Future GCSAR General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GPS Geographic Positioning System GAP Good Agricultural Practices HSAD Harmonized Support for Agricultural Development HU Hebron University HVI Harvest Index IPM Integrated Pest Management IWLMP Integrated Water and Land Management IRR Internal Rate of Return IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute IWMI International Water Management Institute INP-AEZ Iraq National program for preparation of Acro-Ecology Zone Map JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency JD Jordanian Dinars JU University of Jordan Kg kilograms LRC Land Research Center LARI Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute LAI Leaf Area Index MEPI Middle East Partnership Initiative MCM Million Cubic Meters per year MoA Ministry of Agriculture MAAR Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Syria MEW Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW), Lebanon MoWR Ministry of Water Resources MI Ministry of Irrigation MEAS Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services M&E Monitoring and Evaluation NARC National Agricultural Research Center NARES National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems NCARE National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension NWRC National Water Resource Center NPV Net Present Value SC Steering Committee SLEEP Soil-Landscape Estimation and Evaluation Program SADS Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy, Egypt SLF Sustainable Livelihoods Framework

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SWAT Soil and Water Assessment Tool TAMU Texas A&M University USAID United States Agency for International Development USDA ARS United States’ Department for Agriculture Agricultural Research Service UCD University of California – Davis UF University of Florida UI-UC University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign WAS Water Accounting System WEAP Water Evaluation and Planning WLI Water and Livelihoods Initiative WLI SC Water and Livelihoods Initiative Steering Committee

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List of Figures: Figure 1: Similarity map showing irrigated, rangeland and rainfed feasibility for scaling Figure 2: ADOPT software to understand peak adoption of a technology Figure 3: Technology chosen by NARS partners for analyzing the willingness for community adoption Figure 4: Three Benchmark Sites in the Nile Delta Figure 5: Location of the studied areas Figure 6: Map of soil salinity in of El-Husseinia area before cultivation Figure 7: Map of soil salinity in of El-Husseinia area after cultivation Figure 8: Predicted soil salinity concentration in the field of farmer (1) on the 2nd day after planting (a) and on harvest day (b) Figure 9: Abu Ghraib benchmark site Figure 10: Microbiological suitability map for Rhizobium in benchmark site Figure 11: Location of Muhareb Watershed benchmark site Figure 12: Marab water accumulation and production Figure 13: Long term NDVI profiles of different agricultural practices Figure 14: Location of benchmark site Figure 15: Location of two benchmark sites in Palestine Figure 16: The average of total milk yielded in 150 days from the lactating sheep fed group Figure 17: Women learning non-conventional cheese making techniques Figure 18: Benchmark sites in Tunisia Figure 19: 2014 budget indicating about 64% of funding directly supporting NARES partners.

List of Tables: Table 1: National level trainings targeting NARS partners and farming communities Table 2: Analysis of on-farm income earned in the old lands benchmark site (Zankalon) Table 3: Analysis of on-farm income earned in the salt-affected benchmark site (El-Husseinia) Table 4: Analysis of on-farm income earned in the new lands benchmark site (El-Bustan) Table 5: Using the CBA to evaluate technologies introduced at the Abu Ghraib benchmark site Table 6: Three experimental marabs in Majidyya with barley yields. Table 7 : Forty dunam marab site with six different plantings Table 8: Cost-Benefit Analysis Table 9: Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of water harvesting techniques Table 10: Net Present Value (NPV) of water harvesting techniques Table 11: Crop yield increase when supplemental irrigation is used for spate irrigated sesame Table 12: Production cost for crops in Abyan Delta

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WLI COUNTRIES

Egypt Iraq

Jordan Lebanon Palestine

Syria Tunisia Yemen

Executive Summary Through the successful implementation of projects and the strength of its partners, the WLI continued to tackle the serious challenges resulting from water scarcity, land degradation, water quality deterioration, and food security this past year. The site-based initiative focuses on bringing international partners to the field, not just the conference room. This type of scientific cooperation ensures that a strong body of data and analysis from different disciplines is available to evaluate the effects of land and water management technologies and their suitability for scaling up to similar agro-ecosystems. The WLI highly promotes self-reliance by building on local knowledge and enhancing the capacity of national and regional implementing partners. Education and capacity building are a priority of the Initiative. Over 500 individuals from all eight partner countries participated in and benefit from workshops and/or trainings organized by the WLI.

Bringing technologies developed or promoted by the WLI to scale is a major focus of the Initiative. For example, an introduced technology may result in significant crop increases during the demonstration stage, but not reach its full potential when adopted by farmers. In 2014, three regional activities were developed by the WLI to understand physical, cultural, and economic barriers to adopting technologies. These three regional programs include similarity and technology suitability mapping, understanding the economics of natural resources management, and analyzing communities “willingness to adopt” technologies and are laying the ground work for broad scaling of WLI technologies. The various country teams have reported projects that demonstrate the strength of the WLI as a platform for regional research for development activities in rural communities at severe risk to climate change and water scarcity. For example, researchers in Egypt developed sophisticated maps to provide important information on the impact of farmer’s traditional practices on soil compaction and salinity. Modeling was also used in Jordan to evaluate the success of low-tech water harvesting techniques. Data collection remains an important focus of the WLI-Lebanon team despite their target community

being victim of periodic violence in 2014. Furthermore, supplementary irrigation techniques were successfully introduced by the WLI-Yemen team to increase sesame crop yields. WLI researchers continued to recognize the importance of socio-economic studies to support the adoption of new technologies. For example, the WLI-Iraq team used a cost benefit analysis (CBA) to evaluate the economic impact for the technologies introduced by the WLI in 2013 and 2014. The results showed that all introduced technologies increased the on-farm income, providing valuable information to help hesitant farmers adopt new technologies. In Palestine, researchers surveyed farmers to better understand their hesitation to adopt silage technology. Additionally, researchers in Tunisia used a sustainable livelihoods approach to assess patterns and drivers that impact livelihood conditions.

Over 500 people benefited from WLI

capacity building activities in 2014:

Egypt: Over 100

Iraq: 80 Jordan: 50

Lebanon: 96 Palestine: 30

Syria: 3 Tunisia: 86 Yemen: 4

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I. Introduction

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the Bureau of Food Security (BFS), and managed ICARDA, the WLI aims to improve the livelihoods of rural communities in eight countries. The Initiative primarily targets specific benchmark sites in each country. Research technologies and strategies developed in these benchmark sites are disseminated in the region by “scaling-out and scaling-up” the lessons learned and the results obtained at the benchmark sites. This report provides an overview of the work completed by the WLI in 2014. However, it should be noted that this is not a comprehensive explanation of all work completed by the WLI country teams. Further, due to sanctions and ongoing security concerns, the WLI did not work in Syria this past year, but the WLI-Syria team was able to join in two regional trainings. WLI contributes to two cross-cutting programs of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR): (1) CRP 1.1 on Dryland Systems and (2) CRP 5 on Water, Land and Ecosystems. In 2014, fifty percent of the WLI’s objectives and outputs were “mapped” to these system-wide activities to demonstrate the comprehensive investment of the CGIAR and donor partners from bilateral and restricted funding grants. In some cases, such as the Nile Delta and Southern Tunisia, there are geographical overlaps between CRP focus areas and WLI benchmark areas. In other cases, WLI research-for-development outputs are considered “international public goods.” This permits technologies or practices to be transferred to CRP target sites, resulting in WLI being mapped to this work. It is important to note that the WLI has a symbiotic relationship with the CRPs and benefits from complimentary programs implemented by both CRP 1.1 and 5. A steering committee meeting was hosted in November 2014 to offer experience and guidance to the WLI implementation team at ICARDA. The committee also approved the 2015 Work Plan after hearing a report on the projected budget for the year. Steering Committee members are listed in Appendix 9. This meeting was also an opportunity to share with stakeholders the level of combined activity from the year (see Section II). WLI has enjoyed various successes this year, but it has also faced challenges. One obstacle is the difficulty of maintaining the focus and energy of partners when the Initiative provides relatively low levels of funding. Funding levels are low because the money is stretched across so many institutions. The program has also experienced a decrease in participation from U.S. universities, many who have been with the Initiative since 2008, due to the lack of secured funding. This issue was explored in detail in the 2012 External Review, which linked the lack of secure funding to the fact that USAID does not prioritize agriculture in WLI countries. As a result, the WLI needs to consider rebranding. In an effort to diversity WLI’s donor base, USAID provided assistance in changing the WLI narrative from an “agricultural production program” to a “water-saving agriculture project.” These efforts were initiated through promotional materials and publications. The WLI focused a significant amount of energy on fundraising and developing strategic partnerships to increase funding. For example, the WLI partnered on with a current USAID-Amman grant recipient, Mercy Corps, to submit a proposal which would incorporate ICARDA technologies into Mercy Corps methodologies for development. The proposal outcompeted 484 other organizations to make it to the final round, but it was ultimately listed as an “unfunded finalist.” The WLI team continues to learn from these efforts with the goal is expanding our donor base and increasing support to on-going efforts.

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II. Regional Activities

This section is to outline specific activities that WLI partners have conducted in 2014. There were 28 activities carried out by the WLI focused on biophysical and socio-economic advancement of WLI goals. These activities directly benefited 518 participants with about 34% being female. The activities can be delineated into three general categories:

1) National level trainings and workshops 2) Local trainings and stakeholder meetings, and 3) Regional trainings.

Table 1: National level trainings targeting NARS partners and farming communities

Country Training Title Participants

Egypt Recycling of Farm Waste 30

Egypt The Integrated Management of Salt-Affected Soils 31

Egypt Operation, Evaluation and Maintenance of Irrigation and Drainage Systems 35

Egypt Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 10

Iraq Subsurface drip irrigation to grow vegetables under protected agriculture 16

Iraq Subsurface drip irrigation to grow vegetables under protected agriculture 18 Female only

Iraq Soil and water management in protected agriculture 16

Iraq Soil and water management in protected agriculture 6 Female

Jordan Increase role of Women in Income Generating Activities (152 hours total in multiple training sessions)

20 Female

Jordan Sustainable Grazing Management and Water Harvesting Techniques 30

Jordan Five separate socio-economic trainings on assessing the impact of water harvesting techniques

40

Lebanon Mushroom Cultivation 16 Female

Lebanon Conservation Agriculture methods and implementation 70

Lebanon PC Use and software applications 10

Palestine Hygienic techniques in cheese making 20 female

Palestine Water Harvesting theory and watershed design 10

Tunisia WLI Stakeholders Workshop 32

Tunisia Water Resources and Livelihoods in the Dry Areas: Considering Climate Uncertainty

50

Tunisia Six-month post-doc: Calibrating crop modeling systems under different irrigation methods at the ARS Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory

1

Tunisia Six-Month Post Doc: Soil water measurements, plant physiological mapping and biomass measurements, evapotranspiration measurements by weighing lysimeters, surface temperature measurements by infrared thermometers, deployment of field sensors, processing of soil water and evapotranspiration data, and soil water balance calculation at the ARS Soil and Conservation Lab in Bushland, Texas

1 female

Tunisia Six-month post doc: Utilization of CropSyst for downscaling of climate scenarios in Tunisia hosted by ARS-Sustainable vegetable and potato production lab in Prosser, Washington.

1

One of the main comparative advantages for ICARDA to implement the WLI program is our ability to implement regional programs extracting the best practices from one national project and transferring them to another. ICARDA is able to accomplish this due to our focus on Intentional Public Good research as well as the physical presence within all of the WLI countries with the

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exception of Yemen. For this reason the WLI has focused much of its regional effort in 2014 on developing strategies for scaling. Tools that the WLI has embraced work to guide policy makers, development institutions and investors to the locations and technologies where adoption of a technology will be feasible. The WLI is gathering information for scaling giving careful consideration of physical, cultural and economic feasibility. In 2014 the following regional activities were implemented: Activity 1: Planning Tools for Agricultural Production Systems This activity hosted a regional training for Aquacrop utilization in Cairo, Egypt in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). There were 26 participants from all WLI countries at this event. The major output of this activity in 2014 was the research and manuscript submitted for Similarity and Technology Suitability Mapping. By collecting physical attributes of the rangeland, rainfed and irrigated agroecosystems and extrapolating these criteria across the region we are able to understand physical feasibility for scaling a specific technology. By inserting physical attributes for the irrigated benchmark site in the Nile Delta and using a GIS with regional data you can roughly understand where the raised bed machine and package would be feasible. Where available, national data was incorporated into the GIS to give the maps finer resolution.

Figure 1: Similarity map showing irrigated, rangeland and rainfed feasibility for scaling

Activity 2: Regional Training Workshop on Cost Benefit Analysis - Thematic Group: Economics of Natural Resources Management, June 24-25, 2014, Amman http://www.icarda.org/wli/news_the_economics_of_natural_resource_management.html The workshop included targeted presentations to familiarize participants with important concepts such as ways to calculate the cost benefit measures (Net Present Value, cost benefit analysis ratio, Internal Rate of Return). Hands-on activities where participants applied models to their respective research projects quantified whether a technology would be profitable, and if so, how long it would take to see peak adoption. The workshop, organized in Collaboration with The National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE) in Jordan, included targeted presentations to familiarize participants with important concepts such as ways to calculate the cost benefit measures (Net Present Value, cost benefit analysis ratio, Internal Rate of Return). Hands-on activities where participants applied models to their respective research projects quantified whether a technology would be profitable, and if so, how long it would take to see peak adoption. This activity was complementing by a training of 14 participants on the ADOPT software, which was developed by ICARDA partners at CSIRO in Australia to explore and inform how farmers might take up agricultural innovations. Each NARS partner selected a single WLI technology that was being

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tested in benchmark sites in their respective countries. Each country was represented by a socio-economic and a biophysical expert so that we may understand cross cutting challenges to adoption. The ADOPT software is a survey of 23 detailed questions to understand exactly where the chalanges to adoption might be in economic terms. The output of the software is a bell curve illustrating the percentage of eventual adopters of a technology and also the amount of time it will take to reach peak adoption.

Figure 2: ADOPT software to understand peak adoption of a technology

Activity 3: Catalyzing Change through the Impact Pathway and Theories of Change - WLI Socio-Economic Thematic Group, April 15 – 17, 2014, Amman http://www.icarda.org/wli/news_WLI-Socio-Economic-Thematic-Group.html The Water and Livelihood Initiative (WLI) under the Regional Socio-Economic Thematic Group organized the workshop in order to establish a clear strategy for impact by creating a forum that brings socio-economic and bio-physical scientists together to identify common goals and strategize ways to achieve them. The workshop included targeted presentations to familiarize participants with important concepts but mostly involved hands-on activities where partnering National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES) were given the opportunity to apply it to their respective research projects. Discussions revolved around setting a common vision, establishing clear pathway to translate outputs to outcomes and outcomes to impacts through a comprehensive theory of change. Practical exercises were tackled by developing a solution tree, constructing impact pathways, identifying current network of partners and potential partnerships that need to be forged or fostered, and selecting appropriate indicators to gauge levels of success. This activity seeks to understand the impact pathways and theories of change of WLI interventions by analyzing community’s willingness to adopt a specific technology. This activity was initiated by a 15 person training again including socio economic and biophysical representatives from WLI partner countries. The training focused on a methodology to examine the barriers to adopt a technology. Surveys were developed to be given to researchers, extortionists and farmers to capture data on these barriers. Later in 2014 the surveys were started, which revealed several barriers such as the lack of access to credit, training needs, need for inputs, land tenure disputes etc. These data are now being analyzed with the goal of providing guidance in the form of a scientific paper in 2015.

Predicts the likely peak of adoption and the likely time to reach that peak; Encourages users to consider the influence of a structured set of factors affecting adoption; Engages R,D & E managers by involving them in the process and making adoptability knowledge and considerations readily available and understandable.

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Countries Technologies

Egypt Raised bed

Iraq Sub-surface irrigation

Jordan Marrab

Lebanon Conservation Ag.

Palestine Silage production

Tunisia Deficit irrigation for citrus production

Figure 3: Technology chosen by NARS partners for analyzing the willingness for community adoption

WLI 6th Annual Regional Coordination Meeting, Nov 11-12, 2014, Amman http://www.icarda.org/wli/news_6th_Annual_Regional_Coordination_Meeting.html The meeting served as an excellent platform for Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI)'s partners to report on progress made towards achieving goals to improve rural economic development in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen. Participants at the policy level, national research institutions, universities, NGO's and community leaders worked together to identify strategic ways to improve livelihoods through saving water by increasing productivity in agriculture.

Student Exchange Program Elly Czajkowski, an Undergraduate student intern from Princeton University in the USA spent two

months in Amman working with the regional survey that WLI is conducting and implemented the

questioner in Tunisia. For that purpose, she spent 5 days in Nabeul Governorate, Tunisia

accompanied by WLI communication specialist to assess Farmers’ Willingness to Adopt the

Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) technology for citrus production. The study aims at improving

livelihoods of farmers through better management of land and scarce water resources by improving

dissemination approaches that promote RDI water management technologies. During these 5 days,

Elly worked extensively with farmers, water associations, and WLI national partners to assess

farmers and water associations’ perceptions of water scarcity, drought and RDI, to identify potential

opportunities for RDI adoption and to make recommendations for appropriate dissemination

strategy that includes existing extension systems, water associations and ‘Groupement de

Developpement Agricole (GDAs)’.

Assess farmers’ perceptions of, and exposure to, the technology

Assess researchers’ perceptions of technology development and existing dissemination strategy

Assess extension agents’ perspective on existing technology dissemination strategies

Identify potential challenges and opportunities for adoption by farmers including gender-based constraints

Initiate dialogue between extension agents and researchers for good practices that can accelerate adoption rates

Develop new and effective technology dissemination strategies with regional applicability.

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New land benchmark site – El Bustan

Salt-affected benchmark site – South El-Husainia

Old land benchmark site -Zankalon

Figure 5: Location of the studied areas

III. Achievements at the Benchmark Sites

Egypt Introduction Activities in Egypt are focused on three benchmark sites located in the old lands (Zankalon), salt-affected lands (South El-Husseinia), and new lands (El-Bustan) of the Nile Delta. 1. Biophysical Component The following example – a project focusing on the impact of traditional agricultural practices on soil compaction and soil salinity – illustrates the important biophysical work being accomplished by the WLI-Egypt team. Methodology Thirty-one farmers (15 from the salt-affected site and 16 from the old land site) were selected to take part in the study. Soil samples from two depths (0-30 and 30-60 cm) were collected before and after the 2014 summer season to determine the soil’s physical and chemical properties. Soil compaction was tested using the cone penetrometer technique. The water table depth and saturated hydraulic conductivity was also measured at each site. Researchers used this information to produce a geo-referenced database of the soil’s main physical and

chemical properties. Thematic maps of soil salinity and compaction were also produced using geographic information system and remote sensing technology. Additionally, farmers were surveyed and the data obtained was used to study the impact of farmer’s practices using the SALTMED model.

Figure 4: Three Benchmark Sites in the Nile Delta

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Results The development of thematic maps – such as those included in Figures 4 and 5 – provided researchers with important information about the impact of the farmer’s traditional practices.

Based on the thematic maps, researchers concluded that in the El-Husseinia area, saline levels in soils classified as “normal” and “moderate” decreased after harvesting. In contrast, salinity levels of soils classified as “high” and “very high” increased after harvesting. The soils of the El-Husseinia area are considered non-compacted because all the soil intensity values were less than 200. In the Zankalon area, traditional agricultural practices resulted into an overall decrease in soil salinity areas after harvesting. In the Zankalon area, Large areas of sodic soils in the Zankalon area were transformed into non-sodic soils after harvesting as a result of local agricultural practices. The WLI-Egypt team also used the SALTMED method to model soil salinity build-up in the El-Husseinia area (Figure 6). This resulted in the conclusion that the farmer’s practices in cultivating rice could negatively impact salinity accumulation in the soil.

Figure 7: Map of soil salinity in of El-Husseinia area after cultivation

Figure 6: Map of soil salinity in of El-Husseinia area before cultivation

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(a) (b)

Figure 8: Predicted soil salinity concentration in the field of farmer (1) on the 2nd day after planting (a) and on harvest day (b)

2. Socioeconomic Component Egypt’s agriculture sector is dominated by small and fragmented land holdings that often produce insufficient incomes. As a result, farmers attempt to find alternative sources of income to improve their livelihoods. An example of the 2014 socio-economic work of the WLI-Egypt time is an analysis conducted to identify sources of on-farm income. Methodology The analysis was conducted in all three benchmark sites to identify: (1) prevailing cropping patterns; (2) farm activities and practices; (3) sources of farm and non-farm incomes; (4) cost for plant and animal production; (5) farm and non-farm income from different sources; (6) input-outputs of crop residues for conservation agriculture; and (7) constraints that negatively impact the stability of farm incomes. Both descriptive and quantitative analysis methods were used to collect primary data, but the main source of data was personal interview with farmers. Complete and partial farm budgets were reviewed by researchers and crop and livestock budgets were computed. Results A total of 151 farmers were interviewed by researchers. The information was used to also identify constraints to production, including water availability, quality of soil, high interest rates with bank loans, lack of marketing channels, and resources for non-farm income. Table 2: Analysis of on-farm income earned in the old lands benchmark site (Zankalon)

Crop/Livestock Production Income Earned (USD)

Wheat $2800/ha

Long Clover $2402/ha

Rice $1596/ha

Maize $1130.3/ha

Milk production from dairy cows $1563.2/head

Milk production from dairy buffalo $2493.7/head

Table 3: Analysis of on-farm income earned in the salt-affected benchmark site (El-Husseinia)

Crop/Livestock Production Income Earned (USD)

Wheat $1991.7/ha

Clover $1613.14/ha

Rice $1519/ha

Sugar Beet $2551.14/ha

Cotton $2245.6/ha

Native cattle – market value $2031/head

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Native cattle – cull $1000/head

Buffalo – market value $1893/head

Buffalo – cull $1178.6/head

Table 4: Analysis of on-farm income earned in the new lands benchmark site (El-Bustan)

Crop Income Earned (USD)

Wheat $2285/ha

Maize $1227/ha

Dry beans $3210.7/ha

Clover $1730/ha

Peanuts $2083.6/ha

2. Education and Capacity Development Over 100 participants benefited from capacity development opportunities conducted by the WLI-Egypt. “Recycling of Farm Waste” was a five-day training held in June 2014. Approximately 30 researcher, agronomist, graduate students, farmers, and agricultural extension workers attended the course. Lectures and discussions were followed with a one day practical training. Approximately 31 participants attended another 5-day training entitled “The Integrated Management of Salt-Affected Soils” in June 2014. The course consisted of nine lectures and an open discussion. The third training course, “Operation, Evaluation and Maintenance of Irrigation and Drainage Systems,” was held from 31 August to 4 September. About 35 participants, including young researchers and agricultural extension engineers, attended the training. The final training was held in September. The three-day training was attended by 10 researchers and focused on the application of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS program).

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Figure 10: Microbiological suitability map for Rhizobium in benchmark site

Figure 9: Abu Ghraib benchmark site

Iraq Introduction

The Abu Ghraib benchmark site is located 20 kilometers west of Baghdad in the Mesopotamian plain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The overall goal of the benchmark site is to develop and test sustainable water, land use, and livelihoods practices. The team also focuses on scaling-up strategies. 1. Biophysical Component The Abu Ghraib benchmark site is dependent on irrigation. A decrease in the flow rate from the main irrigation canal over the past three years indicates a persistent water shortage. Additionally, violence periodically results in the flow of irrigation water being completely cut off. As a result, improving water productivity has been the focus of the various activities conducted by the WLI-Iraq team. Activity 1: Developing land suitability maps for some crops using GIS and remote sensing The activity evaluated land suitability, related to water requirements, for growing barely, wheat, corn and clover in Abu Ghraib. Historical soil data was used along with Landstat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM +) with information acquired in 2012. The results indicated that the limiting land factor for crop production was salinity, alkalinity, soil texture, and gypsum content. The dominate land suitability classes are S2 for all the selected crops, with some S1 for barely growing and S3 for corn growing. Researchers also concluded that the amount of irrigated water available from the Euphrates River is not sufficient to meet all crop requirements. Activity 2: Developing digital suitability soil microbiological maps Soil samples from two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) were taken from the benchmark site for microbiological analysis with the goal to reduce the mineral fertilizers applied and increase the income of farmers. The maps revealed that many factors impact the biological activity in the soil, such as environmental conditions and the competition between soil microorganisms. The variation in the number of bacteria present and the fertilizers required varied greatly throughout the benchmark site. Activity 3: Improve water productivity by using an Agralic screen with surface and subsurface drip irrigation Two greenhouses were used in the study, one was covered by a white Agralic screen and the other was not. The greenhouses were divided into two equal parts, each using one of the irrigation methods. Cucumber yields cultivated under the Agralic screen with subsurface drip irrigation and surface drip irrigation resulted in greater fruit yields (12.04 kg/m2 and 11.46 kg/m2, respectively) than yields without using the screen (7.98 kg/m2 and 8.12 kg/m2, respectively).

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Activity 4: Determining suitable maize seeds sowing depth Three different depths – 5, 10 and 15 cm – were tested to evaluate whether using the available moisture in deeper soil would result in higher yields while improving water productivity. At each depth, the seeds were irrigated at three different time intervals – 5, 10 and 15 days. The volume of irrigation water applied was 14400, 7200, and 4800 m3/ha for irrigation intervals of 5, 10, and 15 days, respectively. There was no significant difference between the treatments for sowing depth (5, 10, and 15 cm), regardless of the irrigation intervals applied. There was a significant difference between treatment irrigation intervals (5, 10, and 15 days), with 5 days resulting in the highest yield. However, the use of a short irrigation interval is not practical due to the scarcity of water in the region. Therefore, researchers determined that the best sowing depth is 10 cm with a 10 day irrigation interval. Activity 5: Improving cucumber yields by using green shading nets to reduce summer sunlight A field at the benchmark site was divided into two plots, with one plot covered with shading nets (70% shade). A field trial was conducted on farmer’s fields using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The shaded plot was harvested six times while the plots without shade were harvested only four times due to the heat stress. The highest yield obtained in the shaded plots was 15.49 t/ha. In comparison, the highest yield resulting from plots without shade was 7.66 t/ha. Water productivity was also higher in shaded plots. Activity 6: Using clean salts as a soil amendment for maize production irrigated by saline water Field trials were conducted in a farmer’s field using a randomized complete block design with three

replications. The use of a salt clean has led to minimize the effect of saline water used on the yield. It is found that there is a significant difference between the treatments of salt clean applied and that without in the term of yield. The crops treated with salt clean had a higher yield than those without. Water productivity was also impacted. Crops treated with salt clean had a water productivity of 0.779 kg/m3 compared to 0.541 kg/m3 for crops without salt clean. The results also showed that the use of the salt clean amendment led to reduced soil salinity. Activity 7: Estimating the best plant intensity for maize crop when irrigated by saline water Three distances between plants were used, 15, 20, and 30 cm, which represented 88888, 66666 and 45454 plants per ha, respectively. The treatments had 12 saline water irrigations with ECiw of 4.5 dS/m alternating with 800 m3/ha of fresh water. When plant density was increased (15 cm) there was an increased yield compared to the traditional sowing distance of 25-30 cm. Increased plant density helps maintain higher soil water content by reducing evaporation, which diminishes the impact of saline irrigation. 2. Socioeconomic Component The WLI-Iraq team used cost benefit analysis (CBA) techniques to evaluate the economic impact for all technologies introduced to farmers at the benchmark site in 2013 and 2014. The results showed that all introduced technologies increased the on-farm income.

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Table 5: Using the CBA to evaluate technologies introduced at the Abu Ghraib benchmark site

The WLI-Iraq team also used “The Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool” (ADOPT) to predict the adoption level of introduced technologies to farmers. The predicted adoption level in five years was 94.5 percent and in 10 years 95 percent. 3. Education and Capacity Development A total of 80 participants (56 men and 24 women) benefited from capacity building and training activities conducted by the WLI-Iraq. Sixteen male farmers participated in a field day held at the benchmark site in December 2013 on the use of subsurface drip irrigation to grow vegetables under protected agriculture. A couple of months later, 18 females gathered at the benchmark site for the same training session. Two different training courses were also held on soil and water management in protected agriculture.

Technology % change in Total Cost

(TC)

% change in Net Return

(NR)

Internal Rate of Return ( IRR)

Use of Subsurface Drip Irrigation technology in protected agriculture

11.40 33.70 2.97

Use of Subsurface Drip Irrigation technology in production of cauliflower in open field

25.30 20.00 0.79

Effect the application of amino acid and organic extract on cucumber yield of in protected agriculture

2.00 46.00 20.70

The effect of application of amino acid and organic extract on productivity of Berseem

12.80 34.50 2.68

The effect of deficit irrigation technology on Maize yield 0.30 10.50 33.80

Use of white Agralic nets with Subsurface Drip Irrigation technology in enhancing cucumber yield in protected agriculture

3.00 64.60 19.51

Use of white Agralic nets with Surface Drip Irrigation technology in enhancing cucumber yield in protected agriculture

3.00 52.40 15.80

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Figure 11: Location of Muhareb Watershed benchmark site

Figure 12: Marab water accumulation and production

Jordan Introduction The Majidyya and Muhareb Watershed benchmark sites are located within the Eastern Jordanian badia that extends from the highlands of northeastern Jordan to Saudi Arabian border. The benchmark site suffers from severely degraded land due to low rainfall, water shortages, overgrazing, and harmful agricultural techniques. 1. Biophysical Component The overall goal of the WLI-Jordan team is to improve livelihoods through the implementation of water harvesting techniques and rangeland management/rehabilitation in pilot areas. Activity 1: Evaluating the implications of water harvesting interventions Two sites were selected to measure sediment loss by installing a geotextile silt trap at the outlet of each sub-watershed. One site contained continuous contour ridges as water harvesting measures and was planted with Atriplexhalimus shrubs; the other site was left as a control. Two other sites were selected to measure runoff and erosion using flow meters and ISCO automatic water samplers. One of the sub-watersheds was treated using a Vallerani plow to form intermittent pits and was planted with Salsolavermiculata shrubs; the other site was left as a control. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to estimate sediment loss and runoff. Researchers concluded that the SWAT allows reliable predictions of the impact of water harvesting interventions. Activity 2: Maintenance of demonstration sites for water harvesting techniques to increase the productivity of Marabs

Marabs are natural formations found in the badia where water spreads over a relatively wide stream bed resulting in productive soil for agriculture. The WLI-Jordan team constructed three marabs and applied water spreading to improve the productivity of the land; regular maintenance and planting was carried out. Compared to local farms, the marab sites were more productive and better endured dry spells.

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In Majidyya there were three marab sites planted exclusively with barley which realized the good yields even with conservative seeding rates (8kg/dunam). Table 6: Three experimental marabs in Majidyya with barley yields.

Crop type barley height Biological wt

(Kg/dun) Seed wt (Kg/ dun)

Nabawy 45 396 100

Mu’ta 75 398 150

Othroh 63 430 132

In Mhareb the WLI implemented one marab of 40 dunams with six different plots in 2014, which was the first time the technology was used for crops other than shrubs and barley. Table 7: Forty dunam marab site with six different plantings

Seed weight Kg/dunum

Biological weight

Kg/dunum

Plant height

cm

Date of maturit

y

Date of heading

Date of germination

Date of planting

Crop type *

40 140 65 18/5 4/10 10/12 30/10 Nabawy barley 1

105 300 70 18/5 4/10 10/12 30/10 Mu’ta barley 2

grazing grazing 10 grazing ---- 10/12 30/10 Vetch 3

65 205 50 14/5 4/5 10/12 30/10 Othroh barley 4

56 210 67 14/5 7/4 10/12 30/10 Vetch and barley 5

60 150 70 14/5 10/5 10/12 30/10 Mixed barley 6

Activity 3: Evaluating new drought tolerant plants In order to help rehabilitate degraded rangelands, new drought tolerant plants were introduced at two locations within the benchmark site. At the Majidyya location, an area of 50 dunums (du) was planted with 3000 Atriplexhalimus and Salsolavermiculata shrubs. The survival rate for the fodder shrubs was 80 percent. At the Sabha-Mafraq location, an area of 60 du was planted with 3000 Atriplexhalimus as fodder shrub and the survival rate was 95 percent. Activity 4: Evaluating drought intensity and the impact of water harvesting interventions Researchers developed Normalized Deviation Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps of different seasons to compare vegetation growth. Within these maps, intervention areas and marabs were located. Long-term NDVI profiles were extracted using MODIS data from 2000-2014. NDVI profiles of land with water harvesting interventions compared to control areas were developed. Researchers did not find a difference between NDVI for land with water harvesting interventions and control areas. This could be attributed to the low image resolution and the area’s sparse vegetation; further analysis is recommended.

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Figure 13: Long term NDVI profiles of different agricultural practices

2.

Socioeconomic Component WLI-Jordan team conducted a CBA for barley grown in the benchmark site using introduced water harvesting techniques compared to barely grown by farmers with traditional practices. The results show that barely cultivation under traditional practices is not feasible due to low returns. However, water harvesting techniques increased the net returns making barley cultivation much more practical. Table 8: Cost-Benefit Analysis

CBA of Planting Barely in the Jordan Badia Without technology

With technology

Inputs Quantity Unit Price

Total Inputs Quantity Unit Price

Total

Seeding rate 6 0.35 2.1 Seeding rate 8 0.35 2.8

Seeder(manual) 1 0.5 0.5 Seeder(manual) 1 0.5 0.5

Tillage 1 1.25 1.25 Tillage 1 0.71 0.71

Fertilizer 0 0 0 Fertilizer 0

Pesticides 0 0 0 Pesticides 0

labor labor

Fuel(Lu/Du) 0 Fuel(Lu/Du) 9 0.7 6.3

Machinery(Vallerani) Machinery(Vallerani) 0

Harvesting 1 10 10 Harvesting 1 10 10

Miscellaneous 1.385 Miscellaneous 2.031

Total cost(JD/du) 15.235 Total cost(JD/du) 22.341

Revenue (JD/du) Revenue (JD/du) Main product(grain) 25 0.3 7.5 Main product(grain) 195 0.3 58.5

Secondary product(straw)

50 0.23 11.5 Secondary product(straw)

80 0.23 18.4

Total revenue(JD/du) 19 Total revenue(JD/du) 76.9 Indicators Indicators

Net returns 3.765

% change in NR 1349% 54.559

% change in TC 47%

Benefit-cost Ratio(B/C) 1.25 3.44

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The ADOPT tool was used by researchers to estimate the adoption rate for water harvesting technologies in the Jordan badia to be 93 percent after 12.4 years. 3. Education and Capacity Development

"Peer to Peer Training to Promote Participation and Prosperity", June 15, 2014, Amman http://www.icarda.org/wli/news_supports_CBOs_participation_in%20MEPI_Project.html Under the Patronage of NCARE Director General; Dr. Fawzi Al-Sheyab , and with the support of The Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI), managed by The International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), The National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE) in Jordan hosted a graduation ceremony celebrating 20 females from three different national Community Based Organizations (CBOs) who completed the "Peer to Peer Training to Promote Participation and Prosperity Project", one of The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Projects. The project aimed at raising local communities' awareness on women's role in income generating activities for poverty reduction and development. Thirty participants (15 farmers and 15 NCARE/ICARDA staff) attended a field day focusing on sustainable grazing management and water harvesting techniques. WLI researchers participated in five different trainings to enhance their qualifications, skills and capacities to assess the impact of water harvesting techniques.

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Figure 14: Location of benchmark site

Lebanon Introduction The El-Qaa benchmark site is located in the Northern Beka’aa Valley, an area that is predominately dependent on agriculture. 1. Biophysical Component Agriculture in Lebanon is facing serious challenges due to deficits in groundwater, unsustainable water and land practices, poor extension services, and increasing costs of production. Data collection is important in Lebanon, and the WLI has been measuring the main water sources in Northen Bek’aa to better understand the quantity of water available. The SWAT was also used by researchers to model the Orontes River Watershed. The WLI team also conducted on-farm demonstration to introduce improved drought-resistance varieties of wheat, barley, and chickpeas in El-Qaa. Drought tolerant grape varieties were introduced through another activity to increase yields and decrease the cost of production for local growers. Below are examples of additional activities conducted by the WLI-Lebanon team to improve water productivity and encourage sustainable land practices. Activity 1: Conservation Agriculture Intensive tillage and lack of soil cover is resulting in high evaporation rates, low levels of organic matter in the soil, destruction of the soil structure, a decrease of infiltration, and diminished water storage capacity. The WLI-Lebanon team is currently introducing conservation agriculture techniques to help mitigate these problems. Statistical analysis has demonstrated that the use of conservation agriculture will not result in a significant difference of grain and straw yield compared to conventional agriculture practices. Activity 2: Evaluating the sanitary status of apple cultivation in the El-Qaa region The WLI collaborated with Lebanon’s Department of Plant Protection, Tal Amara to assess the incidence and distribution of apple viral diseases in the different growing areas of El-Qaa. Observations of other major fungal, bacterial pathogens, pests, or traditional abiotic problems also occurred. As a result of this study, researchers obtain a comprehensive picture of the virological conditions of apple orchards in the El-Qaa region, including major disease and insect problems that were resulting in serious economic losses. Activity 3: Cultivation of early, late and industrial Apricot varieties Apricot cultivation in Lebanon suffers from a very short maturity season and the absence of industrial varieties. Five improved varieties, which were imported from Italy, were planted in Machariaa El-Qaa. Yields were compared with Ajami, the main cultivated variety in the area. Notable differences were observed between all five varieties, including the extension of the maturity period, which increases the earning potential for Lebanese farmers.

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2. Socioeconomic Component Researchers conducted a CBA for wheat production cultivated using conservation agriculture technology and without technology. Using conservation agriculture results in an all-around cost of $215 compared to $226 with conventional methods. Total revenue using conservation technology is $480 compared to $433 without. The ADOPT tool was used by researchers to estimate the adoption rate conservation agriculture 87 percent after 22.1 years. The predicted adoption level in five years is 19.1 percent and in 10 years it is 62.9 percent. 3. Education and Capacity Development Women in El Qaa participated in a mushroom cultivation workshop. The goal of the workshop was to instruct the women on how to grow mushrooms in their own home with minimal equipment and cost, supplementing the farm income. In 2014, 16 women from the region participated in a multi week community level training. In addition 70 farmers from the Bekaa Valley were trained in conservation agriculture methodologies and implementation in 2014. Ten women from El Qaa were trained in PC use and software applications to pursue off farm entrepreneurial activities.

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Figure 15: Location of two benchmark sites in Palestine

Palestine Introduction Activities focus on two benchmark sites in Palestine: Tammun and Hebron. Located in the eastern slope, 25.1 percent of Tammun is used for rainfed and irrigated agriculture and 74.9 percent is rangeland. Hebron is located south west of the Central High Lands. Rangeland makes up 51.6 percent of the area and 44 percent is used for rainfed agriculture. 1. Biophysical Component Several activities were implemented in the two benchmark sites related to water harvesting, rangeland plant inventory, GIS, and more. One of the team’s projects involved studying the impact of introducing feeding silage on sheep milk quantity and quality. This activity provides an example of the work conducted in Palestine to improve the livelihoods of rural households and communities. Methodology The project began with four field days designed to provide the thirty participating farmers with both theoretical and practical information about the importance, methods, and feeding of silage. Silage was made from crop residues, date leaves, and corn crop residues by using both the barrel and trench method. Twenty-one lactating ewes were divided into three feed groups: (1) control; (2) 50 percent wheat hay and 50 percent silage; and (3) 100 percent silage. Results

Figure 16: The average of total milk yielded in 150 days from the lactating sheep fed group

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Figure 17: Women learning non-conventional cheese making techniques

Milk samples were analyzed and the results showed that feeding on silage increased production by 14 percent. The cost of feed was lowered by 10.6 - 21.3 percent. In the end, researchers recommended that farmers replace roughage with silage by 50 percent. 2. Socioeconomic Component Regardless of the favorable results of incorporating silage technology, adoption has been very poor in Palestine. Researchers recruited fifty farmers (30 men, 20 women) and 10 extension officers to participate in a survey testing the knowledge, acceptance, and readiness to adopt silage technology. It was discovered that one of the main reasons for non-adoption is that farmers believe the benefits did not equal the time and effort required. Additionally, in some areas where rainfall never exceeds 300 mm there is no surplus fodder for ensiling. Both men and women commented that the process was time-consuming. Furthermore, the majority of women surveyed stated that their animals took time to adapt and some refused to eat the silage. Researchers also conducted a CBA of applying silage technology when feeding 200 sheep. They discovered that when silage technology is applied, the net profit increased $119 per day. As a result, $214.20 per head of sheep is saved each year if silage technology is used. 3. Education and Capacity Development

The WLI-Palestine team conducted a workshop on 15 May for 20 women in Nassarya. The participants were introduced to new hygienic techniques in cheese-making. Non-conventional cheeses were also introduced. Also in May, ICARDA hosted training on water harvesting theory and implementation. Ten participants attended the workshop, included engineers and water/soil specialists. Additionally, three WLI-Palestine team members participated in training courses in Amman related to CBA and the Impact Pathway and Theories of Change.

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3

2

1

Figure 18: Benchmark sites in Tunisia

Tunisia Introduction Activities occur in three different benchmark sites in Tunisia: (1) Oum Zessar Watershed, Medenine Governorate; (2) Zoghmar, Hadjeb-Jelma Watershed, Sidi Bouzid Government; and (3) Beni Khaled, Nabeul Governorate. 1. Biophysical Component Tunisia is confronted with acute water scarcity, making the need to improve water management and agriculture production systems of the utmost importance. The collection of data resulted in the following conclusions for the WLI-Tunisia team: Well irrigation scheduling can improve crop

production and water productivity while reducing the risks of soil salinization.

Deficit and scheduled irrigation improves water productivity.

Conservation agriculture has improved the water use efficiency of barley and durum wheat under rainfed conditions compared to conventional agriculture.

The water use efficiency of barley with cactus as alleys (alley cropping) was improved compared to barley in pure stand.

Agricultural modeling equips researchers with information to prepare for future challenges. For example, this past year, the WLI-Tunisia team calibrated SWAT models to study watersheds. This information will be used to analyze the hydrological balance under future climate change scenarios. The WLI-Tunisia team also used the DSSAT model to predict the growth duration, average growth rates, and the amount of assimilate partitioned to the economic yield components of hard wheat and barley. Building on this information, downscaled climate projections of HadGEM2-ES (short and long term period) were used to predict the projected impact of climate change on cereal productivity in Zoghmar. The predicted barley yield given by the DSSAT model showed an increase in yield compared to the baseline for the immediate and medium-term future. However, a 24 percent decrease was observed in the long-term future (2080-2099) due to a decrease of projected participation (-18 percent). Additionally, researchers tested the Aquacrop model, which is considered one of the promising models that can be used as a planning tool or to assist management decisions for both irrigated and rainfed agriculture. The Aquacrop model was calibrated for barley and potato crops; the results showed that the simulated soil water content, canopy cover, biomass, and yield were all in solid agreement with the measured data. Therefore, calibrated and validated Aquacrop models for barley and potato will be used by the WLI-Tunisia team to simulate different yields under change climate scenarios. 2. Socioeconomic Component

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The WLI-Tunisia team conducted a technical socio-economic assessment of rural people in the Oum Zessar watershed. A total of 139 households were surveyed in the up-stream, mid-stream, and down-stream locations of the watershed, with an additional 104 surveys conducted. Researchers used a sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA) to assess patterns and drivers that impact livelihood conditions. The livelihood framework is based on five capital assets: social, human, physical, natural, and financial. Researchers concluded that social capital dominated in the three locations, followed by physical capital. Financial capital was not strongly represented. Projections indicated that physical, human, and social capital will improve during the period of 2013-2030, but there will be only incremental change in financial capital. Natural capital is projected to slowly decline due to agricultural intensification and poor land management. Researchers conducted a CBA in the Beni Khedache site within the Oum Zessar watershed. The following results were obtained: Table 9: Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of water harvesting techniques

Analysis

IRR %

Observed Costs + 10 % Profits - 20 %

Financial CBA 24% 27% 21%

Economic CBA 27% 29% 23%

Extended CBA 23% 27% 20%

Table 10: Net Present Value (NPV) of water harvesting techniques

Analysis

NPV (DT)

12% 10% 8% Costs + 10 % Profits - 20 %

Financial CBA 2491 3615 5231 2340 1691

Economic CBA 3023 4283 6092 2884 2140

Extended CBA 2073 3027 4402 1910 1333

Researchers also analyzed 100 surveys conducted in the Zoghmar benchmark site to evaluate the adaptation strategies of famers, in terms of land use change and animal livestock, and their impact on income. The following results were collected: Cereal cropping decreased from 85 percent of the surface area in 1991 to 44 percent in 2013. Rangelands increased from 7 percent of the surface area in 2002 to 29 percent in 2013. Cactus plantations increased from 5 percent of the surface area in 1991 to 18 percent in 2013. Hard conditions for crop production resulted in farmers increasing their livestock from 20

ewes per farm in 1991 to 26 in 2013. Researchers also conducted a CBA of different interventions in the Zoghmar benchmark site. It was discovered that cactus plantations are profitable from both the farmer and society perspective. The IRR varies between 17 - 24 percent for cactus plantations in pastoral land. In addition, subsidies and compensation for income losses increase the appeal of cactus plantations for farmers. 3. Education and Capacity Development

A national stakeholder’s workshop was organized in Beni Khedeche in December 2013 by members of WLI-Tunisia to discuss the current state of affairs, future implementation plans, and to exchange experiences. There were 32 participants to this event. National Workshop on Water Resources and Livelihoods in the Dry Areas Considering Climate Uncertainty, Sep 25-26, 2014, Hammamet, Tunisia. WLI and the Dryland Systems (CRP-DS) program, which combines several research disciplines, are working in parallel to achieve one mutual goal; improving quality of life for the rural livelihoods. In

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recent years Tunisia has been witnessing a remarkable climate change that negatively influenced livelihoods and agricultural productivity. The Tunisian Government is well aware of this climate change, and has set priorities tailored towards rural economic development. For those priorities to be addressed properly, future efforts by the two ICARDA programs should be made to jointly achieve program outputs related to Tunisian Government priorities. The two-day national workshop was hosted and organized by ICARDA to share capacities and interim results from its two programs. The event served as a venue for national policy makers, provincial development institutions, international organizations and national research institutions focused on Tunisian research on water resources for rural development to share priorities and challenges of implementing these priorities. Additionally, two WLI-Tunisia team members participated in training courses related to the “Impact Pathway and Theories of Change” in Amman Jordan and also two team members attended the aquacrop training hosted by ICARDA and FAO in Cairo.

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Yemen Introduction The benchmark site is located in the Abyan Delta, which is one of the most important agricultural regions in Yemen. Spate irrigation is common in this area, which struggles with water scarcity and land degradation. 1. Biophysical Component Groundwater depletion, the over-extraction of water for cash cropping, inequitable distribution of flood water, and technical constraints connected with spate irrigation systems are major issues in the Abyan Delta. To help tackle these issues, the WLI-Yemen team concentrated their efforts on the following two activities. Activity 1: Technology transfer of supplementary irrigation for spate irrigated sesame Sesame is an important crop in the Abyan Delta. Regardless of an increasing interest from farmers in sesame production, crop yields and water productivity remains low. WLI-Yemen conducted a project to improve crop yields by introducing supplementary irrigation techniques. Four farms, which are irrigated by spate water, were selected. Researchers added supplemental irrigation to the crops in half of the field and the other half used traditional farm practices. The data collected showed that supplementary irrigation increased productivity by 103 - 120 percent. Table 11: Crop yield increase when supplemental irrigation is used for spate irrigated sesame

Farmer's name Yield obtained

using traditional practices (kg/ha)

Yield obtained with supplementary

irrigation (kg/ha) Percent increase

Rashad Fadhle A. 429.5 937.28 118.2

Nasr Zein Al-Shabhi 516 1137.28 120.4

Sheikh Nasr Alabsi 667.0 1377.6 106.5

Nabeel Tobeek 566.5 1240.0 118.9

The WLI-Yemen team conducted a CBA on the use of supplemental irrigation for spate irrigated sesame. The gross margin for sesame crops grown under traditional practices without supplement irrigation was 586.7 to 1139.1 USD/ha. In comparison, the gross margin for crops grown with supplemental irrigation was 1596.8 to 2570.6 USD/ha. The cost benefit ratio was 2.42 - 3.76 percent under traditional farmer practices and 3.74 - 5.06 percent when supplemental irrigation was introduced. Activity 2: Introduction and dissemination of buffelgrass forage cultivation (Cenchrus Ciliaris) irrigated by well water in the marginal lands of the Abyan Delta To contribute to ongoing research related to buffelgrass forage, researchers selected two farms in the marginal lands of the benchmark site. The overall goal of the project was to identify alternative fodders suitable for a water scarce environment. Seedlings were planted and 60 mm of irrigation water was added immediately and then an additional 60 mm was added three days after planting. Both fields were also irrigated five times during the first cutting and twice during the remaining cuttings. The irrigation interval was 18-20 days. Data collection on seedling rate stability, growth, plant height, average length of spike, and productivity of feed per square meter was recorded.

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2. Socioeconomic Component The WLI-Yemen team conducted two socioeconomic studies to help improve agricultural water productivity. Activity 1: Assessment of the gross margin of cultivated crops in the Abyan Delta Farmers often only consider the economic returns achieved by crops when selecting what to plant, but fail to take into account the water requirements needed by each crop. The WLI-Yemen team conducted a study, in collaboration with USAID, to determine the economic profitability of agricultural production at the benchmark site through gross margin calculation of the prevailing crops. Researchers then analyzed the economic returns for different crops under prevalent irrigation systems (spate and well) and calculated the productivity of irrigation water in both systems. The methodology included a representative sample consisting of 30 cultivated fields. All of the crops studied displayed economic profitability. In terms of water productivity, tomato, onion and groundnut proved to be the best crops. Table 12: Production cost for crops in Abyan Delta

Crop Yield Average (kg/ha) Average Output Revenue

(USD/ha) Water Productivity

(USD/m3)

Onion 11640 5801.6 0.249

Tomato 9256 10188.3 0.39

Sorghum (fodder) 4178.7 1166.1 0.16

Sorghum (grain) 553.3 1289.7 0.172

Groundnut 1732.7 1773 0.31

Sesame 601 1257.9 0.15

Maize 3353 779.8 0.10

Banana 28792 9374 0.16

Activity 2: Assessment of the adoption of irrigation techniques for main crops in the Abyan Delta The main objective of this study is to identify the indicators for the adoption of modern irrigation technology for important crops under well irrigation systems in the Abyan Delta. This activity is on-going, but the WLI-Yemen team has analyzed the water requirements for banana. Over-irrigation is a serious problem with the banana. Researchers identified a technology to irrigate banana every seven days in the summer and 10-12 days in the winter, with a total amount of 1700-2000 mm water depth. Fifty farmers were surveyed and the results indicated that the rate of adoption of this technology is 34 percent. Researchers predicted that the highest adoption level of technology for banana will be 91 percent after about 20 years. 3. Education and Capacity Development Two members from WLI-Yemen participated in two training activities in Amman to enhance their skills related to CBA and the “Impact Pathway and Theories of Change.”

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IV. Resource Mobilization In 2014 the WLI was operating on core funding from USAID’s Bureau of Food Security in Washington. The program’s budget for 2014 was $842,000 for regional activity and an additional $369,000 for Tunisia. Of this ICARDA management received a no-cost extension to obligate unused funds of $185,000 and $143,000 respectively before September 30, 2015 due to late transfer of funds. ICARDA staff supported NARES partners in Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen with $30,000 each in 2014 to implement activities approved in the previous steering committee. Tunisia has received a separate bilateral grant and NARES partners there directly received $80,000 in 2014. Syria continues as a WLI partner; however the WLI was not able to send any funding directly to partners there due to funding restrictions. In addition to funding that is transferred directly to NARES partners the majority of additional financial resources are invested in building the technical capacity of in-country partners. The 2014 financial plan breaks down as follows:

Figure 19: 2014 budget indicating about 64% of funding directly supporting NARES partners.

Fundraising was a major effort of the regional WLI program in 2014. The Manager worked with partners across the regional program and within ICARDA to draft and submit seven proposals for consideration.

Supporting Livelihoods through Dissemination of Mechanized Raised Bed Production

Packages in North Africa and Nile Valley - IFAD - Egypt, Sudan, Morocco and Tunisia

The Water and Livelihoods Initiative’s Building Opportunity on Sustainable Technology

Transfer (BOOSTT) for Smallholders in Upper Egypt - USAID -Egypt

Water Benchmarks for Improving Livelihoods in the MENA Region: An Agro-Ecological

Platform for Partnership to Enhance Food Security - AFSED - Morocco, Egypt, Jordan

Securing Water for Food: Scaling Technologies to User Communities - USAID - Jordan

Improving Rural Livelihoods by Dissemination of Agricultural Production Packages in North

Africa and West Asia - IFAD - Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Tunisia

Water and Livelihoods Initiative and Middle East and North Africa Water Security Initiative to

Secure Water for a New World - USAID/MWSI - Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon

2014 Regional WLI Budget

Field/Strategic Implimentation(44.66 %)

TechnologyTransfer/InstitutionalStrengthening (16.82%)

Equipment/Supplies andServices (2.3%)

Administrative Support (17.5%)

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Water and Livelihoods Initiative and Middle East and North Africa Water Security Initiative to

Secure Water for a New World - Coca Cola Foundation/UNDP - Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon,

Jordan

34

V. Conclusion Over the performance period of the project in 2014 the WLI met several output objectives contributing to the program goal of improving the livelihoods of rural households and communities, through the development and pilot testing of integrated water, land, and livelihood strategies on selected benchmark sites for scaling out. The WLI trained over 500 people including program partners in the NARES, students, CBO’s and farmers. In 2014 we achieved a substantial gain in manuscripts published or in in the publication process with 17 papers. In addition, we worked toward diversifying our donor base by drafting and submitting seven proposals. Major achievements came from regional strategies to understand sustainable scaling practices. Utilizing tools for decision making (modeling), understanding the economics of natural resources management, and exploring barriers to adoption using socio-economic survey methodologies has laid the ground work for future deployment of WLI technologies. It was noticed and commented upon in the 6th Annual Planning Meeting in November that much of the strength of the WLI is due to the longevity. The WLI’s inception meeting was in 2008 and benchmark sites for most countries were developed with baseline data in 2010 and 2011. The WLI partners in eight countries have grown together to understand the benefits of the “benchmarking process” and the merits of developing technologies that are International Public Goods. In 2015, the WLI will continue the institutional and community capacity building efforts, but also increase the focus on scaling. This year the WLI will build upon the lessons learned from three regional efforts understand barriers to adoption and design fundraising and deployment strategies taking barriers into account. WLI management will continue implementing changes that were identified in the 2012 external review. One of the major items identified was the need for increased level of investment and a diversified donor base. These efforts will continue into 2015 and the program will hopefully find success with at least one of the proposals submitted in 2014.

I

Appendix 1: Publications Completed and Under Development

Regional Publications 1. Muhaimeed, A., A. Al-Falahi, E. Al-Aini, E., A. Taha (2014) Developing Land Suitability maps for Some Crops

in Abu-Ghraib Using Remote Sensing and GIS. International Geoscience and Geomatics Conference. Istanbul.

2. Jabbar B., A.Alfalahi, E. Al-Ani, K. Saliem (2014) Integration of soil microbiological data with GIS maps and development of final land suitability maps. Baghdad

3. Al-Mahasneh, L. (2014) Adapting SWAT Model to Assess the Impact of Water Harvesting Interventions on Runoff and Soil Erosion in an Arid Environment; A Case from Jordan. Master’s Thesis, University of Jordan

4. Telleria, R., S. Akroush, Farmers’ Perceptions of Water Policies: A case study from the Jordanian Badia. Amman (In Preparation)

5. Nagaz, K. (2014) Potatoes response to irrigation regimes using saline water, Tunis. (Submitted) 6. El Mokh, F., AquaCrop simulations of full and deficit irrigation of corn in a semi-arid environment,

Bushland (In Preparation) 7. Annabi, M., Estimating climate change, CO2 and technology development effects on wheat yield in

Tunisia. Prosser (In Preparation) 8. Annabi, M. (2014) Estimating the effect of the future climate change on durum wheat productivity in

northern Tunisia and the potential benefits of conservation agricultural. Prosser (In Preparation, Submitted to Agricultural System Journal)

9. Temani N., influence of climate on citrus production and quality in northern Tunisia. Tunis (In Preparation) 10. Sghaier, N., Future climate effects on wheat in northern Tunisia. Beltsville. (In Preparation) 11. M’hamed. Conservation agriculture as alternative to improve WUE of barley in semi-arid region of Tunisia.

Tunis, (In Preparation) 12. W. Ghazouani, F. Molle, A. Swelam, E. Rap, A. Abdo (2014) Understanding Farmers’ Adaptation to Water

Scarcity: A Case Study from the Western Nile Delta, Egypt, IWMI Research Report 160, Cairo. 13. Dodge, K., F. Ziadat. Catalyzing, Distilling and Disseminating Agro-Ecological Knowledge at the Water-

Energy-Food Nexus in the Global Drylands. Conference Paper: The Water-Food-Energy-Nexus in Drylands: bridging science and policy 12-13 June, 2014- Rabat, Morocco. (In Preparation)

14. Ahmad S Muhaimeed; Ahamd A. Al-Falihi; Eimad Al-Aini and Auras M Taha. 2014. Developing Land Suitability maps for Some Crops in Abu-Ghraib Using Remote Sensing and GIS. International Geoscience and Geomatics Conference .Istanbul/ Turkey on 27th – 30th of October 2014.

15. H.H. Hussien; Aoda M. I. and Ahmad.A. Alfalahi 2014.The impact of irrigation water salinity and deficit irrigation on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Iraqi J. Agric. Res.Vol.19, No.3. (Special Issue), Dec, 2014.

16. A.S. Neama A.A. Al-Falahi and H.M. Hamoudi.2014. Response of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to subsurface drip irrigation method in comparison with surface drip and furrow irrigation methods under conventional agriculture. Iraqi J. Agric. Vol.19 No.3. (Special Issue), Dec, 2014.

17. I. J. Mohammed; E. H. Kamel; A. A. Al-Falahi and K. A. Saliem.2014. Study of soils suitability for various crops production in Abu-Ghraib using GIS techniques. Iraqi J. Agric. Res. Vol. 19 No. 6. (Special Issue), Dec, 2014.

WLI countries’ 3-year series publication report 1. King C., Egypt WLI team. preliminary draft presenting the progress, activities and challenges of WLI project

work in Egypt 2. King C., Iraq WLI team. preliminary draft presenting the progress, activities and challenges of WLI project

work in Iraq 3. King C., Lebanon WLI team. preliminary draft presenting the progress, activities and challenges of WLI

project work in Lebanon 4. King C., Palestine WLI team. preliminary draft presenting the progress, activities and challenges of WLI

project work in Palestine 5. Arslan, A., Syrian WLI team. preliminary draft presenting the progress, activities and challenges of WLI

project work in Syria 6. King C., Yemen WLI team. preliminary draft presenting the progress, activities and challenges of WLI

project work in Yemen

II

Appendix 2: WLI Benchmark Sites and Outscaling Areas

Benchmark Sites Outscaling Areas and Strategies

Country Name Coordinates Area (ha) Comments

Egypt Damanhour 308.7 Old Lands of Nile Delta, & Upper Egypt

Zankalon Lat: 30 34' 48" N Lon: 31 25' 54" E

1,384

El Husseynia

Lat: 30°59'33"N Lon: 32° 2'51"E

24,000 Salt-affected areas may be identifiable but map not up to date?

El Bustan Lat: 30º 11` 36``- 30º 43` 12`` North and Lon: 30º 23` 19`` - 30º 40` 23`` East.

21,000 Large desert area available for land reclamation. Dependent on canals or ground-water

Wadi Natrun

30o23’N,30

o21’E 10.92

Nubaria

Iraq Abu Ghraib Lat: 36°.68’’- 37°.06’’ Lon: 38°. 50’’ - 34°10’’

90,293 Irrigated Agroecosystems of Iraq

Jordan Muharab watershed

60 Outscaling strategy under development using land suitability analysis. Main activities take place on 17 ha at Majdieh

Karak 610 This is an outscaling area added in 2013

Mafraq This is an outscaling area added in 2013

Lebanon El Qaa 34˚21’30’’N, 36˚28’39’’E

4,800 The rest of the Orontes Basin inside Lebanon. Watershed is 138,000ha

Palestine Tammun Lat: 35° 22' 53" Lon: 32° 15' 44"

25.820 km2 -Whole of West Bank? Outscaling strategy under

development using land suitability analysis

Hebron Lat: 34° 55' 43" Lon: 31° 23' 12"

26.628km2

-Whole of West Bank? Outscaling strategy under development using land suitability analysis

Syria El Gab 36◦ 19’ 44.44” E

35◦ 26’ 2.3994” N

9,877.057km2 PhD Students focusing on Upper Orontes Basin in Syria

Mukhtaria 36◦ 45’ 7.2” E 34

◦

50’ 31.1994” N PhD Students focusing on Upper Orontes Basin in Syria

Tunisia Bedoui N 33 27.492 E 010 31.252

First year of activity during 2013: no outscaling strategy or area defined

Megarine N33 19.599 E010 23.806

55ha First year of activity during 2013: no outscaling strategy or area defined

Oum Zessar N33 25.616 E 010 22.369

First year of activity during 2013: no outscaling strategy or area defined

Zoghmar N35 22.716 E009 21.232

2900ha First year of activity during 2013: Outscaling area: Sidi Bouzid region rainfed agrosystems

Cap Bon N 36 38.067 E 010 33.317

First year of activity during 2013: no outscaling strategy or area defined

Yemen Abyan Delta

Lat:13˚04’-13˚18’ N, Lon:45˚08’-45˚30’ E

53,000ha Irrigated Agroecosystems of Yemen

(under discussion with USAID) Rainfed Agroecosystems of Yemen and Rangeland Agroecosystems of Yemen

III

Appendix 3: WLI Pilot Testing Areas at the Benchmark Sites

Sites Pilot Testing Area (hectares)

Country Name Strategies and Technologies*

Reported Area 2012

Reported Area 2013

Target Area for 2013

Target Area for 2014

Egypt Old Lands Raised beds and new varieties

1500 197 1295 1400

Salt Affected Lands

Package of techniques 250 235 250

New Lands Deficit irrigation, composting

125 309 No target No target

Iraq Abu Ghraib Deficit irrigation 9 8 10 14

Jordan Majdiyeh Water harvesting Four sub-sites, each 1 ha, are the focus of modeling work using SWAT

44 240 50 60

Lebanon El Qaa GAP and drip irrigation 34 54 355 425

Palestine Tammun Water harvesting 6 69.3 8 12

Hebron Water harvesting

Syria El Gab & Mukhtaria

Deficit irrigation and green manuring

20 18 20 20

Tunisia Bedoui Intercropping, water saving & soil salinity mgt

Megarine Irrigation scheduling and organic production

55

Oum Zessar Water harvesting

Zoghmar Alley cropping / irrigation

Cap Bon Deficit irrigation

Yemen Abyan Delta Drip irrigation package 5 8 7 7

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Appendix 4: Simplified Version of the WLI Regional Logframe (10-year time-horizon, 2010-2020)

NARRATIVE VERIFIABLE INDICATOR MEANS OF VERIFICATION ASSUMPTIONS

Goal The goal of WLI is to improve the livelihoods of households and communities in the benchmark sites of the seven participating countries by increasing economic, social and educational opportunities through addressing the key priority issues identified in each country.

Improved rural livelihoods and on-farm incomes through improved and sustainable land and water management practices.

National and project statistics and research results.

That financial support is sufficient and all partners collaborate fully.

Purpose To pilot test a sustainable and integrated water, land use and livelihoods strategy in the benchmark sites for scaling up, which will optimize new and income generating crop and livestock activities.

Improved policies, methodologies, human capacity, technologies, extension systems and recommendations available to be adopted by additional sites within the seven participating countries.

Government reports, key NARES and other Ministry reports, project reports and publications.

That policies and structures within each country support pilot test adoption.

Outputs 1. Integrated water and land-use strategies for policy-making, tools for sustainable benchmark management and organizational mechanisms for community inclusion at the benchmark sites.

Strategic benchmark policy plan and recommendations

A decision-support model in place by year 3 that can be further refined and used by NARES decision-makers in the benchmark site.

Results from farmers’ fields. Reports. Research data and publications.

Results reach the farm level and that NARES support systems take ownership of new tools.

2. Enhanced knowledge, skills and qualifications for key stakeholders in the benchmark sites.

3 PhDs, 5 MS degrees at the end of the bilateral phase of the project.

Key reps of the main stakeholder groups operating in the benchmark site trained.

Operational knowledge sharing plan developed.

Internationally and nationally appropriate certificates and diplomas and training records for selected participants.

That training in improved techniques will lead to their implementation at farmer level.

V

Appendix 5: Simplified M&E Plan for Operational Use at Country Level, 2014 (2-year timeframe)

Goal

NARRATIVE

VERIFIABLE INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION & GUIDE TO METHODS

The goal of WLI is to improve the livelihoods of households and communities in the benchmark sites of the seven participating countries by increasing economic, social and educational opportunities through addressing the key priority issues identified in each country.

Improved rural livelihoods and on-farm incomes through improved and sustainable land and water management practices.

National and project statistics and research results.

Purpose To pilot test sustainable and integrated water, land use and livelihoods strategy in the benchmark sites for scaling up, which will optimize new and income generating crop and livestock activities.

Improved policies, methodologies, human capacity, technologies, extension systems and recommendations available to be adopted by additional sites within the seven participating countries.

Government reports, key NARES and other Ministry reports, project reports and publications.

Outputs 1. Integrated water and land-use strategies for policy-making, tools for sustainable benchmark management and organizational mechanisms for community inclusion at the benchmark sites.

1. agricultural water use m3/ha/yr 2. number of hectares under improved strategies and technologies 3. & 4. number of men and women applying improved strategies and technologies

1. see FTF 4.5-4 2. see FTF 4.5.2-2 3. & 4. see FTF4.5.2-34 &4.5.2-5

2. Enhanced knowledge, skills and qualifications for key stakeholders in the benchmark sites.

5. number of institutions strengthened 6. number of individuals trained 7. stages of devt of technologies and strategies

5. see FAF 4.8.2-14 6. see FTF 4.5.2-7 7. see FTF 4.5.2-39

3. Improved rural livelihoods of farmers in the benchmark sites through the adoption of sustainable land and water management practices and livelihood strategies.

8. gross margin per hectare 9. number of households benefitted 10. number of associations benefitted

8. see FTF4.5-4 9. see FTF4.5.2-13 10. see FTF 4.5.2-11

VI

Appendix 6: Report on Selected FTF Indicators

FTF Indicators Egypt Iraq Jordan Lebanon Palestine Syria Tunisia Yemen Total

4.5.2(2):Number of hectares under improved technologies or management practices as a result of USG assistance

970 20 248.5 68 18 NA NA 11 1335.5

4.5.2(11): Number of food security private enterprises, producer’s organizations, fishing associations, water users’ associations, women’s groups, trade associations and CBOs receiving USG assistance

5 2 4 2 5 NA NA 2 20

4.5.2(7): Number of individuals who have received USG short-term agricultural sector productivity or food security training

134 83 54 173 65 NA 38 4 551

4.5.2(39): Number of technologies or management practices in one of the following phases of development (under research, under field testing, and made available for transfer as a result of USG assistance)

7 15

15 16 8 NA 12 2 75

4.5.2(34): Number of stakeholders implementing risk-reducing

700 0 39 27 30 NA NA 0 796

VII

practices/actions to improve resilience to climate change as a result of USG assistance

4.5.2(5): Number of farmers and others who have applied new technologies or management practices as a result of USG assistance

950 13 62 28 40 NA NA 11 1104

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Appendix 7: Outline Plans for 2015 Approved by WLI Steering Committee Planned Activities on Mechanisms for Community Inclusion and Decision-

Anticipated Outputs 2014 Activity Focus Focus Country

Research paper, policy brief & 3 Training courses materials

Community-based approach on crop waste management in WLI benchmark(s)

Mechanisms for community inclusion

Egypt

e.g.: maps, scientific papers, theses

Saltmed model, geodatabase and maps (soil and farmers practices) in Old Lands

Assessment tools and models

Training materials in Arabic explaining concept of resilience

Work with producers’ association and construct WUA

Mechanisms for community inclusion

Iraq

Maps and journal publications

Land suitability mapping and mapping of soil microbiological maps

Assessment tools and models

research report, training guides

Implementation of the Willingness to Adopt survey.

Community/basin scale strategies

Jordan

Thesis, scientific papers, Maps ,Data sets

Modeling (SWAT model fine tuning and calibration )

Assessment tools and models

e.g.: Research paper, policy brief, training materials

Sharing results from canal water monitoring, storm runoff, harvesting and groundwater recharge, wshed model, training in mushroom production.

Mechanisms for community inclusion

Lebanon

Knowledge exch. event outline and background paper, datasets & map

Landcover change analysis, evapotranspiration estimation, flow measurement in Laboue canal

Assessment tools and models

Photos, business plan Work with association (mainly woman) in dairy processing and marketing

Mechanisms for community inclusion

Palestine

Policy brief Upscaling watershed and land suitability mapping, SWAT, Implementation of watershed design tools for green water catchment

Assessment tools and models

Mechanisms for community inclusion

Syria

Assessment tools and models

Meeting reports & photos Work with stakeholders including individual farmers

Mechanisms for community inclusion

Tunisia

Publications, Visiting researchers reports

Climate scenarios and impacts on crops , downscaling climate change to local production cycles

Assessment tools and models

Maps & policy recommendations

Workshop for sharing results from water balance estimation, monitoring of water levels and quality

Mechanisms for community inclusion

Yemen

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Planned Activities and Outputs Relating to On-farm management of land, water and income (water productivity) Approved by WLI SC

Anticipated Outputs 2015 Activity Focus Focus Country

Finalized reports on water productivity, water balance in old and new land and datasets

Modeling irrigation sustainability in old and new land studies & maps of soil degradation in salt-affected land

On-farm water mgt improvements

Egypt

Training materials, dataset Study of livestock production and cropping patterns and by-products in the three benchmark sites.

On-farm income

Photos and FtF report including sex disaggregated data, Published paper

Maize response to salinity& water stress, green shading nets, surface & subsurface drip & screen

On-farm water mgt improvements

Iraq

FtF report and strategy Farm budgets and gross margins incl. assessment of labor costs ( CBA)

On-farm income

Research report Monitoring of the new Marab site and demonstrate to the local community

On-farm water mgt improvements

Jordan

feasibility studies Journal paper

Cost-benefit analysis of technologies for water harvesting, treatment and reuse, adding value & link with MWI to outscale

On-farm income

e.g.: Datasets (m3) reports, training materials, journal papers

rwater hrvtg, till/ no-till w compost, irr. schedule w. sensors, local and imp. grape & apricot, cons. ag., crop trials, IPM

On-farm water mgt improvements

Lebanon

Student research with U of Lebanon?

farm budgets and gross margins per hectare over productive lifetime of trees, study of export opportunities & value chains, mushroom production

On-farm income

reports Silage and hydroponic production systems, water harvesting and land regreening, revegetation

On-farm water mgt improvements

Palestine

report Calculation of gross margin including value added by improved dairy production, dairy processing income

On-farm income

On-farm water mgt improvements

Syria

On-farm income

Dissemination materials, Posters, MSc theses Papers

Water harvesting, deficit irrigation, alley cropping, animal & watering,

On-farm water mgt improvements

Tunisia

Report on cost-benefit assessment

Livestock production efficiencies, closing production gaps for citrus inputs

On-farm income

Dissemination materials in Arabic, success story

Fertigation of papaya, dissemination of lipid, supplemental irrigation of spate irrigated sesame

On-farm water mgt improvements

Yemen

Publication on water productivity

Compare gross margin per unit of consumed water for crops and livestock production using spate and groundwater irrigation and buffel grass fodder

On-farm income

X

Planned Activities and Outputs Relating to Gender and Overall Livelihoods Perspective

Anticipated Outputs

2015 Activity Focus Focus Country

Paper on effect of quotas for land allocated to women.

Review of data on land ownership & consultation of women for design of trainings.

Gender issues and analysis of sex- disaggregated data

Egypt

International peer reviewed publication

Refining presentation of baseline study of households & projecting future improvements in livelihoods

Overall livelihoods perspective

Training report & indicator report

Follow up on survey of men and women’s roles in production of fodder & food for household and market. Design of training to include women. Collect FtF data

Gender issues and analysis of sex- disaggregated data

Iraq

Success story Refining use of livelihoods indicators and asset diagram

Overall livelihoods perspective

Project proposal to CRP

Continue training activities to build women confidence to contribute to household income , collect sex disaggregated on training participants

Gender issues and analysis of sex- disaggregated data

Jordan

Policy brief Vision for improved livelihoods in Jordan to be achieved through improved land and water management in the Badia

Overall livelihoods perspective

FtF reports

Integration of gender dimension in local NGO activities for women skills improvement in the WLI site

Gender issues and analysis of sex- disaggregated data

Lebanon

Success stories Describe contribution of horticultural production and processing to livelihoods in Bekaa

Overall livelihoods perspective

Photographs Annual report

Continue work with woman farmers association and enhance processing activities

Gender issues and analysis of sex- disaggregated data

Palestine

Success story Continue socioeconomic survey and develop report Overall livelihoods perspective

Gender issues and analysis of sex- disaggregated data

Syria

Overall livelihoods perspective

NA NA Gender issues and analysis of sex- disaggregated data

Tunisia

Policy brief, INRM plan

Characterization of strategies to adapt livelihoods to CC.

Overall livelihoods perspective

Complete Annual Reporting

Collect sex-disaggregated data on ftf indicators & consult women’s associations women’s associations

Gender issues and analysis of sex- disaggregated data

Yemen

report Study effects of war on livelihoods in the Abyan delta

Livelihoods perspective

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Appendix 8: WLI Country Research Teams

Country Research Team Members

Egypt Dr. Ali Ismaiel (National Coordinator from ARC-SWERI) Dr. Hesham Mohamed (NWRC-WMRI) Dr. Hamdy Khalifa (ARC-SWERI) Dr. Mohamed Ismaiel (ARC-SWERI) Dr. Abdalla Mohamedin (ARC-SWERI) Dr. Abd Rabbo Shehata (NWRC-WMRI) Dr. Khaled Abdel-Latif (ARC-SWERI) Dr. Samiha Ouda (ARC-SWERI) Dr. Shaban Salem (ARC-AERI) Dr. Hassan Abdel Mageed (ARC-AERI) Dr. Ali Ibrahim (Zagazig University) Dr. Gamal Fawzy (NWRC-WMRI) Prof. Abd El-Ghany El-Gindy (Ain Shams University) Dr. Richard Tutwiler (AUC) Dr. Tina Jaskolski (AUC) Prof. Mohamed El-Ansary (BU) Prof. Basem Ashour (Zagazig University) Dr. François MOLLE (IWMI) Dr. Mahmoud Attia (ARC-SWERI) Dr. Mahmoud El-Khouly (ARC-SWERI) Dr. Yousry Atta (NWRC-WMRI)

Iraq Eng. Saad Abd Ali Abbas (SBAR) Mr. Emad Hameed Kamal Alani (SBAR) Dr. Ahmad S. Muhaimeed (SBAR) Dr. Hadi Mahommed Karem (SBAR) Dr. Bassam K. Abdul Jabbar (SBAR) Dr. Ali Hassan Faraj (SBAR) Dr. Abdulkahlik Salih Neama (SBAR) Dr. Ahmad Adnan Ahmad (SBAR) Dr. Kasim Ahmed Saliem (SBAR) Mr. Wathiq Abdullqahar (SBAR) Dr. Ahmad Adnan Alfalahi (National Coordinator at SBAR) Mr. Emad Hameed Kamal Alani (SBAR) Ms. Amna Mohamed (SBAR)

Jordan Eng. Muna Saba (NCARE National Coordinator) Eng. Lubna Mahasneh (NCARE) Eng. Mutasem Khresat (NCARE) Safa Mazahreh (NCARE) Mohamed Mudabber (NCARE) Eng. NedalAfayfeh (NCARE) Awad Kaabneh (NCARE) Eng.Afaf Madadha (NCARE)

XII

Eng.Rana Muhaisen (NCARE) Eng.Yahya Al-Satari(NCARE) Zein khrisat (NCARE) Safa Al Jafreh (NCARE) Wafa Abu Hammour (NCARE) Samia Akroush (NCARE) Omamah Hadidi (NCARE)

Lebanon Eng. Randa Massaad (National Coordinator at LARI) Dr. Ihab Jomaa (LARI) Eng. Sleiman Skaff (LARI) Eng. Chafic Estephan (LARI) Dr. Elia Choueiri (LARI) Eng. Ali Chehade (LARI) Mr. Ahmed Bitar (LARI) Eng. Rabih Kabalan(LARI) Mr. Fadi Naddaf (LARI) Eng. Darine Haddad (LARI) Eng. Nisrine El Hajj (LARI) Dr. Hadi Jaafar (AUB) Dr. Nadim Farajallah (AUB)

Palestine Dr. Nasser Sholi (National Coordinator, NARC) Mr. Nader Hrimat (ARIJ) Dr. Mohammad Alsalimiya (LRC) Dr. Rezq Basheer-Salimia (HU)

Tunisia Houcine Khatteli (IRA) Mohamed Ouessar (National Coordinator at IRA) Kamel Nagaz (IRA) Mongi Ben Zaied (IRA) Fathia El Mokh (IRA) Amal Hachani (IRA) Abderrahmen Sghaier (IRA) Mongi Sghaier (IRA) Mohamed Abdeladhim (IRA) Riadh Bechir (IRA) Mohamed Ben Hammouda (INRAT) Mohamed Annabi (INRAT) Hatem Cheik Mhamed (INRAT) Salah Ben Youssef (INRAT) Hamed Daly-Hassen (INRAT) Najoua Esaaidi, Engineer (INRAT) Maher Bel Haj Kacem, Engineer student (INRAT) Netij Ben Mechlia (INAT) Hammadi Habaieb (INAT) Moncef Masmoudi (INAT) Nabil Sghaier (INAT) Asma Lasram (INAT)

XIII

Nawal Temani Zayani (INAT)

Yemen Eng. Ahmed Hassan Salem (AREA) Eng. Ryad Ahmed Mohamed (AREA) Eng. Ali Ahmed Yehya (AREA) Tech. Anwar Mabrook (AREA) Eng. Abdullah Qassem Magram (AREA) Eng. Sina Mahfood Ali (AREA) Samir Abdullrahman Mohamed (AREA) Khader Balam Atroosh (National Coordinator from AREA)

XIV

Appendix 9: Members of the WLI Steering Committee

Members: ARC, Egypt Prof. Dr. Hani Ramadan, Vice President for Extension and Training,

Agriculture Research Center (ARC) SBAR, Iraq Dr. Ahmad Alfalahi, State of Board for Agricultural Research (SBAR),

Ministry of Agriculture NCARE, Jordan Dr. Samia Akroosh, Socio-economic component leader, National Center for

Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE) on behalf of Dr. Fawzi Al-Sheyab, Director General, National Center for Agricultural research and Extension (NCARE)

LARI, Lebanon Eng. Randa Massad, WLI Focal Person, Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) on behalf of Mr. Michel Afram, General Director, Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI)

MoA, Palestine Dr. Mokhalled Salaimeh, on behalf of Dr. Kasim Abdo, Deputy Minister Assistant for Natural Resources Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture

GSCAR, Syria Dr. Hussein Alzubi, DG- General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research

IRA, Tunisia Dr. Elyes Hamza, DG - Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie (INAT) AREA, Yemen Dr. Mansoor Mohamed Alaqel, Chairman, Agricultural Research and

Extension Authority (AREA) USAID Dr. Scott Christiansen, Senior Agricultural Advisor, United States Agency for

International Development (USAID) US Universities Dr. Sandra Russo, Director, International Center, University of Florida (UF) Regional Universities Dr. Omar Kafawin, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jordan (UJ) ICARDA WLI Manager Mr. Kristofer Dodge, Integrated Water and Land Management Program

(IWLMP)

Invited Observers: NWMI, Egypt Dr. Hisham, Director of the national Water Management Institute.

NARC, Palestine Dr. Naser Sholi, WLI Focal Person, National Agricultural Research Center

(NARC), West Bank AREA, Yemen WLI-Yemen - socio-economic activities on behalf of Dr. Khader Atrrosh, WLI

Focal Person, Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA) IRA, Tunisia Dr. Mohamed Ouessar, WLI Focal Person, Institute of Arid Regions-

Medenine (IRA) ICARDA IWLMP Ms. Bezaiet Dessalegn, M&E and Gender Specialist Mr. Nidal Damati, Communications and Program Management Specialist ICARDA Iraq Dr. Kasim Ahmed Salim, National Coordinator of ICARDA/Iraq ICARDA Lebanon Dr. Hassan Machlab, Country Manager, ICARDA/Lebanon ICARDA Palestine Dr. Abdallah Alimari, National Coordinator –ICARDA/Palestine