This project will develop sustainable small-scale water resource management systems in Bangladesh that will lead to improved crop yields and better livelihoods for about 1.7 million people.

The aim of this project is to ensure effective water management in an area covering 208,450 hectares of cultivable land.

A key feature of this project is the involvement of small-farmers in small-scale water resources management through their involvement with community-based associations. They will also get training in water management, agriculture and fisheries production.

Better management of water resources is critical. Bangladesh faces several challenges in its water management including severe annual flooding, river-induced erosion and water shortages in the dry season. These problems are compounded by an inadequate water management infrastructure, the low involvement of users in water management and lack of funds for maintenance and running costs.

The project supports the Bangladesh Government’s National Water policy and will develop flood management, better drainage and water conservation that will improve small and marginal farmers’ lives. It will do this by bringing increased crop yields, more fish in extended fishing areas and intensified cropping systems. People without access to any land are also likely to benefit from non-farm employment generated by agricultural growth.

Source: IFAD