Impact evaluation of irrigation interventions implemented by farmers or centrally by the government is critical for understanding how they affect the irrigation system, as well as recognising their potential for scaling up. Egypt’s Irrigation Improvement Projects (IIPs) have achieved numerous milestones over the last several decades. It ranged from improving the canal and drainage system to more adequate flow to end users, and on-field improvements focused on water application and soil condition improvement. To the best of our knowledge, this research project presents a new approach to impact evaluation that will provide scientists and policymakers with a comprehensive view of irrigation interventions impacts while also assisting them in understanding the limitations of these interventions.
This approach is built on a multidisciplinary methodology to assess the ecological, economic, and social local impacts of interventions. Two case studies will be conducted in two distinct agro-ecological zones. In Qaluybia, drip irrigation will be studied, and in Kafr El-Sheikh salt tolerant varieties will be investigated. Upscaling challenges such as land fragmentation and rotational flow will also be addressed. Finally, the impact of interventions on the Delta’s water/salt balance will be modelled.
Suitable indicators will be used for each impact, and the data collected will be analysed using appropriate analysis tools such as water/salt balance and cost/benefit analysis, as well as a software for regional modelling (SIWARE). Finally, all these analyses will be combined into a comprehensive multicriteria analysis for policymakers and planners.