The Irrigation Governance Institute (IGI) is a non-partisan, innovation-oriented initiative dedicated to improving how irrigation water is governed, allocated, and managed across agricultural landscapes. We work at the intersection of policy, institutions, technology, and communities to ensure irrigation systems are equitable, resilient, and sustainable in a changing climate.
To advance effective, transparent, and inclusive irrigation governance that supports food security, livelihoods, resilience, and ecosystem health.
We produce rigorous, policy-relevant research on irrigation institutions, water rights, collective action, and adaptive management. Our work bridges theory and practice, translating evidence into actionable guidance for decision-makers.
We advise governments, water authorities, and development partners on irrigation reforms, governance frameworks, and regulatory design—grounded in local context and global best practice.
We design and deliver training for irrigation agencies, water user associations, and practitioners, strengthening leadership, accountability, and operational effectiveness.
We convene dialogues, publish insights, and curate open resources that connect researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working on irrigation governance worldwide.
Water Rights & Allocation – Designing fair, enforceable, and adaptable water allocation systems
Institutions & Collective Action – Strengthening irrigation organizations and user associations
Accountability & Transparency – Improving data, monitoring, and participatory decision-making
Climate Resilience – Governing irrigation under scarcity, variability, and uncertainty
Equity & Inclusion – Ensuring gender-responsive and socially inclusive governance
Digital Governance – Leveraging data systems and technology for better irrigation management
Irrigation sustains over 40% of global food production, yet many systems face mounting pressures: water scarcity, climate change, institutional fragmentation, and declining trust. Infrastructure alone is not enough. Strong governance—rules, organizations, incentives, and accountability—is essential for irrigation systems to perform over time.
IGI focuses on the how of irrigation: how decisions are made, how water is shared, how conflicts are resolved, and how systems adapt.
Evidence-based – Grounded in interdisciplinary research and field experience
Context-sensitive – Tailored to local hydrology, institutions, and cultures
Collaborative – Co-producing solutions with stakeholders
Independent – Non-partisan and analytically rigorous
National and subnational governments
Irrigation and river basin authorities
Water user associations and farmer organizations
Development banks and international agencies
Research institutions and universities
NGOs and civil society organizations
Policy briefs on irrigation reform and governance diagnostics
Applied research reports and case studies
Practical toolkits for irrigation institutions
Training programs and executive courses
Public seminars and practitioner workshops
Whether you are shaping policy, managing irrigation systems, conducting research, or supporting development programs, IGI welcomes collaboration.
Partner with us on research or advisory projects
Join our events and learning programs
Access our publications and resources
Support our mission through funding and collaboration
Irrigation Governance Institute
Email: info@irrigationgovernance.com
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