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WATER AND LIVELIHOODS INITIATIVE THIRD QUARTER PROGRESS REPORT

September 30, 2011

Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI) Second Quarter Progress Report 2011

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Acronyms

ARC: Agricultural Research Center

AREC: Agricultural Research and Education Center

ARIJ: Applied Research Institute Jerusalem

AUB: American University of Beirut, Lebanon

GCSAR: General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria

GIS: Geographic Information System

ICARDA: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas

IRD: Institute for Research and Development

IWMI: International Water Management Institute

JUST: Jordan University of Science and Technology

LARI: Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute

LRC: Land Research Center

MEPI: Middle East Partnership Initiative

NARS: National Agricultural Research Systems

NCARE: National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension

NWRC: National Water Research Center

SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Scientists

SWAT: Soil and Water Assessment Tool

TAMU: Texas A&M University, USA

UC-D: University of California – Davis, USA

UF: University of Florida, USA

UI-UC: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA

USAID: United States Agency for International Development

USU: Utah State University, USA

WMRI: Water Management and Irrigation Systems Research Institute

WNRDP: West Nubaria Rural Development Project

ZU: Zagazig University, Egypt


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Contents Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Activities at the benchmark sites ..................................................................................................................... 5

Egypt ............................................................................................................................................................ 5

Jordan ........................................................................................................................................................... 6

Iraq ............................................................................................................................................................... 6

Lebanon........................................................................................................................................................ 7

Palestine ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

Syria ............................................................................................................................................................. 8

Yemen .......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Training ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

Exchanges and Visits ..................................................................................................................................... 10

Summer Student Exchange/Research Program .............................................................................................. 13

Egypt .......................................................................................................................................................... 13

Jordan ......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Lebanon...................................................................................................................................................... 14

Expenditure and Burn Rate Analysis ............................................................................................................. 16

Upcoming Events ........................................................................................................................................... 17

Annex I: Summary of Activities Undertaken by the WLI ............................................................................. 18

Annex II: Introduction to Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) ................................................... 25

Annex III: Template for training on “Introduction to GIS” .......................................................................... 26

Annex IV: Revised Scope of Work for Student Research ............................................................................. 27

Annex IV (a): Revised Scope of Work for Loubna Mahasneh .................................................................. 27

Annex IV (b): Revised Scope of Work for Rebakah Moses ...................................................................... 29

Annex IV (c): Revised Scope of Work for Roula Bachour ....................................................................... 31

Annex IV (d): Revised Scope of Work for Jospeh Monical ...................................................................... 33

Annex V: WLI Contact Information .............................................................................................................. 36


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Executive Summary The third quarter of the year was marked by a number of important activities, the highlight of which was the summer student exchange program. Students from the University of California-Davis, Utah State University and University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign were joined by students from the region as they conducted their research in Egypt and Lebanon. A MSc student from Jordan also began her research in Jordan during the reporting period. The student exchange program also demonstrated the potential for greater collaboration between Middle Eastern and U.S. universities. The quarter witnessed increased collaboration among WLI partners. This was especially true in their efforts to develop land suitability analyses for their respective benchmark sites. Another case in point was the collaboration between WLI teams in Jordan and Lebanon. Two of Lebanon’s socio-economic team members were trained by Dr. Samia Akroush from the National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE) in basic concepts of the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Locally organized events, where local professional consultants or members of the WLI team offered targeted training to various members of the WLI team were recurrent in the reporting period. This was evident in the training sessions on “Irrigation and Fertilization Management” in Iraq, “Introduction to GIS” in Lebanon, and “Introduction to SPSS” in Palestine. In addition, WLI partners benefited from other capacity building projects including training on conducting socio-economic surveys (Egypt), and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) modelling (Jordan).

Planned activities under the socio-economic and bio-physical component were also carried out during the reporting period. Household surveys were conducted at most benchmark sites with the exception of Yemen and Syria where free movement was restricted due to the current political situation in these countries. Similarly, field data was collected on various bio-physical indicators including soil features, cropping patterns, and irrigation systems. Targeted work is now being carried out to study land suitability for future out-scaling purposes. Major challenges during the quarter related to the current political situation in the region. The challenge was most evident in Yemen and Syria which limited free mobility to undertake planned activities.

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Activities at the benchmark sites Egypt Under the biophysical component: the team, in close collaboration with Dr. Atef Swelam, assessed the sustainability of the irrigation system and its impact on water productivity, land use and rural livelihoods in the Nile Delta, particularly looking at:

1. Soil compaction and salinity build-up in Zankalon (Old Land) 2. Water table and salinity build-up in Al Bustan (New Land) 3. Salinity build-up in Al Hussainia (Salt Affected Land)

The team also selected a pilot location in the Behaira Governorate (close to Damanhour city) of the Nile Delta. The area is about 735 feddans, located in the Nasr Allah drainage area and receives water from El Nasery, Sabya and Habib Canals. Field measurements are expected to start in the coming winter season and continue until the end of next summer. Primary data collection, measuring device installation, and site set-up were all initiated during the reporting period. The team highlighted the following accomplishments:

Collected soil samples from 15 random points (sampling depth up to 1.0 meter with 20 cm increments) and will soon carry out mechanical and chemical analysis. Soil salinity will be tested after the end of the current summer season.

Corrected and calibrated the reference level of Nasr Allah drain. Completed data collection on cropping patterns in the area for the summer season. Installed four groundwater observation-wells, and began collecting data on groundwater

levels. Began collecting data on discharges of the surface canals and drains, pump operating-time

for the current summer season, as well as water quality. In Zankalon, the WLI team headed by Dr. Yousri Ibrahim, Associate Professor, Water Management and Irrigation Systems Research Institute (WMRI), continued his research efforts on the raised bed technique - an innovative irrigation method for field crops, such as rice, wheat and vegetables in the Nile Delta. The advantage of this cropping technique is that it saves considerable amounts of water and increases water productivity. In addition, the raised bed technique was found to lessen the soil compaction in high-clay textured soils, and enable more aeration to the deep soil layers. The technique involves planting rice or wheat in two strips along each furrow, and this technique has been shown to save as much as 40% of the total applied irrigation water, as compared with the traditional flood irrigation technique. Socio-economic component: With the help of Dr. Aden Aw-Hassan, ICARDA’s Director of ICARDA Social, Economic and Policy Research Program (SEPRP), the Egypt team resolved to collect information at all three villages in El Zankalon, El Hussinia and El Bustan. Data included

Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI) Third Quarter Progress Report, 2011

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information on the number of households in each village to design a weighted random sample, as well as specific characteristics of the sampling areas such as differences in soil, access to irrigation and producer characteristics (i.e. investors, beneficiaries, graduates, etc.). Enumerators were trained by Dr. Aw-Hassan during the WLI Training Course on Socio-Economic Surveys (September 11-15, 2011). The questionnaire was then tested by the enumerators on farmers from the salt-affected site and data collection commenced with a sample of 150 farmers (out of which 25 were women) from each of the three sites.

Jordan Biophysical component: The team collected and analyzed the physical and chemical properties of soil samples from the benchmark site at Majidiah. Wind erosion data (speed, direction, saltation, suspended soils) were collected from fields covered by barley, shrubs or annual pasture. Water harvesting techniques were demonstrated to farmers at Al Mafraq. Contour lines, water reservoirs, check dams, etc. were designed for the new site after meeting with farmers. Two additional sites were selected for terraces and an additional two sites in Marrab were chosen to implement water spreading techniques. Socio-economic component: The team prepared and submitted a Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) concept note to the American Embassy in Amman. If approved, a full proposal will be prepared. The proposal aims to expand the scope of activities at the Majidiah and Mharib cooperatives, while at the same time developing the capacity of the Ngera cooperative to train members of other cooperatives. If approved the proposed activities will strengthen peer-to-peer training in organizational development, management and technical skills; improve consultations and support activities between established and budding women’s cooperatives; and increase capacity of emerging cooperatives to secure additional funding. The socio-economic team also prepared and pre-tested gender surveys with the local communities in Mhareb and Majidiah. The main components covered by the questionnaire include educational level, income sources, agricultural production systems, housing, water supply, women’s daily routine, women’s role within the agricultural communities, and their needs and priorities.

Iraq Biophysical component: The WLI team identified a number of farm-level key indicators on agricultural production and water productivity. The identification was based on results of field surveys conducted in April-June 2011 and data collected on irrigation systems and drainage structures within the irrigation scheme from the Office of Agriculture and Water Resources in Abu Ghraib. At this site, appropriate irrigation techniques and on-farm water management practices are essential for leaching the salts out of the root zone to minimize the osmotic stress on crops. Suitable drainage structures and control of reused saline drainage water must be monitored regularly. Additional data on water productivity among farmers and growers of greenhouse vegetables was also collected, including information on cropped areas, crop types, and yield and quantity of seasonal water used. While complete analysis of the data is still pending, preliminary results show an increasing trend in the use of green houses in Abu Ghraib irrigated areas. The data collection and analysis was feasible as a direct result of the one week training WLI team members received in


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Doha, Qatar on ‘Modern Techniques for Protected Agriculture’ in partnership between ICARDA and Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) - The World Vegetable Centre. The bio-physical team also completed the suitability maps for both irrigated and rainfed areas during the reporting period. Among the constraints affecting water productivity in Abu Ghraib benchmark site were unequal distribution of water among farmers, over irrigation, shortage in irrigation water supply during the summer, which forces farmers to use saline drainage water and wells, and lack of proper maintenance of irrigation networks, including main canals and branches. Comparison of different farm cropping systems, cultural practices, irrigation techniques, and data are also underway. Socio-economic component: The team computerized all data collected during the reporting period, and is developing an interface with the biophysical database. Initial results of the field surveys show that a typical farmer’s income heavily depends on crop production (64%), followed by livestock (30%) and other sources (4%). A similar survey on cropping patterns also showed that farmers rank vegetable crops first in importance, followed by wheat, barley, corn, green forage (alfalfa and berseem) and orchards (date palm, apple and apricot). A shift to protected agriculture was also noted where farmers in Abu Ghraib benchmark site are increasingly producing greenhouse grown crops, particularly vegetables, with the hope of improving the household’s income. On the other hand, the survey indicated minimal agricultural aid/subsidy from the government, thus forcing farmers to purchase their own seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and fuel. The socio-economic survey also helped to identify some major constraints to agricultural development at the irrigated benchmark site of Abu Ghraib. These include:

Shortage of electricity and fuel, Shortage of irrigation water supply and low maintenance of the lined canals, and Low supply of fertilizers because of high costs.

Lebanon Biophysical component: The team is still gathering field data from the El Qaa site in Northern Bekaa Valley. To date over 100 samples of soil and water have been collected. The data analysis is expected to be completed in early October 2011. Similar data collection and analysis at Hermel is planned to commence in 2012. The biophysical team is also working on digitizing field parcels as GIS layers. These parcels will then be visited for recording land use. Remote sensing analyses are also being conducted for the benchmark sites to better capture the baseline conditions of the area. The team is currently awaiting the requested satellite imageries. Socio-economic component: The team collected data and surveyed a total of 70 farmers at the El Qaa benchmark site. In addition to the farmers, the team also met with the Committee of Management and Exploitation of Drinking and Irrigation Water in El Qaa. Their meeting with the president of the organization, Mr. Eid Matar, was especially useful in acquiring the complete list of farmers’ names and addresses in El Qaa.

64%

30%

6%

Average family income in Abu Ghraib irrigated Bbnchmark site

Crop production Livestock Other income sources


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Palestine Biophysical component: The team accomplished a major part of the site characterization and related activities. The Jordanian classification system for land suitability mapping was adopted to fit the Palestinian context. Field monitoring and surveys were also conducted by the GIS/RS and soil experts at Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ) and Land Research Center (LRC). A total of 92 soil samples were collected and analysed for the southern site. Land use/land cover analysis was accomplished using high resolution aerial photographs for both sites. Spatial maps (GIS layers) for site boundaries, rainfall, temperature, slope, soil type, land use, watershed boundaries and geo-political information were also developed during the quarter. These were then linked to the demographic data collected from the area. The next step will be to integrate spatial data and finalize the geo-database, which requires training. Finally the Palestinian and Jordanian database will be harmonized to facilitate additional WLI collaboration, especially for rangelands and water catchment management. The team requests that such training be organized in Jordan sometime in November 2011. Socio-economic component, the team completed data collection and entry for the surveyed aspects, but additional meetings with the villages’ councils and local farmers are still planned to finalize those related with the FTF indicators. Data analysis is also underway following a one-day training for four WLI resource persons from NARC on Basic Introduction to Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) by a local consultant, Mr. Ayoub Ayoub. The team also suggests that a follow-up training on “Result interpretation” and “Conducting Needs Assessment” be organized for members of the socio-economic team.

Syria Bio-physical: The team finished the characterization of the Al Ghab benchmark site, including advanced digital mapping. Socio-economic: The survey of households in the benchmark area also continued in the third quarter of the year. The process, however, is taking much longer than anticipated due to the security conditions that are limiting mobility in the area. Nonetheless, the team hopes to have a series of field days and meet with farmers to disseminate findings of the research in the Al Ghab region. Additional field trials are planned at farmers’ plots to ease the comprehension and dissemination of results to the farming communities. The trials will be co-shared between the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) and ICARDA. The socio-economic team through successive meetings with Dr. Aden Aw Hassan and Dr. Ahmad Mazid have agreed to schedule a training session on “Analysis of surveyed data”. Moreover, the socio-economic team led by Dr. Mouamad Ayoub developed two research proposals for MSc and PhD students:

Analytical study on the patterns of livelihoods and improving the marketing efficiency of some agricultural crops (plant and animal) and their impact on farm income in Al Ghab area (PhD.), and

Analytical study of the economic and social effects of farmers’ adoption of irrigation technologies in Al Ghab region (MSc).


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Yemen Bio-physical: Due to security concerns at the Abyan Delta benchmark site, minor progress was made on the preparation of soil and land use maps for the benchmark site. The biophysical team was able to make soil classifications based on three major soil distinctions: light, medium and heavy soil texture. The classification was mostly based on data collected in the previous quarter on vegetation cover, irrigation canals, dams, irrigated lands, agricultural roads, forest, water courses and water bodies. Analyses were also made on water samples collected from wells and aquifers and the team identified four different classes of salinity. The team was also able to update the land suitability maps that were prepared during the first quarter of the year following the WLI/GIS specialized training held Amman, Jordan in spring 2011. A cropping map for spate irrigated land in the Abyan Delta is expected to differentiate and quantify single season from dual-season cropping and land allocated to perennial crops. Currently, banana is extensively cultivated in the Delta over a broad range of irrigated land. The team projects that its cultivation will continue to expand given the profit it generates for the farmers.

Socio-economic: Planned surveys of farmers and households were not carried out due to security concerns at the Abyan Delta benchmark site.

Training ‘Irrigation & Fertilization Management’ (September 25-28, 2011): A four-day in-house training was conducted at the Training and Rehabilitation Centre of the Abu Ghraib Irrigation Project (Ministry of Agriculture). The training was offered by Dr. Ahmad Alfalahi, the WLI coordinator in Iraq, and was attended by seven people representing the different agricultural offices involved in the Abu Ghraib irrigation project. Introduction to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (September 19-23, 2011): A five-day training session on SPSS was given by Dr. Samia Akroush from NCARE to two members of the WLI socio-economic team in Lebanon. The trainees, Mrs. Hanaa Chehabeddine and Mr. Fadi Naddaf, were provided important skills needed to conduct surveys and analyse and interpret data. Please refer to Annex II for additional information on the training. WLI Training Course on Socio-Economic Surveys (September 11-15, 2011): A training course on Socio-Economic Surveys was conducted at the Al Hussainia Benchmark site in Egypt. The training which was offered by Dr. Aden Aw-Hassan, was attended by a total of 22 researchers and research assistants from Egypt’s WLI socio-economic team. The training covered important topics including data collection, designing questionnaires, conducting surveys and evaluation of data collected.


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Introductory Training on GIS (August 25-29, 2011): A three day in-house training workshop on “Basic Introduction to ArcGIS” was recently conducted by the WLI team in Lebanon. The training, offered by Dr. Ihab Jomaa, targeted 11 researchers from Lebanon’s Agricultural Research Institute (LARI). The trainees were equipped with basic skills that will allow them to use geographic knowledge to better understand and manage the WLI benchmark sites in Lebanon. Please refer to Annex III for additional information on the training. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Modeling (July 10-14, 2011): A specialized training course on Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) - a simulation model that helps understand soil and water dynamics at watershed scale - was held in Jordan during July 9-14, 2011. The training was a joint activity supported by the WLI and the IFAD/ICARDA Mountain Project. The training was conducted by a ‘SWAT team’ led by Prof. Raghavan Srinivasan, Director of the Spatial Sciences Laboratory at Texas A&M University (TAMU), and the leader of the team that developed the model. Dr. Ihab Jomaa, the biophysical team leader at LARI also played an integral role in this training. Participants of the training included researchers working on joint projects in Ethiopia, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Syria. The training began with a field visit to a research site at Al Majidyya for familiarization with field measurements for water harvesting. This was followed by two days of classroom work and three days of on-the-job training using data collected during the previous seasons from Ethiopia, Jordan and Syria. The course was inaugurated by Dr. Faisal Awawdeh, Director General of Jordan’s National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension. ICARDA representatives included Dr. Theib Oweis, Director of the Integrated Water and Land Management Program; Dr. Nasri Haddad, Coordinator, West Asia Regional Program, and Dr. Feras Ziadat, Soil Conservation and Land Management Specialist.

Exchanges and Visits Visit to Columbia University, NY (July 15-18, 2011): The visit by Dr. Scott Christiansen focused on potential areas of collaboration between the WLI and the Center for Conflict Resolution (CICR) in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. The possibility was discussed with Josie Kaye, Alex Grzybowski and Jean-Marie Guehenno. A major outcome of this meeting was the agreement to use the WLI as a platform to place four students in four WLI partnering countries for 2-3 months during the summer of 2012. The students are expected to work together as a team and under the direct supervision of their respective faculty advisors. Detailed discussions on possible research topics, general workplans and country selection processes are expected to begin during fall 2011. The topics are expected to reflect the interests of both “client” organizations, WLI and the CICR.


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Visit to WLI benchmark sites in Lebanon (August 1– 13, 2011): Dr. Prasanta Kalita and his PhD student Joseph Monical, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), visited the benchmark sites in Lebanon as part of the WLI student exchange/research program. The visits allowed the team to observe surface irrigation canals from Laboueh, as well as operational and newly constructed municipal wells that supply water to the area. The team was briefed by local officials on some of the challenges with the regional water supply for domestic and agricultural use, including the extensive depletion of groundwater levels that has occurred over the past 30 years. The team also visited the LARI station in Tal Amara where Dr. Kalita gave a presentation on ongoing research activities in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at UIUC. Discussions on potential areas of collaboration between the WLI and UIUC were also held at AREC. These included characterization of groundwater use and dynamics, water accounting, conjunctive water use in irrigation, and modeling of agricultural production under various irrigation and cropping practices using historical and projected climate scenarios. The discussions resulted in the development of a preliminary scope of work for Joseph’s research project. A similar meeting was held at American University of Beirut (AUB) where the UIUC team met with Dr. Musa Nimah, Dr. Nadim Farajallah and Dr. Mac Mckee of Utah State University (USU) and had an in-depth discussion on potential areas of collaboration among the universities. Overall, the UIUC team was pleased with their visit and very appreciative of the WLI team in Lebanon. Although outside the scope of the WLI, it is noteworthy to mention that as a result of this trip Dr. Kalita is now considering to take one undergraduate student from AUB to UIUC during summer 2012, thereby strengthening the ties between the two universities. Visit to WLI benchmark in Lebanon (31 July – 6 August, 2011): Dr. Mac McKee, the Director of Water Research Laboratory at Utah State University (USU) visited the benchmark site in Lebanon to assess the work progress of his student Roula Bachour. During his visit, Dr. Mac McKee met with staff/faculty members from AUB as well as researchers from Lebanon Agricultural Research Institute (LARI). Visit to Utah State University (August 27-31, 2011): Dr. Scott Christiansen and Dr. Theib Oweis visited Utah State University and met with Dr. Mac McKee, Dr. Wynn Walker, Dr. Jagath Kaluarachchi, Dr. DeeVon Bailey and Dr. Mark McLellan, Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies. Dr. McLellan assured them of USU’s continued support of the WLI. Dr. Oweis and Dr. Christiansen also met with a dozen Middle Eastern students, including Roula Bachour who participated in the USU-Lebanon summer student exchange program, and gleaned some ideas on how to improve future student exchange programs. Dr. Oweis also met with Mr. Chuck Onstad, a retired USDA employee, who expressed interest in reviewing the WLI over the course of the next half year.


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Visit to USAID (August 25, 2011): Dr. Theib Oweis made a one-day visit to USAID where he met with a number of officials (details provided below) and gave a presentation on “Water in the Middle East: Managing Scarcity for Security”. The presentation focused on increasing water scarcity in the Middle East and the need to broaden the focus of improving irrigation efficiencies to increase agricultural water productivity. Also discussed was the role the WLI is playing to achieve these goals and help improve livelihoods in rural areas. The event was well attended and led to a lively discussion with many questions. Hady Amr, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Middle East Bureau Chronic water scarcity in the Middle East and the impact on agriculture and food security was discussed. ICARDA’s role in addressing water and agriculture and the impact of current events on the implementation of the WLI was elaborated and discussed. ICARDA’s presence in Tunisia and Libya and potential involvement in water and agriculture in these countries was also discussed. Meeting with representatives from the Bureau of Policy, Planning and Learning; Science and Technology (PPL/ST) PPL/S&T is working on a call for proposals that will come out next week focused on researchers in the Middle East and North Africa. Approximately $1m will be available and awarded in grants of $50,000 per year for up to three years. The S&T team is interested in how they can ensure the broadest distribution possible of this call for proposals and requested Dr. Oweis to provide feedback. The next round for MENA, which will be announced in six months, will be focused on water. Jill Shaunfield, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, US State Department Ms. Shaunfield works for the State Department in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. Part of her work is to support the deputy envoy for the Middle East Peace Process, which includes institutional development with the Palestinian Authority. One of the things that most interested Ms. Shaunfield was to understand how the WLI was working with the Palestinians, including freedom of movement for researchers and staff to visit other benchmark sites. There was also discussion of how the Palestinians have visited and interacted with WLI in Jordan, Egypt and Syria. Meeting with members from the USAID Water Team, members working on the Agriculture Grand Challenge and members of the Middle East Research The Grand Challenge is based on a similar initiative by the Gates Foundation. The idea is to identify an unsolved problem that can be achieved within three to five years which yields transformational development. Dr. Oweis recommended focusing on small changes that could produce big results, such as in rainfed agriculture where great gains can be made using supplementary irrigation. Meeting with John Wilson, Director, Asia / Middle East, Office of Technical Support Several issues were discussed including progress in implementing the WLI, efforts to encourage USAID Middle East Missions to provide support and linkages with the MENA Network of Water Centers of Excellence. Meeting with Rob Bertram, Head of Agriculture Research and Transformation in the Bureau of Food Security (BFS/ART)


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Topics of discussion included restructuring of research priorities, focusing on the Indo-Gangetic plains, the Sahel, eastern and southern Africa as well as the Ethiopian highlands. The last area offers ICARDA an opportunity to collaborate on the issue of water. One of the issues where ICARDA could provide support is on how to integrate best practices to drive sustainable intensification.

Summer Student Exchange/Research Program Egypt The research in Egypt was facilitated by Dr. Atef Swelam (ICARDA) and Dr. Francois Molle (IWMI/IRD), who made a one-week trip to the two WLI sites in Damanhour and West Nubaria July 5-12, 2011. The student researchers received special assistance in testing their respective questionnaires and methodology in the fields and in coordinating with local partners. In Damanhour the students (Brian Howard from Texas A&M University and Ahmed Abdo from Zagazig University) were involved in documenting water management at the level of a sub-branch canal equipped with collective pumps at the mesqa level some ten years ago (Irrigation Improvement Project). The surveys at the farm level addressed the different constraints faced by farmers and how they have been changed (or not) by the implementation of the project. The students were working under the supervision of Dr. Alaa of the Water Management Research Center. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Brian had to return back to the U.S. prior to completion of the research. Ahmed Abdo later worked with Dr. Wafa Ghazouani, post-doc with the International Water Management Institute, on the Byada canal, in an area where the IIP project had not yet been implemented, in order to provide a comparison point. Jessica Sharkey is a MSc student from UC-Davis who worked on the Western Nubaria Project, specifically looking at the relationships between constraints to intensification and diversification of cash crops; water supply (in terms of quantity, quality, timing-predictability), and market linkages. The survey focused on 47 farmers in the West Nubaria Rural Development project. Through this exercise the students (Jessica and Noha Salah from the Water Management Research Center, Cairo) were able to analyse the spatial diversity of cropping patterns and determine constraints linked to water delivery and farming systems to assess ways of further increasing productivity in the project area. Some of the survey findings included:

Differences in the amount of water discharged (as a function of “on” days) significantly influences cropping patterns in the study area.

Farmers rely heavily on groundwater to supplement canal water. Shallow wells have very saline water and can only be used infrequently. Many farmers lack the capital necessary to dig a well.

Interruption in electricity prevents timely distribution of water from the mesqa to the field thus making water inaccessible to the farmer.


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Most of the farmers are selling their crops to a distributor, often times with minimum or no ability to negotiate the price.

Farmers who have not switched to tree crops state lack of capital and technical knowledge as the main deterrents. Some farmers feel that groundnut fares well under moisture stress and deem them a secure investment. However, the productivity of groundnut has been decreasing due to lack of fertility and pest problems (such as nematodes).

Farmers feel there is a lack of community services available to them in their new villages.

Jordan Loubna Mahasneh is a PhD student from Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), who began her research on the “Application of SWAT modelling to study the effects of water harvesting interventions on soil erosion and crop productivity in an arid environment in Jordan.” The research is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the effect of selected water harvesting interventions on biophysical properties such as the quantity and quality of sediments, run-off and crop productivity. [Please refer to Annex IV (a) for additional information on Loubna’s research]. During the period, Loubna specifically focused on biophysical characterization of the watersheds for subsequent modelling. Loubna accomplished the following:

Developed a detailed soil sampling surveys using GPS for various observations, Created a detailed topographic survey Gathered weather data from different sources for the nearest weather stations (Queen Alia

International Airport and Muaqqer Station). Over the coming months, Loubna plans to:

Order an automatic sampler for sediment and runoff samples, Purchase images with high resolution (taken during Spring of 2011) for the sites, Conduct calibration for the flow meter, and Continue data collection for the other three sites.

Loubna worked under the direct supervision of Dr. Majed Abu Zreig from Jordan’s University of Science and Technology (JUST) and Dr. Feras Ziadat from ICARDA.

Lebanon Rebekah Moses: During the reporting period, Rebekah an MSc student of International Agricultural Development at UC Davis, explored the current status of agricultural extension in Lebanon’s Beqa’a valley - specifically looking at key actors, major challenges faced and opportunities in the re-establishment of public sector extension. [Please refer to Annex IV (b) for additional information on Rebekah’s research]. Using a qualitative approach, Rebekah evaluated agricultural research gaps within Lebanon and the roles of various extension stakeholders in the country. She interviewed a broad


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spectrum of actors representing the public sector, international development organizations, academia, NGOs and ICARDA. Based on her study Rebekah made recommendations that specifically target the Department of Extension, Extension Centers, the Ministry of Agriculture, LARI, the American University of Beirut, and the various NGOs that operate in the area. Roula Bachour and Manal Arab: Roula Bachour, a PhD student in civil and environmental engineering from USU, worked during the summer in Lebanon with Ms. Manal Al Arab, a recent MS graduate of AUB, to evaluate available data on water resources, irrigation practices and system operation with the aim of developing a long-term plan for applied water-related research at the Orontes benchmark site. [Please refer to Annex IV (c) for additional information on Roula’s and Manal’s research]. As part of their research, the two met with people who are knowledgeable about agricultural conditions and problems at the WLI benchmark site, including representatives of various government ministries, researchers, ICARDA personnel, farmers and extensionists. The final report generated documents the data available or currently being collected that could be used to better understand water-related agricultural problems in the area. The report also summarizes gaps that will still exist in the available data, and lists the most significant water management problems affecting agricultural livelihoods in the area that could be solved through applied research and successful outreach and extension activities. As a final recommendation Roula and Manal provided a list of six applied research projects that, if conducted, could improve water management in the region in ways that would increase the profitability of agriculture. The proposed research projects include:

1. Water Supply Assessment 2. Irrigation Information Support Service Center 3. Irrigation Efficiency and Water Management 4. Institutional Issues in Water Management at the Benchmark 5. Aquaculture Potential and Requirements for the Benchmark 6. Integrated Water Resources Management at the Basin-Scale

Joseph Monical: a PhD student and a potential exchange student from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) visited Lebanon with his advisor Dr. Prasanta Kalita as part of the WLI student exchange/research program in August 2011. During their visit, the team met with local project partners and observed the El Qaa benchmark site. Due to these visits, they developed a preliminary scope of research for Joseph’s PhD project. [Please refer to Annex IV (d) for additional information on Joseph’s research]. The project aims to explore means of enhancing agricultural production and farmer livelihoods in the El Qaa region through conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater with efficient irrigation practices.


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Expenditure and Burn Rate Analysis

USAID initial funding support of $350,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 was used for three planning workshops held in Cairo, Aleppo, and Amman between April and May, 2009. USAID subsequently appropriated $913,978 in FY 2009 and $535,000 in FY 2010 to launch regional and bilateral foundational activities. Taking the cumulative total of these obligations, the unspent balance as of September 30, 2011 is $184,566 and is illustrated by category of expenditure in chart 1 below:

Chart 1


17

Chart 2 shows the time course of expenditures per category, as well as the time course of total spending.

Chart 2

Upcoming Events The WLI Third Regional Coordination Meeting will be held on December 13-15, 2011 in Amman, Jordan. The meeting will serve as a forum where NARS can present their achievements in 2011 and finalize their respective work plans for 2012. Special emphasis will be given to the students’ exchange program and research linkages to the benchmarks’ needs, and UF’s request for a no-cost extension of the U.S. Universities agreements to send more students to the benchmark sites. A two-day workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation is also being considered prior to or subsequent to the Regional Coordination Meeting. The workshop, to be led by Dr. Sarah Tully from USAID, and Dr. Sandra Russo from UF, is aimed at initiating discussion on the link between WLI activities at the benchmark sites and the Feed the Future (FTF) Initiative. The workshop is also expected to help teams select indicators that are best suited to their current activities.


18

Annex I: Summary of Activities Undertaken by the WLI Egypt

Objective Activities Outputs Code

Lead

or

gani

satio

n

Pers

on in

ch

arge

Jan

Feb Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Assess the sustainability of the irrigation system, and its impact on water

productivity and rural livelihoods, on the basis of the following parameters

Activity 1-BPIWMR/ NWRC

Dec‐11

In progress

To assess the sustainability of the irrigation systems and its impacts on water productivity, land use and rural livelihoods in the Nile Delta, the bio-physical team worked on the following activities (i) soil compaction and salinity build-

up in Zankalon location (old land); (ii) water table and salinity build-up in Al Bustan location

(new land) and (iii) salinity build-up in Al Hussainia location (salt affected land)

Soil compaction and salinity build-up in Zankalon location (Old land)

Activity 1.1-BPIWMR/ NWRC

Dec‐11

In progress

The team set a framework to monitor the soil compaction and soil salinity built up based on the collected samples from the field. Also they

decide to design a questionnaire to be collected from farmers in order to define all the

parameters that may affect either soil compaction or salinity build up

Water table and salinity build-up in Al Bustan location (New land)

Activity 1.2-BPSWERI/ ARC

Dec‐11

In progress

Four students (2 from Egypt and 2 from the US) worked on the assessment and

evaluationof the Irrigation Improvement Project (IIP) in Damanhour region and on the Collective

Irrigation Actions in West Nubaria Development Project

Salinity build-up in Al Hussainia location (Salt-affected land)

Activity 1.3-BP SWERI/ ARC

Dec‐11

Assess the impact of utilizing sustainable water use technologies and land

management practices on improving rural livelihoods of farmers in the three

benchmark sites

Rural livelihoods of farmers in the Nile Delta sub-sites are improved (through the

adoption of sustainable land and water management practices and livelihood

strategies)Knowledge, skills and qualifications for

key stakeholders in the three benchmark site

Activity 1-SE ARC/AERI

Dr.

Ena

s S

aleh

Dec‐11

In progress

Assessment of the impact of utilizing sustainable water use technologies and land

management practices on improving rural livelihoods of farmers in the three benchmark

sites

Identify potential options/interventions (technologies, institutions, policies) for water use efficiency (economic, social,

technical and environmental)

A short list of the best water-saving techniques accepted and adopted by

households in the three benchmark sites developed

Activity 2-SE ARC/AERI

Dr.

Ena

s S

aleh

Dec‐11

In progressIdentification of potential options for water use

efficiency improvement

Assess existing income-generating activities in the three benchmark sites and

identify potential income-generating activities

A short list of the existing income generating activities in the three

benchmark developedActivity 3-SE ARC/AERI

Dr.

Ena

s S

aleh

Dec‐11

In progress

Assessment of existing income-generating activities in the three benchmark sites and identification of potential income generating

activities

Progress

Notes

Com

pone

nt

Responsibility Timeline

Final report on previous projects related to irrigation development in the three

locations developedBase-line for an integrated water and land-use strategy for sustainable benchmark

management developedFeedback analysis for commonly-used

agriculture and

Bio-

phys

ical

Determine the sustainable water and integrated water, land use, and livelihood in the in the Nile

Delta sub-sites for scaling-upAssess the effect of water table fluctuations and

salinity build-up on the sustainability of the irrigation system

Determine t

Soci

o-ec

onom

ic Assess the effects of utilizing sustainable water use technologies and land management practices

on improving rural livelihoods of farmers in the three benchmark sites.

Develop a short list of the best water-saving techniques accepted and adopted by house

Due

tim

e

Indicator of achievement

Constraints and Risks Status* Reason


19

Iraq

Lead

or

gani

satio

n

Pers

on in

ch

arge

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec Status* Reason Notes

Identification of key indicators of water productivity assessment (bio-physical,

economic and social)

Indicators of water productivity assessment (bio-physical, economic &

social) identifiedActivity 1-BP SBAR

Dr.

Raa

d O

mar

Sal

ihD

r. A

hmed

Al-F

alah

iD

r. K

asim

Ahm

ed S

alie

mD

r. A

bdul

khal

ik S

alih

Nea

ma

Mr.

Ibr

ahee

m L

afta

Jea

d

Oct

-11

In progress

The identification of key indicators of water productivity was conducted by the bio-

physical team based on the results of the field surveys that took place in April-June

2011

Identification of key constraints in water productivity that should be addressed

through interventions

Key constraints for low water productivity identified

Activity 2-BP SBAR

Dr.

Raa

d O

mar

Sal

ihD

r. A

hmed

Al-F

alah

iD

r. K

asim

Ahm

ed S

alie

mD

r. A

bdul

khal

ik S

alih

Nea

ma

Mr.

Ibr

ahee

m L

afta

Jea

d

Oct

-11

In progress

The constraints were (i) appropriate irrigation techniques and on-farm water

management practices as key means to leach the salts out of the root zone and (ii)suitable drainage structure and controlled

saline drainage water re-use in farming systems

Comparison of different on-farm cropping systems, cultural practices, irrigation

techniques, etc

Different on-farm cropping systems, cultural practices, and irrigation

techniques compared Activity 2-BP SBAR

Dr.

Raa

d O

mar

Sal

ihD

r. A

hmed

Al-F

alah

iD

r. K

asim

Ahm

ed S

alie

mD

r. A

bdul

khal

ik S

alih

Nea

ma

Mr.

Ibr

ahee

m L

afta

Jea

d

Oct

-11

In progress

Attempts to collect data on water productivity in protected agriculture were

made by the bio-physical team by visiting farmers and growers of greenhouse grown vegetables in in Abu-Ghraib project and

data was collected on the cropped areas, crops, yield and quantity of seasonal water

used

Cropping patterns and contributions of members of the household to agricultural

activities analyzedLivelihood options in the study area

identified Contribution of agriculture to households’

income analyzedFormal and informal institutions dealing with livelihood and water management

identified, and their contribution to livelihood analyzed

Farmers’ perceptions of water management analyzed

Constraints faced by farmers in livelihood development and farm

management identified

Activity 1-SE SBAR

Mr.

Muh

anna

d M

uaya

d A

bdul

lah

Dr.

Saa

d H

atim

Moh

amm

ed

Dr.

Ahm

ed A

l-Fal

ahi

Dr.

Raa

d O

mar

S

alih

Dr.

Kas

im A

hmed

Sal

iem

Mrs

. S

ahar

Ali

Nas

r

Oct

-11

Inprogress

Socio-economic data were computerized and a database will be developped that also will have interfaces with the bio-

physical data

Report writing Activity 2‐SE SBAR

Bio-

phys

ical

Assess and improve water productivity

Soci

o-ec

onom

ic Assess community constraints and

needs as it relates to land and water

resources and their impacts on livelihood

Conduct a socio-economic study on a representative sample

Timeline

Indicator of Achievement

Constraints and Risks

Progress2011

Due

time

Responsibility

Com

pone

nt

Obj

ectiv

e

Activities Outputs Code


20

Jordan

Lead

or

gani

satio

n

Per

son

in

char

ge

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov


Data collection (water flow and level, run-off and sediments) for modeling using SWAT

Inputs parameters for SWAT model measured and used in research

Activity 1-BP NCARE

Nab

il B

ani H

ani

Dec

-11 Soil sample collected

and analyses for

chemical and physical

soil properties.

None to report In progress

A wind erosion station was installed at the benchmark site

and tested in three different conditions: (i) farmer's plot

cropped with barley, (i i) a site cropped with shrubs with water

harvesting interventions, (i i i) a natural grazing site. The

objective was to monitor wind profile in the three different

conditions. Wind speed and direction, saltation and

suspension transport were collected. The data collection will

continue for the next two years

Select a new site for developing guidelines & implementing demonstration trials on water harvesting

techniques & dissemination to farmers

Implications of water harvesting techniques on bio-physical processes and socio-economic

conditions evaluatedActivity 2-BP NCARE

Dec

-11

A new site for

implementing

demonstration trials on

water harvesting

techniques &

dissemination to

farmers was selected in

Al Mafraq area.


A series of meetings were made with the farmers in the

benchmark site to design the activities that well be conducted

at the new selected site of Al Mafraq. The discussed activities

treated water harvesting techniques (contour l ines, water

reservoirs, check dam, etc) and proper land use. Two new sites

were as well selected where land terraces and water

harvesting techniques have been implemented

Two new Marrab sites were selected and implemented water

spreading harvesting techniques.

Assessment of potential income generating activities for target communities in the benchmark (Mhareb,

Majidieh and Nqera)Activity 1-SE NCARE

Sam

ia A

krou

sh

Dec

-11

Conduct community meetings to identify potential income generating activities

Activity 1.1-SE NCARE

Sam

ia A

krou

sh

Feb

-11

& D

ec-1

1

Meetings with communities at the

benchmark to identify income generating

activities


Exchange experiences with other communities in the benchmark (Nqera)


Sam

ia A

krou

sh

Mar

-11

& D

ec-1

1


A concept note was prepared and submitted to USAID/MEPI

program. The proposal sti l l in the evaluation process. The

objective of this concept note was to assist the development of

the Majidyya and Muharib Cooperatives, while developing a

new capacity for the Ngera Cooperative as peer trainers and

consultants in the benchmark area

Integration of gender dimension in local NGO’s activities for women skills improvment in the

benchmarkActivity 2-SE NCARE

Nad

era

Al J

awha

ri

Dec

-11

Meetings with households in the targeted local communities


Apr

-11

& D

ec-1

1

Completed

several meeting with women at communities area we held , the purpose was to identify with women participation the different types of income generating activities they are

interested in working and implementing.

Household questionnaire Activity 2.2-SE NCARE

Mar

-11


A detailed gender survey was prepared in consultation with

ICARDA/SEPR Program. The survey now is at the process of pre‐

testing with the local communities at Mhareb and Majedia.

The main components covered by the questionnaire are

educational level, income sources , agricultural production

systems and women role, housing water supply, women daily

routine and women role in agricultural activities, as well as

the community needs and priorities

Soc

io-e

cono

mic Raise the awareness of

local communities on the role of income

generating activities for poverty reduction and

development

Potential income generating activities identifiedIncome generating options introduced in the

communities

Gender equity and women’s skill needs in rural households assessed

Evaluate the implications of water

harvesting techniques on bio-physical

processes via modeling and dissemination

activities

Bio-

phys

ical


Progress

Com

pone

nt

Obj

ectiv

e

Code

ResponsibilityTimeline

2011

Due

tim

e

Activities Outputs Indicator of Achievement


21

Lebanon

Lead

or

gani

satio

n

Person in charge Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov


Questionnaire for field surveys completed Activity 1-BP LARI

Eng. Randa Massaad, Dr.Ihab

Jomaa, Eng. Sleiman Skaff

Apr

-11 Regular meetings of the WLI

team at LARI stationCompleted

Questionnaire designed and trialled for common use with the socio-economic team

The required bio-physical data from Hermel and El-Qaa collected for further analysis

Activity 2-BP LARI

Dr.Ihab Jomaa, Eng. Randa Massaad,

Eng.Sleiman Skaff, Eng. Naji Araji

Jul-1

1 Regular visits to the site and number of soil and water

samples

At Hermel site, a collaboration with the

Ministry of Agricultural is needed

In Progress

We finish El Qaa region but we need to

collaborate with the Ministry of agriculture to achieved it ( A meeting was proposed in 15 of October to resolve the

problem)

The biophysical survey is still going on. Other visits to the El-Qaa site are foreseen in the last

quarter of the year. In Hermel site, due to unexpected constraints, the survey will be done in 2012. Soil and water samples from surface

sources and wells werre collected

GIS Layers (1/50000) of climatic parameters in the watershed produced

Activity 3-BP LARIDr.Ihab Jomaa, Eng.

Nisrine El Hajj

Aug

-11

Data collection from LARI agro-meteorological network station

at the Benchmark and other sources (Beirut Airport)

In ProgressThe data collection is

continuous till the end of the year

Long-run weather data were collected for different locations in the benchmark site. Contacts were

made for this purpose with the Directorate of Civil Aviation of Beirut International Airport

GIS layers (1/50000) of the watershed produced. GIS layers of the watershed harmonised between Syria and

LebanonActivity 4-BP LARI

Dr.Ihab Jomaa, Eng. Nisrine El Hajj

Aug

-11

Limitation on the budget/no visits

between Syria and Lebanon due to the political situation in

Syria

In Progressthe polytical situation in

Syria

The bio-physical team is digitizing field parcels and the collected climatic data from Beirut

International Airport as GIS layers

Land cover map updatedLand cover change analysis for the last 10 years

availableActivity 5-BP LARI

Dr.Ihab Jomaa, Rana Lahoud

Aug

-11

Visit of the El Qaa region In Progress

The Laboratory of LARI can't do analysis of this total amount of samples

in this time so he will finish them in October

because he has a routine work

Field monitoring will be done through regular visits to the selected parcels to record land

usage. Remote sensing analysis is still going for the benchmark area, which will provide us the

history of agricultural surface area. For this activity, the team requested satellite images in order to be able to build an historical knowledge

and better understanding of the current agricultural and land use situation

Questionnaire completed for field surveys Activity 1-SE LARI

Eng. Randa Massaad, Eng.Hanna Chehabeddine, Fadi

Naddaf

Apr

-11

Regular meeting of the WLI team at LARI station

CompletedQuestionnaire designed and trialled for common

use with the bio-physical team

Required socio-economic data collected for further analysis

Activity 2-SE LARI


Naddaf

Jul-1

1

Regular visits to the site

At Hermel site, a collaboration with the

Ministry of Agricultural is needed

In Progress

We finish El Qaa region but we need to

collaborate with the Ministry of agriculture to achieved it ( A meeting was proposed in 15 of October to resolve the

problem)

The surveys and data collection at Al Qaa led to more than 10 regular visits and interviews with

farmers and the Committee of Management and Exploitation of Drinking and Irrigation Water in El

Qaa. To date, a number of 70 questionnaires were achieved

Socio-economic and bio-physical characteristics in the benchmark sites of Hermal & El-Qaa identified

Activity 3-SE LARI


Naddaf

Oct

-11

Training workshop on SPSS In Progress

The database is now operationnal, but still needs some refinment works. It is expected that the

WLI support team terminate completely this task by the end of the current year

ProgressResponsibility

Outputs Code Indicator of Achievement

Due

time Constraints and

Risks

2011

Timeline


22

Palestine

Lead organisation

Person in charge Ja

nF

ebM

arA

prM

ayJu

nJu

lA

ugS

epO

ctN

ovD

ec Status* Reason Notes

Activity 1-BP ARIJ/LRCIssa zboun & Mohammed

Sadeq Dec

-11

In progress

Land suitability & land use characterization indicators were

modified based on the Palestinian context. Land use land cover analysis

for areail photo graphs of the year 2010 has accomplished for both benchmarks. Soil field study was

conducted for the southern benchmark.

Activity 2-BP ARIJ/LRCIssa zboun & Mohammed

Sadeq Dec

-11

In progress

General structure of the database has been desgned and the availble layers also linked to the GIS system. Data verification has been accomplished

Activity 1-SE NARC

Consultant & Dr. Nasser

Sholy & field staff

Apr

-11

Completed Data collected

Activity 2-SE NARCConsultant & Dr. Nasser

Sholy Jun-

11

Completed Data entered

Activity 3-SE NARCConsultant & Dr. Nasser

Sholy Aug

-11

In progress

Indicator of Achievement Constraints and Risks

Progress2011

Due

time

Timeline

Code

Responsibility


23

Syria

Lead

organisation

Person in

charge Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Ma y

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov


Activity 1-BP GCSARAwadis Arslan

Dec-11

The situation in Al Ghab region was not safe to undertake the various

activities in the 3rd quarter of the year

In progressThe bio-physical team needs to get in touch with

the Jordanian and Lebanese groups to standardize the work

Activity 2-BP GCSARBoshra

KhozamDec-11

Ph. D. students



In progress

Mr. Tamam Yaghi (Ph. D. student) is expected to start a research work on water accounting in the

lower Orontes Basin. Faculty advisor is Prof. Bashar Ibrahim (Damascus Univ), Supervisor is Dr.

Francois Molle (IRD/IWMI) and co-advisor is Dr Bushra Khouzam (GCSAR)

Activity 3-BP GCSARWassim Adli and others

Dec-11MSc and Ph. D. students



In progressMr Wassim Adli concluded a Ph. D. on 'Effect of green manure and nitrogen-based fertilization on

the yield of Cotton crop in Al-Ghab plain soil'

Activity 1-SE GCSARMoamar Dayoub

In progressThe A meeting with ICARDA experts specialists

needs to be set to improve the questioneer or approve it before starting the following stage

Activity 1.1‐SE GCSARMoamar Dayoub

Mar-11



Completed The questionnaire was designed and trialled


Apr-11



Completed The questionnaire was designed and trialled


Jul-11



Not started (overdue)

The socioeconomic survey of households in the benchmark area continued in the third quarter of

the year, but apparently with less frequent visits to the site following the unsafe conditions prevailing at

the Al-Ghab area

Activity 1.4‐SE GCSARMoamar

DayoubSep-11



Not started (overdue)

The socio-economic team, in full partnership with SEPRP (Social, Economics and Policy Research Program at ICARDA; Dr Aden-Aw-Hassan and Dr Ahmad Mazid) agreed to hold a training workshop

at ICARDA on the collection and analysis of surveyed data, similar to the one organised by

SEPRP to the WLI team in Egypt


Dec-11 Not started


2011

Due tim

e Indicator of

achievement

ResponsibilityTimeline

Code


24

Yemen

Lead

or

gani

satio

n

Pers

on in

ch

arge

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov


Update existing digital database for the area

Land cover mapUpdated soil map

Updated suitability mapActivity 1-BP

AREA, NWAR

Jul-11

Assess water productivity in spate irrigation and ground

water use

Report on monitoring ground water wells for both level and quality

Methodology for assessment of water productivity developed

Water productivity for spate and ground water irrigation assessed

Activity 2-BPAREA, NWAR

Oct-11

Assess the role of spate irrigation in ground water

recharge

Contribution of spate irrigation to ground water recharge assessed Activity 3-BP

AREA, NWAR

Oct-11

Conduct an initial assessment of the impact of water

productivity on livelihoods

Active stakeholders identifiedMethodology of the impact

assessment developed

Activity 1-SE NWAR Oct‐11

Assess the role of water users and other multi-purpose

associations in managing agro-ecosystems (including water &

land degradation)

Report on the role of water user

associations in water management

Report on the role of multi‐

purpose cooperative associations

in enhancing agro‐ecosystems

management

Activity 2-SE AREA Jun‐11

Assess indigenous knowledge and social norms in

management of agro-ecosystems

Indigenous knowledge and social

norms in management of agro‐

ecosystems assessed

Activity 3-SE AREA Dec‐11

Bio-

phys

ical

Establish digital database for Delta Abyan

Monitor and assess water resources and their use Understand pathways of

waste/treated water in the study area

Soci

o-ec

onom

ic Assess role and effectiveness of associations in natural

Resource Management and community support

Assess impact of water productivity on livelihoods

Timeline

Com

pone

nt

Obj

ectiv

es

Activities Outputs Code

Responsibility

Indicator of Achievement


Progress2011

Due

time


25

Annex II: Introduction to Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS)

Suggested Title: Introduction to SPSS Program

Purpose: Introduction to SPSS

Expected outputs:

By the end of the course participants will be able to: 1‐ Know the installation of the program 2‐ Coding the Questionnaire 3‐ Data entry

Expected outcomes: Finalizing the coding of the questionnaire filled by WLI team

Duration: four Days

Venue: National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension (NCARE), Jordan

Number of hours: 40 hrs

Learning materials

Trainer manual: SPSS software

Presentations: power point

Visual aids, handouts, etc…

Learning content: Installation process‐Coding‐ Data entry

Recommended trainers names, specializations and short bios.: Eng. Hana'a Chehabeddine

and Mr. Fadi Naddaf

Targeted audience: Socio‐economic Lebanese Team

Funding Sources: WLI Local Money


26

Annex III: Template for training on “Introduction to GIS”

Suggested Title: Introduction to GIS I

Purpose: the geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software and data for capturing managing and analyzing and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. The GIS allow us to view, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns and trends in the form of maps, reports and charts.

Instructor: Dr. Ihab Jomma

Expected outputs: 11 researchers from Lebanon’s Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) will be equipped with basic skills that will allow them to use geographic knowledge to better understand and manage the WLI benchmark sites in Lebanon

By the end of the course participants will be able to: create data, change symbols colors, create and layers, import xy coordinates, layouts and others.

Expected outcomes: trainees will be able to ask questions and solve problems by analyzing geographic information collected from the benchmark area.

Duration: three days

Venue: Lebanon’s Agricultural Research Institute (LARI)

Number of hours: 12 hours

Learning materials

Trainer manual: computer and software: ArcGIS9. 3

Presentations

Visual aids, handouts, etc…


27

Annex IV: Revised Scope of Work for Student Research

Annex IV (a): Revised Scope of Work for Loubna Mahasneh

Middle East Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI) Improving Rural Livelihoods through Sustainable Water and Land-

use Management in the Middle East

Scope of Work

Project

Application of SWAT model to study the effects of water harvesting interventions on soil erosion and crop productivity in an arid environment in Jordan

Rational

Water harvesting practices have helped communities in the dry areas of Jordan cope with water scarcity for thousands of years. But over time, many water-harvesting systems have fallen in disrepair due to new developments and changing socio-economic conditions. Growing water scarcity and climate change have renewed the interest in water harvesting. Modeling water-harvesting systems that are adjusted to the current needs of rural communities requires a good understanding of the complex interactions between different water-harvesting systems, water uses and users at the watershed level.

Water harvesting interventions are currently being promoted as a tool to improve land and water productivity, and mitigate land degradation. However, quantitative information about the impacts of these interventions has not been studied, especially at watershed level. Modeling at watershed level is crucial to out scale the quantitative relationships to wider areas within the arid environments, which are similar to the study area.

Main goal

This study aims at adapting the SWAT model to predict the effects of water harvesting interventions on bio-physical properties that is applicable to similar arid environments.

Specific objectives

Study the effects of selected water harvesting interventions on sediment quantity and quality, run-off, and crop productivity;

Evaluate the applicability of SWAT model in a typical arid area of Jordan.

Expected outputs

The effects of selected water harvesting interventions on soil erosion and crop productivity assessed;


28

SWAT model adapted to assess the impacts of water harvesting interventions in an arid environment.

Names of scientists and institutions involved in the research

Name of the primary advisor: Prof. Majed Abu Zreig, Jordan University of Science & Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan

Name of the co-advisor: Dr Feras Ziadat (IWLMP-ICARDA)

Name of the co-advisor from US University: Prof. Raghavan Srinivasan, University of Texas A&M Student Eng. Lubna Al-Mahasneh, National Centre for Agricultural Research & Extension (NCARE) – GIS Unit, Water & Environment Program.

Degree: BSc in Civil/Agricultural Engineering, JUST (2002)

Research degree: Master of Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Jordan University of Science & Technology.

US University involved in the research project:

Duration of the research

Three years (2011-2013)


29

Annex IV (b): Revised Scope of Work for Rebakah Moses

Middle East Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI) Improving Rural Livelihoods through Sustainable Water and

Land-use Management in the Middle East Scope of Work

Project

The current status of agricultural extension in Lebanon’s Beqa’a Valley: key actors, major challenges, and opportunities in the re-establishment of public sector extension

Goals and Objectives

Agriculture research in Lebanon is mainly carried out by the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) and universities, such as the Lebanese University and the American University of Beirut (AUB). Though these institutions do some local extension work, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Extension Directorate has the main responsibility of getting new information out to farmers. However, due to years of political conflict, the extension services in Lebanon have had limited resources to become a strong link in the information chain between researchers and farmers. There are very few extension specialists that are well informed about current research that may be applicable to current field problems. As a result, farmers have received antiquated and, at times, wrong information from extension agents, which has perpetuated mistrust between farmers, extension agents, and researchers.

The goal of this study is to identify information gaps between research, extension, and farmers in the WLI benchmark site, Lebanon. Improved communication between these three groups will help better address the agronomic problems at the benchmark site, build capacity within the Lebanon extension system, and facilitate the adjustment of research goals based on farmer feedback.

Objectives

1. Identify existing research results and available technologies at LARI and other research/academic institutions and determine what current research can be applied at the farmer-level

2. Talk to extension agents and assess their knowledge of farm-level activities in the benchmark and their awareness of current research being conducted at LARI and universities

3. Try to link research needs of the extension offices to current research at LARI and universities

4. Determine how extension agents assess farmer problems and how they communicate new information to farmers


30

5. With local extension agents, facilitate a survey of farmer needs in terms of crop production information and how they receive information or help

6. Try to link farmer needs to current research at LARI and universities and determine the more effective way to transfer research information to farmers

Expected outputs

1. Understanding of current applied research being conducted by LARI and local universities

2. More communication between farmers, extension agents , and researchers in the benchmark site 3. Understanding of farmer needs and what research could be applicable to their situation 4. Publish paper on lessons-learned and steps to more forward for the WLI benchmark site,

Lebanon

Lead institution and component leader

Dr Hassan Machlab, Lebanon Country Manager, ICARDA

Dr. Jim Hill, Intenational Program Office, UC Davis

Other institutions and scientists involved

Dr. Theib Oweis, Director, Integrated Water and Land Management Program, ICARDA

Dr. Ihad Jomaa, Head of Dept. of Irrigation and Agrometeorology, LARI

Eng. Mohammed Remeh, Director of the Extension Directorate in Baalbek (Northern Bekaa Valley)

M.S. student from American University in Beirut with faculty advisor

M.S. student from US University with faculty advisor

US Student and faculty advisor profile

Student M.S. student in the field of rural development or agriculture education Faculty Advisor Professor or extension specialist in the field of rural development or agriculture education Duration and dates Two months of field work starting July 1, 2011. Place of field work will be in the Northern Bekaa Valley, Lebanon Reporting The project will provide reports consistent with the activities of the program. Part of the reporting process will draw on the indicators measured to evaluate progress of the project. Program and financial reports will be submitted following sponsor’s requirements on schedule and format.


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Annex IV (c): Revised Scope of Work for Roula Bachour Project Research Priorities for Water and Irrigation System Management in the Orontes Benchmark Site, Lebanon Goals and Objectives Goal Evaluate available data on water resources, irrigation practices, and system operation and develop a long-term plan for water-related research for the Orontes benchmark site. Objectives 1. Assemble: water- and irrigation-related data available from the WLI benchmark survey

work. 2. Assemble: a description of water and irrigation problems as identified from the socio-

economic surveys conducted in the WLI benchmark site and from meetings with researchers, water managers, and irrigators in the area.

3. Identify: gaps in the available water resources database that would hinder applied research

into the water and irrigation problems identified in Objective 2. For example, a review of the available data and baseline data that are still to be collected by ICARDA for the WLI benchmark site leaves gaps in historical climatic data, data on water deliveries, on-farm and irrigation system efficiencies, water prices, irrigation practices, irrigation system operational rules and management, etc.

4. Develop: a detailed outline of a research program in water and irrigation management that

would address water-related problems in the Orontes benchmark site. This would include identification of critical data gaps that would be filled, prioritization of water-related applied research efforts, and an evaluation of scalability of potential research findings.

Expected Outputs 1. Identification: of data gaps and critical on-farm and irrigation system problems 2. Design: of a long-term program to address the applied research needs of the rainfed

benchmark site in Lebanon for water and irrigation. 3. Description: of opportunities and requirements for up- and out-scaling of the water and

irrigation research findings for the Lebanon rainfed benchmark site. 4. Presentation: of results and recommendations at the WLI annual conference.


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Lead Institution and Component Leader

Dr. Mac McKee, Utah State University Dr. Fadi Karam, ICARDA

Other Institutions and Scientists Involved

Dr. François Molle, IWMI Dr. Theib Oweis, ICARDA NARES collaborators

US Student and Faculty Advisor Profile Student Roula Bachour: PhD student in irrigation engineering at USU; her family is from a village located in the benchmark site. Faculty Advisor Dr. Mac McKee, Director of the Utah Water Research Laboratory and professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at USU; he has many years of experience with water problems in several countries in the Middle East. Duration and Dates June 1, 2011 through August 15, 2011 Estimated Budget (to be adjusted)

The total budgeted amount for this work is $25,000. See the attached budget for details.

Reporting

The project will provide a completion report summarizing findings and recommendations for a research program in system-wide irrigation and water management. Program and financial reports will be submitted following the sponsor’s requirements on schedule and format.


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Annex IV (d): Revised Scope of Work for Jospeh Monical

Project title (tentative) Conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater with efficient irrigation practices to enhance agricultural production and farmer livelihood in the El Qaa region off the upper Beqaa Valley of Lebanon Goals and objectives Goal Overuse of groundwater is a critical problem in the whole Orontes river basin, in particular in the region of Qaa, located in the upper part of the basin in Lebanon. The irrigated area around and to the north of Qaa receives water from three different sources: the intermittent wadis from anti-Lebanon mountains, a 17 km long irrigation canal that brings water from the Laboueh spring, and local tube-wells. But the greater and more reliable supply now comes from groundwater resources that are being overexploited. This study will document current irrigation practices, surface water use, and groundwater use by farmers in the Qaa area, simulate surface water and groundwater hydrology, and develop a water allocation model to evaluate current and feasible alternative scenarios of agricultural production practices under the considerations of climate change and farmer livelihood. Objectives 1. Investigate: literature for prior use of appropriate surface water, groundwater, and water allocation models in similar geographical areas, and assess their data requirements, performance, suitability, and uncertainty. 2. Determine: availability of relevant data sets from similar geographical areas (such as southern France or other areas with dry Mediterranean climates) to be used for model calibration and validation. 3. Collect: measurements of relevant local hydrological parameters and well hydraulics data (lateral hydraulic conductivity, infiltration parameters, water table levels, piezeometric head), ongoing and historical meteorological data (precipitation, temperature, solar radiation, estimated ET, soil moisture, surface and spring flows), estimates of other relevant parameters from literature (crop coefficients), current irrigation practices, and determinants of crop selection. 4. Implement: appropriate hydrological model for historical water balance based on analysis of hydrological, crop, and weather data, using supplemental datasets and/or data from Qaa, with model modifications as necessary; perform model calibration and validation and quantify uncertainty. 5. Develop: conjunctive use water allocation model to evaluate irrigation requirements, surface water use, groundwater depletion, and agricultural production under various scenarios of climate change and crop diversity; calibrate and validate model with supplementary data sets and quantify uncertainty. 6. Provide: model framework for use in Qaa as further data is collected.


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Expected outputs

1. Understanding of current irrigation systems and surface-groundwater hydrology, as well as possible changes under various climate change and crop scenarios.

2. Appropriate conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater under various crop selection, land use, irrigation practices, and climate change scenarios.

Institutions and scientists involved

International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) o Dr. Fadi Karam, Water and Livelihoods Initiative (WLI) Coordinator o Dr. Hassan Machlab, Lebanon Country Manager

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) o Joseph Monical, PhD student o Dr. Prasanta Kalita, faculty advisor

Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) o Dr. Ihab Jomaa, Head of the Department of Irrigation and Agro-Meteorology o Ms. Randa Massaad, Department of Irrigation and Agro-Meteorology

International Water Management Institute (IWMI) o Dr. François Molle

Local university in Lebanon (Anticipated - AUB and/or Lebanese University) o M.S. student and faculty advisor

Anticipated visit dates (2011 to 2012)

December to January- Field work, 2011 May to August- Field work, 2012

Equipment

Soil moisture sensors Materials for flumes, weirs, and data logging Reliable weather stations Groundwater monitoring equipment Water sampling equipment Flow meters Turbidity meters Fees for remote data acquisition from installed equipment

Estimated budget (2011 to 2012)

Travel: $25,000 Equipment (see above list): $25,000

Immediate milestones

Literature review (August to December, 2011) Supplementary data acquisition from Mediterranean site with similar geography and

climate (August 2011 to August 2012)


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Acquisition and shipping of necessary equipment, such as laser-piezometers, soil moisture sensors, etc. (August to December, 2011)

Meeting of project partners in Lebanon (François Molle, etc.) (January 2012) Installation and testing of monitoring equipment (December 2011 to January 2012) Regular monitoring and/or sample collection from installed equipment (January 2012

onward) Selection, calibration, and validation of hydrological models with supplementary site data

(January to August 2012)


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Annex V: WLI Contact Information

Name/classification Organization represented Role in WLI E‐mail address

DonorDr. Scott Christiansen USAID WLI, Backstop [email protected]

Dr. Sarah Tully USAID WLI, Backstop [email protected]

Asia Middle East Bureau

Dr. Allegra Da Silva USAID WLI, Backstop [email protected]

Bureau of Food Security

Project Management Unit/ICARDADr. Thieb Oweis ICARDA Director, IWLMP [email protected]

WLI, Project Manager

Dr. Fadi Karam ICARDA Wli, Project Coordinator [email protected]

Ms. Bezaiet Dessalegn ICARDA

WLI, Communication and Public Awareness

Specialist [email protected]

Mr. Tareq Bremer ICARDA Grants Manager [email protected]

Regional Coordinators

Dr. Fawzi Karajeh ICARDA, Cairo

Nile Valley and Sub‐Saharan Africa Regional

Program (ICARDA‐Cairo) [email protected]

Dr. Ahmed Moushfa ICARDA, Dubai Arabian Peninsula Research Program (Dubai) [email protected]

Dr. Nasri Haddad ICARDA, Jordan

Western Asia Regional Program (WARP) in

Jordan [email protected]

Regional University Partners

Dr. Richard TutwilerAmerican University in Cairo, Desert

Development Center Focal person [email protected]

Dr. Tina Jaskolski

American University in Cairo, Desert

Development Center Team Leader [email protected]

Dr. Nadim Farajallah

American University of Beirut, hydrology and

Water Resources Focal person [email protected]

Dr. Omar Kafawin

American University of Jordan, Dean and

Faculty of AgricultureFocal person

[email protected]


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Annex V: WLI Contact Information (Continued...)

Name/classification Organization represented Role in WLI E‐mail address

U.S. University PartnersDr. Steve Whisenant Texas A&M, Dep’t of Ecosystem Science and

Management, Head Focal person

s‐[email protected]

Dr. James Hill (UCD) University of California ‐Davis, Asso.Dean,

College of Ag. & Environmental SciencesFocal person

[email protected]; and

Dr. Laosheng Wu (UCR) University of California ‐Riverside, Soil

Science/CE Water Mgt. Spec.,Focal person

[email protected]

Dr. Prasanta Kalita, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign,

Agricultural and Biological EngineeringFocal Person

[email protected]

Dr. Sandra Russo, University of Florida, Director of Program

Development and Asso. Director of

Transnational & Global Studies Center

Focal Person

[email protected]

Dr. Mac McKeeUtha State University, Civil and

Environmental Engineering, Utah Water

Research Laboratory

Focal Person

[email protected]

Partnering Countries

Dr. Nahla Mohamed Zaki

Director of Water Management Research

Institute (WMRI), National Water Research

Center (NWRC), Egypt Focal Person/NWRC n_abouelfotouh@nwrc‐eg.org

Hamdy Khalifa

Director, Soil, Water & Environment

Research Institute (SWERI); Agricltural

Research Center (ARC), Egypt Focal Person/ARC [email protected]

Bassem Ashour

Faculty of Agriculture at the University of

Zagazig, Egypt Focal [email protected]; [email protected]

Dr. Ahmed Al‐Falahi Iraq Focal Person [email protected]

Dr. Yasser Mohawesh

National Center for Agricultural Research and Extension, Jordan Focal Person [email protected]

Eng. Randa Massaad LARI, Lebanon Focal Person [email protected]

Dr. Nasser SholiNational Agricultural Research Center,

Palestine Focal Person [email protected]

Dr. Awadis Arslan General Commission for Scientific Research,

Syria Focal Person [email protected]

Dr. Khader Balem Atroosh AREA, Yemen Focal person [email protected]


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Annex V: WLI Contact Information (Continued...)

Representative's name Organization Role in WLI

Dr. Kamel Shideed ICARDA ChairDr. Theib Oweis ICARDA WLI, Project ManagerDr. Fadi Karam ICARDA WLI, Project CoordinatorDr. Scott Christiansen USAID MemberDr. Sandra L. Russo UF MemberDr. Francois Molle IWMI Member

Dr. Nahla Mohamed Zaki

Director of Water Management Research Institute, National Water Research Center, Egypt Member

Dr. Hamdy Khalifa

Director, Soil, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt Member

Prof. Bassem Ashour Egypt MemberDr. Ahmed Adnan Ahmed Alfalahi SBAR, Iraq MemberDr. Omar M. Kafawin University of Jordan MemberDr. Yasser Mohawesh NCARE, Jordan MemberMs. Randa Massaad LARI, Lebanon MemberDr. Nasser Sholi NARC, Palestine MemberDr. Awadis B. Arslan GCSAR, Syria MemberDr. Khader Balem Atroosh AREA, Yemen Member

Steering Committee

september 30, 2011 - international center for … 30, 2011 . water and livelihoods initiative (wli)...

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