Impact evaluations help attribute outcomes to a development intervention, which can be an elusive connection. Feed the Future is excited to showcase findings from its recently completed impact evaluation that assessed the impact of Water Users Associations (WUAs) on water and land productivity, equity, and food security in Tajikistan. The findings are of broad interest to anyone working in agricultural development, nutrition, women’s empowerment, and water governance. Please join us May 24th, online or in person in the Washington, D.C. Ronald Reagan Building, to learn more!
At this Agrilinks seminar, evaluation leaders from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) will discuss three streams (pun intended!) of results:
- For good water governance, duration of training and combined mechanisms are key. USAID-established water user associations in Tajikistan, which were trained over 20-24 months, performed mandated functions better than associations that were established with 3-6 months of training. However, since water user associations only serve private farms, combinations of formal and informal coordinating mechanisms may be necessary to reduce conflicts over water.
- Female farmers need more training in the face of male emigration. Farms operated by untrained females when male farmers emigrated were less likely to pay their financial dues, sign a water contract, and attend irrigation-planning meetings. The continued success of participatory irrigation in Tajikistan will depend on training female farmers to increase their capacities and capabilities.
- Improving productivity for high-value crops requires extension. Results demonstrate that improved irrigation service alone is enough to boost staple production (cotton and wheat), while diversification into high-value crops requires both water delivery and agricultural extension services. An integrated approach is key in programs designed for improving agricultural productivity.
