Baseline assessment report for Resilient Nature-based Water Solutions pilot in Izbat Al-Hamra, Egypt

dc.title: Baseline assessment report for Resilient Nature-based Water Solutions pilot in Izbat Al-Hamra, Egypt
dc.contributor.author: Belhaj Fraj, Makram; Fragaszy, Stephen; Abdelwahab, Noura; Maowod, G.; AbdelMegeed, A.; Elhariry, R. T.; Samarasekara, Vidhisha
dcterms.abstract: This report presents the baseline assessment for the Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions (RNBWS) pilot project in Izbat Al-Hamra, Beheira Governorate, Egypt that is implemented under the Al Murunah project funded by the UK Government and led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The study analyses the biophysical, agricultural, socio-economic, and policy contexts of the area to guide the design and implementation of integrated, community-based interventions that enhance water security, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience.

The pilot focuses on addressing key challenges such as soil salinity, declining productivity, environmental performance of farms, and women’s participation in agricultural value chains. It aims to optimize agricultural production through laser land levelling, drainage improvements, solar-powered surface irrigation systems, and soil salinity management, while also strengthening farmer capacity and resource management and enhancing women’s engagement in food processing and entrepreneurship development.

Drawing on a comprehensive SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, the report identifies strategic directions for scaling RNBWS and advancing integrated agricultural and water resource management in Beheira. The findings and recommendations will support agricultural communities in adopting innovative, practical, and inclusive solutions that strengthen livelihoods, improve access to credit and markets, and enhance long-term financial and environmental sustainability.