90% of agriculture in Africa is rainfed. Finding out how its productivity could be improved will benefit some of the world's poorest farmers. Photo: David Brazier/IWMI
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Mar. 22, 2012 -- The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), with headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has been named the 2012 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate for their pioneering research that has served to improve agriculture water management, enhance food security, protect environmental health and alleviate poverty in developing countries.
Seventy percent of global freshwater withdrawals are used in agriculture. With global food demand projected to double by mid-century, more food will need to be grown with less water. IWMI has been the driving force promoting policies and techniques to help farmers to produce 'more crop per drop', and to implement solutions that enable agriculture to cultivate enough food to feed the planet's growing population with limited water resources.
In its citation, The Stockholm Water Prize Nominating Committee states: "The International Water Management Institute is the foremost organisation in agricultural water management. Their work has led to new policies and investments in agriculture that have not only enabled more productive use of water, but have enhanced food security, economic development and environmental health around the world."
Founded in 1984, IWMI is a nonprofit, scientific research organisation focusing on the sustainable use of land and water resources in agriculture, to benefit poor people in developing countries. Over the past quarter century, it has established its place as the definitive source for comprehensive knowledge on global land and water resources. It is headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with regional offices across Asia and Africa. IWMI is a CGIAR Consortium Research Centre.
On receiving the news, Dr. Colin Chartres, Director-General of IWMI said: "It is an incredible honour for our organisation... The real winners, of course, are IWMI's dedicated staff members who, for just over a quarter of a century, have consistently delivered research of the highest quality. This work has had a profound influence on water management policy throughout the globe, delivering real benefits for some of the poorest people on earth."
H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is the patron of the prize and will present it at a Royal Award Ceremony during the 2012 World Water Week in Stockholm on August 30. The Stockholm Water Prize is a global award presented annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute. The Laureate receives USD 150,000 and a crystal sculpture specially designed by Orrefors.
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