Egypt’s Irrigation Minister Reviews Progress on Smart Water Management Project with Spain’s AECID

By Abbas Nazil

In a strategic move to enhance agricultural water efficiency, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, has reviewed the ongoing progress of the “Smart Water Resources Management in the Agriculture Sector in Egypt” project.

The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), aiming to transform water use in agriculture through advanced, climate-responsive technologies.

During a high-level meeting, Minister Sewilam evaluated developments within a key project component titled “Identifying Opportunities for Developing Smart Irrigation Farms in Egypt.”

This segment of the initiative includes the selection of five pilot farms across different governorates—Qalyubeya, Dakahleya, Beheira, Alexandria, and Sohag—to serve as demonstration sites for the application of smart irrigation technologies.

These areas span both the agriculturally vital Nile Delta and the resource-challenged Upper Egypt, reflecting the government’s intention to equitably modernize water use across diverse regions.

To support this rollout, the National Water Research Center has prepared a proposal for the application of smart irrigation models at these sites.

These models are designed to optimize water consumption based on real-time climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and crop requirements.

The initiative seeks not only to improve irrigation efficiency but also to raise productivity and support national food security objectives amid growing water scarcity and climate stress.

Minister Sewilam emphasized the project’s broader significance as part of Egypt’s long-term strategy for sustainable water management.

By localizing smart irrigation technologies and promoting modern agricultural practices, the project aims to equip farmers with tools and knowledge that align with local socio-economic capacities.

This approach is also in line with Egypt’s digital transformation in water resources management, allowing for more precise monitoring, decision-making, and deployment of technology-driven solutions in the field.

The Minister highlighted that the project draws heavily on Spain’s experience in smart and modern irrigation systems, with knowledge exchange and the integration of international best practices being central to its success.

A particular focus is being placed on integrated water resources management (IWRM), the reuse of agricultural drainage water, and the safeguarding of water quality to ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources.

Sewilam concluded the session by urging stakeholders to adhere to the project’s implementation timeline and maintain strong coordination with the Spanish counterparts.

He reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure that the project delivers on its goals of improving irrigation efficiency, boosting agricultural productivity, and advancing Egypt’s resilience in the face of climate change and water scarcity.