KP IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (KPIAIP)

  • Project Timeline:

    September 2023 – June 2025

  • Budget:

    As per project allocation

  • Area of Implementation:

    Khyber

  • Sector:

    Irrigated Agriculture / Water Governance / On-Farm Water Management

Funded By:
World Bank

Project Brief

The Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) successfully concluded its role in the KP Irrigated Agriculture Improvement Project (KPIAP), funded by the World Bank. The project aimed to strengthen water governance and improve on-farm water management systems across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by empowering farming communities and enhancing institutional capacity at the grassroots level.SRSP focused on mobilizing farmers, facilitating community institutions, and building the technical and managerial capacity of local stakeholders to ensure sustainable and efficient use of irrigation resources.

Objective

To improve agricultural productivity and water-use efficiency by strengthening community led water governance, enhancing on-farm water management practices, and building institutional and technical capacity for sustainable irrigation management.

Summary of Achievements

During the project period, SRSP delivered comprehensive community mobilization and capacity-building interventions, resulting in improved irrigation management and farmer ownership. Key accomplishments included:

Community Mobilization and Institutional Strengthening:

  • Mobilized farming communities across project areas and facilitated the formation of Water Users Associations (WUAs) and their federations.
  • Strengthened the technical, managerial, and organizational capacity of WUAs to manage local irrigation systems effectively.

Capacity Building and Farmer Training:

  • Provided extensive training to farmers on efficient irrigation practices, improved watercourse management, modern agronomic techniques, and operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.
  • Supported WUAs in adopting cost-sharing mechanisms for irrigation improvements, enhancing financial sustainability and local ownership.
  • Enabled WUAs to play an active role in managing distributaries, minor canals, and community channels.

 Integrated Agricultural Support Services:

  • Strengthened coordination between On-Farm Water Management and agricultural extension services to provide integrated technical assistance.
  • Supported farmers in farm planning, irrigation design, and the adoption of water conservation techniques.

 Human Resource Development:

  • Conducted capacity-building activities for professional and sub-professional staff, contributing to the development of a skilled local technical workforce capable of sustaining improved irrigation practices beyond the project lifecycle.

Impact

The KPIAP significantly strengthened community-led water governance and improved on-farm water management across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. By empowering farmers, institutionalizing Water Users Associations, and integrating technical agricultural services, the project enhanced irrigation efficiency, promoted sustainable water use, and contributed to increased agricultural productivity and long-term resilience of farming communities.