IWMI is an international, research-for-development organization, with offices in 15 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 55 countries. For over three decades, their research results have led to changes in water management that have contributed to social and economic development.

IWMI’s vision is a water-secure world. IWMI targets water and land management challenges faced by poor communities in developing countries, and through this contributes towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of reducing poverty and hunger and maintaining a sustainable environment.

Based on evidence and knowledge drawn from their science, innovative technologies and testing of business models, IWMI works with governments, policymakers, farmers, civil society, water managers, development partners and businesses to solve water problems and scale up solutions. Through partnerships, IWMI combines research on the sustainable use of water and land resources, knowledge services and products with capacity strengthening, dialogue and policy analysis to support implementation of water management solutions for agriculture, ecosystems, climate change and inclusive economic growth.

IWMI’s value proposition is unique. It rests on their track record of more than 30 years of rigorous, solutions-oriented water management research, built on long term partnerships at local, country and regional levels, a sustained field presence across Africa and Asia, and recognized through the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize in 2012.

IWMI is a Research Center of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. The 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy situates CGIAR in the evolving global context, which demands a systems transformation approach for food, land, and water systems. IWMI led the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE), a global program connecting partners to deliver sustainable agriculture solutions. Over the course of its ten-year journey (2012–2021), WLE operated in over 60 countries, working with more than 300 partners and completing over 200 projects. These activities made significant contributions to enhancing their natural resources and directly benefited millions of lives across the Global South.