Innovation Lab for

Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS)

ILIMS, funded by USAID and led by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska, generates research-based evidence to support the growth of vibrant irrigation and mechanized systems and improved agricultural water management in Niger, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Zambia, Nepal, Guatemala, Honduras and other Feed the Future countries.

The USAID Mission Office in Niger has selected ILIMS to conduct research aimed at improving small-scale irrigation and mechanization in Niger, West Africa. Droughts, dry spells, and higher temperatures threaten traditional rainfed agriculture. This initiative will focus on enhancing water availability, strengthening water governance, building a resilient irrigation market system, and promoting equity and inclusivity in irrigated agriculture. ILIMS will collaborate with local partners to implement multidisciplinary research projects and support sustainable food security. See our website for more information and to apply for funding. 

ILIMS visits Ghana as part of scoping for projects on irrigation services

Meeting with PumpTech, an irrigation equipment and services provider in Ghana

Visiting a farmer association in Angosikope, along the coast of Ghana, with a private irrigation system that is under a irrigation service contract with Pumptech.

Meeting with a rental and repair shop in Anloga.

In October, a team from DWFI visited Ghana as part of a scoping trip for the ILIMS project on irrigation services. They met with Mr. Ato Brown, a board member of the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBC), which fosters agricultural trade and training between Ghana and Nebraska. During their informal discussion, they explored potential collaboration on agricultural programs in Ghana, focusing on irrigation technologies and capacity development. The team also visited Mr. Brown’s farm in Aseseeso Akuapem, which grows mango, papaya, passion fruit, and is experimenting with coffee. The farm uses irrigation and is considering expanding as a model for local farmers.

The USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS) is collaborating with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to initiate regional meetings and engage partners in the post-Malabo dialogue process. The Malabo Declaration, a guiding document for agricultural policy drawn up by the African Union, is expiring in 2025, and many of its goals remain unmet. ILIMS is part of a dialogue process aimed at shaping new agricultural policy in Africa, post-Malabo, including meetings on irrigation and agricultural water management. The overall process deepens DWFI's connection with partners from the African Union. Read further about our recent involvement below.

At World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, Aug. 25-29, 2024, ILIMS Director Nicole Lefore led a three-part SIWI Series exploring water and food for peaceful outcomes. Convening Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), International Finance Corporation - The World Bank Group (IFC-WB), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), CGIAR, and Catholic Relief Services (CRF), the sessions offered frameworks, tools, and case studies for coordinating and scaling actions across multiple actors, disciplines, and sectors, for the most impactful outcomes for peace and well-being.

At the Africa Food Systems Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, ILIMS Director Nicole Lefore co-hosted a Forum session kicking off a series of talks on African food security beyond the current Malabo Declaration on African agricultural policy, which expires in 2024. The session was on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods. This session was in support of a collaborative initiative to work on a post-Malabo policy roadmap and build consensus around a common vision for African food security, under the overall leadership of the African Union.

ILIMS Deputy Director Jude Cobbing presented in Cairo, Egypt during Africa Water Week Oct. 13-17 with International Food Policy Research Institute on Irrigation Policy Post Malabo: Insights for Investments. Under the overall leadership of the African Union, this session was in support of a collaborative initiative to work on a post-Malabo policy roadmap and build consensus around a common vision for African food security, after the current Malabo Declaration expires in 2024. The session included speakers from the African Union, the International Food Policy Research Institute, and the Egyptian National Water Research Institute.

On Nov. 17-19, the Nebraska Water Center held the Nebraska Water Conference at the University of Nebraska's Innovation Campus. The conference convened water researchers and managers from around Nebraska and the the United States. Deputy Director Jude Cobbing presented on ILIMS's role in water management for smallholder farmers, specifically on opportunities in Niger.

Sept. 16-20, ILIMS Director Nicole Lefore, Deputy Director Jude Cobbing, and Program Manager Anthony Delaney attended the Feed the Future Innovation Lab Council Meeting in Washington, D.C.

At the meeting, the team discussed the latest research on policies promoting nutritious, safe foods and explored the necessary structures for scaling impactful interventions. On the final day, ILIMS leaders also participated in the Feed the Future Accelerator Launch event.

Deputy Director Jude Cobbing, Program Manager Anthony Delaney, and Communications Specialist Arianna Elnes represented ILIMS and held a booth with the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at World Food Prize in Des Moines, IA, Oct. 26-31. The World Food Prize is held each year to address the latest issues and innovations in food and agriculture, and recognizes and rewards individuals making exceptional achievements in addressing food security. ILIMS principal investigator Kerry Clark, of University of Missouri, was also in attendance representing the Feed the Future Soybean Innovation Lab.

DEC. 2-13, 2024 - UN CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

APR 28 - MAY 2, 2025 - WATER FOR FOOD GLOBAL CONFERENCE

Nebraska, U.S.A

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute

2021 Transformation Dr, Ste 3220

Lincoln, NE 68508