Positive Impact of IWMI WRAP Programme Pakistan: 7 Lessons from Water Governance Study Tour
Discover how the IWMI WRAP Programme Pakistan, funded by FCDO, is transforming water governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through innovations, partnerships, and climate-resilient solutions.
The IWMI WRAP Programme Pakistan, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is setting new benchmarks in water governance, accountability, and climate resilience. Designed to strengthen water management practices across Pakistan, the Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (#WRAP) Programme reflects a forward-looking vision that combines science, innovation, and collaboration.
As part of this initiative, IWMI (International Water Management Institute) successfully completed a week-long study tour across pilot districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, focusing on real-time learning and practical engagement.
The Study Tour Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The IWMI WRAP Programme Pakistan team explored key water governance and irrigation systems, gaining firsthand experience of challenges and opportunities in the field.
Visit to Amandara and Munda Headworks
The tour began at Amandara and Munda Headworks, critical irrigation control points. These headworks regulate water supply for agriculture, highlighting the importance of precision and accountability in water distribution.
Siran Canal System and Mansehra Flux Tower
At the Siran Canal System, the team observed how traditional irrigation infrastructure continues to play a role in rural livelihoods. Meanwhile, the Mansehra flux tower showcased cutting-edge technology to monitor evapotranspiration, carbon flux, and water cycle data, offering valuable insights for climate adaptation.
Research Centers in Batakundi
In Batakundi, participants visited research stations where scientists demonstrated water management research, including snow and glacier studies. These centers provide essential data to address water shortages and climate-driven disasters.
Strengthening Partnerships and Local Engagement
The IWMI WRAP Programme Pakistan places a strong emphasis on partnership building. During the tour, the team met with:
- The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Irrigation Department
- Local universities conducting water and climate research
- Farmers who directly face the consequences of climate variability
By engaging with multiple stakeholders, the programme fosters inclusive governance, ensuring that policies align with ground realities.
IWMI Innovations in Action
One of the most remarkable aspects of the tour was the demonstration of IWMI’s innovations that bring science into practice:
Flux Towers
These towers measure energy, water, and carbon exchanges between land and atmosphere, helping predict climate patterns.
Piezometers
Deployed to monitor groundwater levels, piezometers are essential for tackling groundwater depletion, a major crisis in Pakistan.
Soil Moisture Sensors
By providing real-time data, these sensors support precision agriculture, allowing farmers to save water while improving crop productivity.
Hydraulic Ram Pumps
A sustainable innovation, hydraulic ram pumps lift water without electricity or fuel, ideal for remote rural communities.
Connecting Science with Practice
The IWMI WRAP Programme Pakistan ensures that research is not confined to laboratories but reaches the farmers and policymakers who need it most. By combining technological tools with on-ground realities, the programme strengthens decision-making for climate adaptation.
This science-to-practice approach reduces the gap between knowledge and implementation, ensuring that investments in water infrastructure deliver long-term benefits.
Building a Climate-Resilient Future for Pakistan
Pakistan is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. Floods, droughts, and water scarcity threaten millions. The IWMI WRAP Programme Pakistan plays a pivotal role in building resilience through:
- Transparent water accounting systems
- Climate-smart technologies
- Data-driven irrigation management
- Stronger partnerships among government, academia, and farmers
This integrated approach aligns with Pakistan’s National Climate Change Policy and global sustainability commitments.
Conclusion: A Stronger Path Ahead
The IWMI WRAP Programme Pakistan has proven that collaboration, innovation, and accountability are the cornerstones of a sustainable water future. The recent study tour across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlighted both the challenges and the opportunities in water governance.
By linking science with practice, investing in innovation, and strengthening partnerships, IWMI and FCDO are creating a climate-resilient roadmap for Pakistan’s water sector.
The lessons learned from this journey will help shape future strategies, making water governance more accountable, inclusive, and sustainable for generations to come.
