ICARDA Advances Dialogue on Desalination for Sustainable Agriculture in Egypt

1–2 April 2026, Cairo, Egypt – ICARDA is helping to advance the national dialogue on innovative solutions for water scarcity through the first workshop of a new series titled “Towards a Roadmap for Agricultural Drainage Water Desalination in Egypt.”

The workshop series, organized jointly by ICARDA, the National Water Research Center (NWRC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will bring together policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and development partners to explore how desalination of agricultural drainage water can support Egypt’s agricultural expansion and long-term water security. As freshwater resources face increasing pressure, and agriculture remains the largest water-consuming sector, non-conventional water resources are becoming essential for climate-resilient food production. 

Drawing on its regional and global expertise, ICARDA will highlight integrated approaches that combine improved water management, salinity solutions, and sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity while safeguarding natural resources. 

The workshop is expected to produce a shared understanding of current knowledge gaps, priority research questions, and promising pilot opportunities for agricultural desalination. It will also support the formation of a multi-stakeholder working group and a post-workshop action plan to guide future collaboration, investment, and innovation toward scalable, cost-effective solutions for Egypt’s water-scarce agriculture.