Masterclass on water for agrifood in the shaping

The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) launched the Water for Food Programme in late 2020. With an initial phase of two years, the explicit intention is, however, to develop this as a multi- year programme. As part of the Programme, NWP will develop a water for agrifood-related masterclass later this year. For this masterclass, Ghana, Mexico and Spain are being considered as potential target countries.

Masterclass offering

Dutch knowledge and expertise of water and agriculture are highly regarded internationally. With the additional offering of a masterclass, NWP intends to increase the food production potential and enhance farmers’ position. To achieve this, NWP seeks to further foster cooperation between leading local private sector partners and Dutch companies from the water and agrifood sectors.
 
To develop a successful masterclass, NWP is looking for enthusiastic Dutch organisations active in the water and agrifood sectors willing to co-invest in the masterclass concept. NWP has identified Ghana, Mexico and Spain as target countries and by means of a short survey, would like to understand from interested parties where their preferences lie and where demand is highest. 

Project support

The Water for Food Programme’s objectives are twofold: on the one hand to bring about improved food security, sustainable water use and protection of ecosystems and biodiversity; and on the other hand, to stimulate the hands-on acceleration of business cases for the Dutch water sector.

Under the first phase of the programme, NWP is supporting three projects:

1. Agro-meteorological forecasts and advisories for climate-proof food production in Bangladesh. This project aims to provide farmers in Bangladesh with daily weather forecasts combined with agricultural management advice, monsoon onset alerts and monthly seasonal outlooks. Read more.
2. A 'Closed Loop Concept' in which wastewater from pit latrines in a refugee camp in Uganda is processed into valuable products like biogas, compost and irrigation water. These products in turn are used to grow food, including fruit trees and vegetables. Read more.
3. A pilot project to improve the business case for a smart irrigation system for fruit and vegetable farmers in Kumasi, Ghana, based on local and current weather data for irrigation systems. The aim is to lower production costs by improving the efficiency of water and energy use, and to avoid crop loss. Read more. 

Take action

If you are a Dutch organisation working in the field of water and/or agriculture and are interested in taking an active role in a masterclass on water for agrifood targeting one of these three countries, please fill in this survey before 11 April. For questions or requests for further information, please contact the Water for Food team at waterforfood@nwp.nl.