Training on the topic: “Managing the use of irrigation water”

As part of this event, 5 trainings were held, in which 89 target groups took part, including 19 women.

Purpose of the training: to introduce participants to the basic methods of water resources management.

The educational program was designed for 1 day. The first step was to determine the target groups’ expectations from the training. When summing up the expectations of the participants, it turned out that they were primarily interested in such questions as:

• What issues does irrigation water management include?
• Main causes of water pollution;
• Reducing the negative impact of irrigation on the environment;
• Proper control of efficient water use;
• What are the main tasks of water user groups;
• What rights do members of water user groups have?
• Causes of the conflict;
• Conflict resolution and much more.

The training was divided into 2 parts. In the first part, participants received information about irrigation water management, which included the following questions:

• Determining the volume of water on the site;
• Preparation of a water use plan;
• Fair distribution of water among water users according to the water supply plan;
• Control and efficiency of water use;
• Minimizing the negative impact of irrigation on the environment.

The questions asked by the participants were explained in the form of a conversation. During the training, practical activities were carried out that allowed participants to identify their shortcomings and mistakes that they make when managing irrigation water.

Second part of trainingcovered the area regarding water user groups (WU), including: how to become a member of a water user group, general principles of water user group activities, rights and obligations of water user group members, etc.

During the training, water user group governance bodies, crop irrigation systems, payment for water supply services, and conflict prevention techniques were discussed. The trainer also provided participants with information on sanitation and hygiene. In this area, participants received complete information about human health and reducing the risk of diseases transmitted through irrigation water.