International Water Management Institute

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a non-profit, international research-for-development organization dedicated to addressing the sustainable use of water and land resources in developing countries. Established in 1985 as the International Irrigation Management Institute (IIMI) with its headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the organization initially focused on improving the performance of irrigation systems. The institute was founded by the Ford Foundation and the Government of Sri Lanka, with support from the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the World Bank. Recognizing the growing competition for water resources and the need for a more holistic approach, IIMI was renamed the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in 1998 to reflect its expanded mandate. This broader perspective encompasses the entire river basin context, considering competing water users and environmental needs.

As a research center of CGIAR, a global partnership for a food-secure future, IWMI's mission is to provide evidence-based solutions to sustainably manage water and land for food security, livelihoods, and the environment. The institute's research is structured around key themes: water availability and access, productive water use, water quality and health, and water's role in society. IWMI works in close collaboration with governments, civil society, the private sector, and a global network of scientists to develop and scale up practical solutions. Its work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Stockholm Water Prize in 2012 for its pioneering research in agricultural water management. With offices across Africa and Asia, IWMI continues to be at the forefront of generating knowledge and promoting policies that address global water challenges, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals of reducing poverty and hunger while ensuring environmental sustainability.