The objective of this project was to investigate agricultural pollution of water in two large-scale irrigation schemes, in order to:
– understand the causes of diffuse pollution;
– analyse the impacts that this has on water quality;
– assess the effect on livelihoods, (especially the livelihoods of the poor);
– and propose solutions where appropriate.:
The study was undertaken in two contrasting environments – in Sri Lanka and Egypt – where climate, water management systems, agriculture and livelihoods differ in key respects. These were chosen to help ensure that broader conclusions can be drawn which will be applicable more widely than just in the case study sites. Details of the case studies, and some overall conclusions and recommendations, are presented.