Many countries of the Region face problems related to water resource scarcity, overexploitation of groundwater resources, limited supply of fertile land, land degradation, pollution, inappropriate use of fertilizers and pesticides and recurrent droughts. To address these issues, RNE will pursue the following:.

• Assist Member Countries in reviewing, formulating and implementing water management policies and in introducing water regulatory measures to promote investments in irrigation;

• Contribute to national capacity development in the adoption of efficient measures for water demand and watershed management, and support institutional reforms, organization of beneficiaries (e.g. Water Users Associations (WUAs) and their participation in irrigation scheme management;

• Assist in resource mobilization and in increasing investment in agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors;

• Promote non-conventional water resources and safe use of treated wastewater as well as brackish and saline water; and

• Strengthen national agricultural research and extension systems in support of sustainable agriculture development.