Solving water scarcity will require a multi-dimensional approach including assistance from decision-support tools to help national managers to find the right mix of water, food and energy options to best fit country situations. Once socially acceptable paths that enhance country comparative advantages are outlined and communicated, institutional capacity, policies and financing are needed to carry plans forward to create the desired outcomes and impacts.

Opportunities for horizontal expansion of the irrigated areas are limited in most regions. The focus has shifted to improving system performance and agricultural water productivity on existing irrigation schemes. The design and mode of operation of some irrigation schemes is outdated. Traditional service delivery is no longer appropriate where farmers are looking to have irrigation water on demand. New gains must come through participation with communities and water user association who are increasingly demanding that their inputs be taken into consideration.