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WaPOR, remote sensing for water productivity

Training and needs assessment workshop on WaPOR applications in Algiers

09/02/2023

As part of the activities of the WaPOR 2 project in Algeria, a training and needs assessment workshop on WaPOR applications was organized from January 30 to February 01, 2023 at the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Algeria located in Algiers. The main objective of the workshop was to train executives from the agriculture and water resources sectors on the use of WaPOR, as well as the identification of training needs and future activities of the project with the members of the project steering committee in Algeria.

This workshop was led by trainers from IHE Delft and IWMI and structured between technical and strategic discussions, and this given the quality of the participants with the presence of technicians, researchers and in particular decision-makers (members of the steering committee).

The first day of training was devoted to the introduction to the WaPOR database by presenting the WaPOR platform with examples of case studies in order to assess the potential of WaPOR. Other points were detailed, namely database components, data quality assessment, as well as data analysis on the WaPOR portal.

The second day was purely technical focused on the analysis of WaPOR data with practical exercises relating in particular to the downloading of WaPOR data, with the identification of available formats, and at the same time the use of data by spatial analysis using the QGIS has been addressed.

The third day focused on the estimation of key biophysical variables from WaPOR data. The study area was the Mitidja. Participants were divided into 4 homogeneous groups (decision maker, researcher, technician) and each group presented the results of a short assessment of productivity gaps based on WaPOR data (biomass and evapotranspiration) together with a summary of training needs. Subsequently, the plenary discussion identified:

  • Existing operational systems based on remote sensing used in agriculture in Algeria;
  • The possible uses of WaPOR data through digital solutions;
  • Possible applications of WaPOR data in Algeria for sustainable agriculture.

At the end of the last day, the participants evaluated the training workshop by expressing great satisfaction. The agricultural sector officials thanked FAO, IHE Delft and IWMI for the work of the three days and the quality of the exchanges which will make it possible to better set up the next activities of the WaPOR project in Algeria.