A fact checking approach towards strengthening evidence-based policy and technology implementation in the Nile Delta

The Delta of the Nile River in Egypt receives over 55 BCM of water annually and mostly uses it agriculture. With rapid population growth, increased competition on water resources of the Nile, and socioeconomic changes associated with globalization - the government of Egypt is seeking ways to increase agricultural water productivity in the Delta. Scientists from various CGIAR centers, National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES), and Universities have developed several technologies that improve water productivity, reduce agricultural water demand, and increase overall production efficiency to promote sustainable management of ecosystems. However, adoption of these technologies has been low in the Egyptian Delta due to various reasons. The proposed activity aims to validate the technical efficacy, out-scalability, and gender sensitivity of selected technologies through a ‘fact checking’ approach in order to generate the evidence for wider adoption. The ‘approach’ has four major parts including: – (i) Selection of the technology, approach, or package based on literature review (e.g. most frequently recommended technology) or request from research centers; (ii) Formation of a panel of experts in the field to establish appropriate criteria to assess and validate the facts – these could include researchers from CG Centers, NARS, Universities, etc.; and (iii) Fact-checking: Verification of fact by conducting group discussion, interviews, surveys, and where necessary field-testing of the technology/strategy. (iv) Package and disseminate the evidence generated through a website and other mediums of communication as a public good The final package, which is the direct output of the project, will be especially useful for:- • Researchers – to identify research gaps • Practitioners – to design practical dissemination strategies, and • Policy makers – to take appropriate policy actions The overall expected impact will be improved and sustainable management of the ecosystem. For this calendar year, we will test the ‘approach’ by assessing the mechanized raised-bed technology, which among other things promises to save the water by 20%, increase yield by 25%, saves seed by 50%, reduce fertilizers application by 30%, and overall cost of farming by 25%.