The Water Management Research Institute (WMRI) is a specialized institute under the National Water Research Center (NWRC), Egypt’s leading governmental research body in water resources management. WMRI plays a central role in advancing agricultural water management through applied research, field experimentation, and policy support.
The institute focuses on improving water use efficiency, evaluating irrigation system performance, and supporting the transition from traditional surface irrigation to modern irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation. WMRI integrates scientific research with practical implementation through a network of research stations distributed across key agro-climatic zones in Egypt, including the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt.
WMRI has strong multidisciplinary expertise covering irrigation modernization, water accounting, soil salinity management, reuse of agricultural drainage water, GIS and remote sensing applications, and the use of artificial intelligence in water resource planning. The institute is also actively engaged in climate change adaptation strategies and sustainable agricultural practices under water-scarce conditions.
The institute has extensive experience in implementing national and international projects funded by organizations such as FAO, EU, CGIAR, and PRIMA. These projects include smart irrigation systems, sustainable agriculture in desert areas, hydroponics under salinity stress, and modernization of irrigation infrastructure.
WMRI operates well-equipped pilot and demonstration sites, enabling real-world testing, validation, and scaling of innovative technologies. It also plays a key role in capacity building through training programs for farmers, engineers, and water user associations.
Through strong collaboration with governmental institutions, private sector stakeholders, and international partners, WMRI contributes to enhancing water and food security and supports evidence-based decision-making at national and regional levels.
desalination, Smart irrigation, water management, salinity, climate change adaptation, digital agriculture, remote sensing, GIS, AI, water efficiency, agri-food systems, traceability, sustainability, pilot sites, WEFE Nexus