A collage of two photos showing a sewage treatment plant and workers on an agricultural field.

Increasing the efficiency of water use in the Nile Delta

Nile Delta Water Management Programme II in Egypt

+ Show all
  • Client

    German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

  • Country
  • Political sponsors

    More

  • Runtime

    2025 to 2027

  • Products and expertise

    Climate, environment, management of natural resources

Three men work at a sewage treatment plant in El Berka.© GIZ

Context

Due to its arid desert climate, water is a scarce commodity in Egypt. The country relies on the Nile for more than 90% of its water resources. Climate change and a rapidly growing population are a strain on the water suppy. Efficient and holistic management of water resources is essential for Egypt’s long-term economic and social development.

A female Egyptian farmer shows plants. A field can be seen in the background.
GIZ

Objective

Efficient water management in Egypt's Nile Delta is ensuring the water supply for people and agriculture.

Approach

The project is improving the water supply for the local population and for agriculture through supplementary measures. It combines proven approaches with innovative ideas while supporting skills acquisition and promoting experts and digitalisation.

The project operates in the public water and wastewater management sector, establishing climate-friendly measures to prevent water losses while also improving management skills. Utility companies are thus able to provide better-quality water for the local population more easily. At the same time, the measures conserve scarce water resources.

A solar-powered drip irrigation system in a green field.© GIZ

It is also developing efficient irrigation methods for climate-friendly agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and regional administrations have access to successful model projects for wide-scale roll-out.

In addition, the project is expanding cooperation between the various ministries. Topics cover technical issues, water-saving measures and networking among managers, with a special focus on female managers.

Last updated: March 2025