Water, Sewage & Effluent May June 2019 | Page 29

can make a difference as well such as solar pumps, which can help reduce farmers’ production costs. As Laos seeks to strengthen food security and rural livelihoods, while adapting agriculture to climate change impacts, the potential of groundwater irrigation can only grow. Clearly, the future development of such systems will depend, not just on local hydrogeological conditions, but also on a better understanding of the social and economic factors that influence farmers’ decisions. Lessons learned from IWMI’s pilot study should prove valuable for helping realise this potential.  innovations Source: International Water Management Institution (IWMI) www.waterafrica.co.za May/June 2019 27 Water Sewage & Effluent May/June 2019 27