Flood control in irrigation and drainage, London

Overview

Flood control is a core area of interest of ICID and IWF. Where flood control is practiced in agricultural areas, it contributes to crop productivity, to food security and to land management and rural development through the reduction of agricultural and non-agricultural losses.

Flood control is most commonly provided by investments in infrastructure, notably dams and flood dikes. Such structures enable floodwater to be diverted or stored and made available for agricultural and non-agricultural, including urban, uses. Increasingly, non-structural flood early warning systems are being employed. In the agricultural context, these provide an opportunity to optimise the operation of the physical infrastructure and maximise the water resource.

This meeting will discuss examples of flood control in the context of irrigation and drainage, and explore structural and non-structural approaches being taken in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.