Ecuador National Irrigation and Drainage Plan 2019–2027

Ecuador's National Irrigation and Drainage Plan 2019–2027, updated by the National Water Secretariat (SENAGUA) in 2019, is a national planning instrument aimed at improving the management, coverage, efficiency and sustainability of irrigation and drainage systems used in agricultural production. The plan connects national water resources and agricultural development policies with territorial planning and the responsibilities of provincial decentralized autonomous governments. Its policy directions include expanding and rehabilitating irrigation and drainage infrastructure, modernizing public and community irrigation systems, strengthening institutional and organizational capacities, and promoting investments to improve water use in agricultural production. It also addresses integrated irrigation management, from water sources to on-farm application, incorporating economic, environmental and social sustainability criteria. Its main beneficiaries are agricultural producers who use or require irrigation and drainage services. The plan seeks to contribute to higher agricultural productivity and more efficient use of water resources. The 2019–2027 period represents the original planning horizon. The existence of subsequent irrigation and drainage planning instruments requires distinguishing the respective versions and does not establish that all provisions of the original plan remain in force. Planned objectives and measures should not be interpreted as evidence of achieved impacts.