GEWAMED

Intégration de la dimension de Genre dans le développement et la gestion des ressources en eau dans la Région Méditerranéenne

1- Quelques définitions du Genre

• Nations Unies
  L'intégration des questions de genre consiste à évaluer les implications des femmes et des hommes dans toute action planifiée comprenant la législation, les procédures ou les programmes dans tous les domaines et à tous les niveaux. Cette stratégie permet d'intégrer les préoccupations et les expériences des femmes et des hommes à la conception, à la mise en oeuvre, au contrôle et à l'évaluation des procédures et des programmes dans toutes les sphères politiques, économiques et sociétales pour qu'ils en bénéficient de manière égale et que l'inégalité actuelle ne soit pas perpétuée .
• Conseil de l'Europe
  L'intégration de la dimension de genre consiste dans la (ré)organisation, l'amélioration, le développement et l'évaluation des processus de prise de décision, aux fins d'incorporer la perspective de l'égalité entre les femmes et les hommes dans tous les domaines et à tous les niveaux, par les acteurs généralement impliqués dans la mise en place des politiques.
• Alliance Genre et Eau
  Les relations de genre résultent d'un processus de socialisation. Ces relations sont donc socialement déterminées, et ne sont pas fondées sur des critères biologiques.
  Le genre désigne les fonctions sociales des hommes et des femmes. L'égalité entre les genres signifie qu'hommes et femmes ont le même statut, les mêmes droits ; qu'ils détiennent le même potentiel pour contribuer au développement politique, économique, social et culturel de leur pays, et qu'ils profitent équitablement des bénéfices qui en découlent.
  (Plus d'information, http://www.fr.genderandwater.org/page/2094)
• Haut Conseil français à la Coopération International (HCCI)
  Le "genre" se réfère à la construction et la répartition des rôles sociaux féminins et masculins. Depuis une vingtaine d'années, un grand nombre d'institutions internationales et d'acteurs non étatiques ont intégré que, par leurs répercussions économiques, sociales et environnementales, les inégalités de genre constituent une entrave à l'exercice des droits humains et au développement durable. La politique de genre est un élément essentiel pour atteindre l'objectif politique des droits humains, de gouvernance et de renforcement des capacités, et accroître l'efficacité de l'aide et éviter les échecs. La France doit donc affirmer sa détermination à prendre en compte le genre dans sa politique de coopération et son aide publique au développement afin de rattraper son retard en la matière. (Plus d'information : http://www.hcci.gouv.fr/travail/avis/genre-femme.html)

2 - Résumé du Projet

Le projet (2006 - 2010) planifie de construire une base de données extensives sur l'intégration de la dimension du genre au sein de la GIRE. Pour réaliser cet objectif, le projet mettra en place un réseau régionale ainsi que 6 sites Internet nationaux dans 6 pays de la Région sud et est de la Méditerranée. Le réseau régional sera essentiellement un moyen d'échanges d'expériences, de diffusion des résultats et permettre d'améliorer la coordination entre les activités des projets nationaux et les participants. Les réseaux nationaux seront un puissant outils capitaliser et diffuser des informations sur le genre.

Le projet augmentera la coopération et le dialogue entre les partenaires et les organisations externes intéressées par ce thème et notamment pour participer aux 3 ateliers régionaux et à la conférence internationale qui seront tenus à la fin du projet. En outre le projet interagira avec d'autres projets MPC, comme MELIA, INECO and WADI, qui se concentrent également sur l'information, gestion de la connaissance pour favoriser la coordination et l'échange d'expériences.

Le projet devrait également contribuer à améliorer la coordination des activités genre au sein de la GIRE et à diffuser l'information, en particulier dans les secteurs ruraux. Pour cela, GEWAMED établira des points focaux nationaux dans chaque pays de la Région Sud et Est de la Méditerranée, qui auront des interactions communes et avec d'autres établissements de collaboration impliqués dans le secteur de l'eau. Ce ne sera pas uniquement un organe de coordination mais aussi un important moyen de collecter et diffuser des informations dur le genre entre de nombreuses institutions. Un du dispositif le plus distinctif de GEWAMED est précisément l'établissement d'une base de connaissance pour acquérir et diffuser l'information de genre au niveau national.

Le projet peut également contribuer à l'adoption des politiques nationales et d'autres instruments relatifs (stratégies, approches, directives, incitations et législation) en faisant participer des décideurs et des politiciens dans les processus d'intégration de la dimensions genre dans la GIRE. Pour cela, le projet organisera au moins une conférence politique nationale dans chaque pays de la Région Sud et Est de la Méditerranée.

Le projet compte produire un changement de mentalité et un renforcement des capacités sur l'intégration du genre des personnes et établissements de l'eau qui ne sont pas suffisamment sensibilisés à l'importance de l'intégration du genre et favoriser l'assimilation d'information valable recueillie par le projet.

3 - Objectifs du projet et résultats

Les objectifs du projet sont en grande partie basés sur les recommandations et suggestions faites par les participants lors de l'atelier INGEDI qui a eu lieu au CIHEAM - IAMB (Italie) en juin 2004. Ils reflètent les besoins les plus pressants en termes d'actions coordonnées aux niveaux régionaux et nationaux pour les personnes directement concernées.

Le principal objectif de GEWAMED est de contribuer à l'intégration des questions de genre dans la Gestion Intégrée des Ressources en Eau (GIRE) en Méditerranéenne en favorisant un dialogue entre les pays de la région et en établissant des réseaux d'informations régionaux, nationaux et des structures de coordination pour promouvoir l'adoption de politiques de Genres et construire une base de connaissance commune.
Les objectifs sont :

•  Construire une base partagée de connaissance nationale et régionale sur les questions de Genres, politiques, actions et mesures pour soutenir la Systématisation de leur Expression dans tous les procédés relatifs à la GIRE.
•  Promouvoir la coopération et le dialogue entre les pays Méditerranéens et aussi a l'intérieur de chaque pays favoriser l'échange et la diffusion d'information entre les institutions gouvernementales nationales, les institutions de recherche, les Organisations Non Gouvernementales, les organisations internationales, le secteur privé, les médias et les professionnels de communication impliqués dans les questions relatives aux genres et au secteur de l'eau
•  Contribuer à l'adoption de Politiques Nationales et autres instruments connexes (stratégies, approches, directives, incitations et législations) en impliquant les décideurs et les politiciens dans le processus de systématisation des genres au sein de la GIRE.

Les objectifs seront atteints par les activités qui seront entreprises au sein de sept groupes de travail distincts. Les résultats du projet sont étroitement liés aux objectifs prévus, comme indiqué ci-dessous :

Relatif à l'objectif 1 : Construire une base partagée de connaissance nationale et régionale

Résultat 1. Etablissement d'un site Internet national dans au moins 6 pays de la Région du Sud Est de la Méditerranée (En priorité : Algérie, Egypte, Jordanie, Liban, Maroc, Palestine, Tunisie et Turquie).

Résultat 2.Le développement d'un système structuré d'information national sur les questions de Genres relatives à la gestion et au développement des ressources en eau dans chacun des pays participant au projet et le rendre disponible aux utilisateurs potentiels du site Internet. Ceci inclut le développement d'indicateur sensibles sur le genre.

Résultat 3. Développement d'un système d'information régional consacré aux questions de Genres dans le domaine de la GIRE où les informations d'intérêt régional seront stockées et diffusées

Relatif à l'objectif 2: Promouvoir la coopération et le dialogue au niveau régional et national

Résultat 4. Amélioration de la coopération entre les partenaires et les organisations externes intéressées par les questions du projet via leur participation à des ateliers régionaux et des séminaires nationaux qui seront organisés dans le cadre du projet

Résultat 5. Amélioration de la coordination et la diffusion au niveau national en établissant un Point Focal dans les pays de la Région du Sud Est de la Méditerranée.

Résultat 6. Générer de plus sérieuses prises de consciences de la société en général et du secteur agricole en particulier, à propos de l'importance des questions de Genres dans le secteur de l'eau

Résultat 7. Dissémination des résultats du projet à un large public

Relatif à l'objectif 3: Contribuer à l'adoption de Politiques Nationales sur le Genre et autres instruments connexes

Résultat 8. Contribuer à l'adoption par les pays de la Région du Sud Est de la Méditerranée de politiques ou autres instruments (stratégies, approches, lignes directrices, incitations, législations) de promotion de l'intégration du genre dans la planification, le développement et la gestion des ressources en eau.

Dans ce document, l'appelation South East Mediterranean Region (SEMR) les 9 pays suivants : Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey.

4 - Contacts :

• The coordinateur of the project is CIHEAM from Bari
  Juan Antonio SAGARDOY, j.sagardoy@flashnet.it
• For pS-Eau
  BURGER Patrice et BROSSE Christophe, med@pseau.org
• Sites internet :
  www.gewamed.net
  www.waterandgender.net

5 - Partenaires

5.1 Liste des partenaires

•  Mediterranean Agronomic Institute, Bari (CIHEAM-MAIB), Italy

The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute, Bari. Italy (CIHEAM-MAIB) is one of the four Institutes endowing the Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Mediterraneennes (CIHEAM), founded in 1962 as Intergovernmental Organization under the auspices of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation Development). The mandate of CIHEAM is to constitute an instrument of cooperation between the countries of the Mediterranean in the domains of post-graduate agricultural education and the promotion of agricultural research through cooperative networks. At the present time, CIHEAM comprises thirteen member countries: Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, and Turkey. During the course of four decades of activity, CIHEAM became a pole of excellence in the field of education and research in water resources management, irrigation, plant protection, organic farming, agro- food industry and environment, working in partnership with the specialist national institutions as well as in cooperation with the international organizations active in the Mediterranean Region ( e.g., ICARDA, FAO, OADA, etc. ). Through the accomplishment of its mission, CIHEAM constitutes also a venue of encounter which permits definition of the types of decision-makers, engineers, teachers, researchers and technicians, who will be capable of conceiving and implement agricultural, food and environmental policies which are appropriate to sustainable development in this region. It also places a framework for analysis and follow-up of agricultural policy at the disposal of the countries of the region. The MAIB, in particular, has a long experience in promoting training, cooperative research and networking activities in the domain of land and water resources management within the Mediterranean Region. Among those of major relevance there are the long-term networks, officially established in 1993, on "Water Use Efficiency" (WUE-Net), "Non-Conventional Water Resource Management" (NWRM-Net) and "Collective Irrigation System" (CIS-Net), carried out adopting always a holistic approach, where each problem is analysed, formulated and tackled by integrating the different hierarchical scales involved (e.g., technical, economical, social; training, research, etc. ). In these Networks a common research interest is exploited in a way that limits are overcome by joint efforts, efficient resource management, upgrading skills, sharing and exchange of information and equipment, emphasizing the voluntary participation, through a strong self-interest and motivation. During the various activities of the networks, a relevant number of people has been trained, many projects implemented in addition to a substantial amount of publications, conferences, meetings and symposia. Sense of belonging to a community, gathering of consensus based on the recognition of a strong scientific reputation, respect of the diversity, safeguarding each one dignity, equal opportunity conditions, team spirit, supporting environment, etc., allowed MAIB to cumulate an important patrimony of human relations. This is one of the most important, though less visible, externalities derived from the impacts of the networking activities that distinguish the CIHEAM-MAIB from all other international organizations active in the Mediterranean affairs.

In fact, MAIB has been called upon by European Commission (DG 1) to carry out Programs such as the Regional Action Program on Water Resource Management. MAIB endows also the Regional Office of the World Water Council and is an active member of ICID and G.W.P.

In the last few years, a major part of Bari Institute Programmes on integrated water resources management was directed to the socio-economic and environmental aspects related to water resources. In this regard MAIB has been called upon by the World Bank to carry out a five-year T. of T. training programmes on Capacity Building for Participatory Irrigation Management. Under this programme was trained about 300 general managers, decision maker, high scientific and technical skills, and users from most of the Mediterranean Countries beside a greater number from Asia, Latin America and Africa.

The activities in this programme expanded and more tight cooperation started with IFAD giving to IAM-B, the technical responsibility in implementing the IFAD Project action programme on the identification and testing methodologies and approaches for efficient institution of PIM (Participatory Irrigation Management). In addition, MAIB is co-operating with many institutions in the region in setting and adapting new water valuation policies and cost recovery mechanisms to be easily implemented under the individual Local Conditions of the developing countries in the region. MAIB, running programmes, priority is given to gender and water resources management in the Mediterranean. Several T. of T. courses, were organised by MAIB in co-operation with FAO, and ONG women's organization in the region. A Workshop on Gender and water resources management in the Mediterranean was organized by MAIB in Cairo during the first regional conference on the perspectives of Arab water cooperation, with the attendance of more than 200 experts from the Arab world representing public, universities, research centres, and users and women associations .In this field, negotiations already started with IFAD, to exchange experiences and join efforts under the IF AD programme of Action to reach rural women in the NENA region.

•  Centre de Recherche en Economie Appliquée pour le Développent (CREAD), ALGERIA

The Centre was established in 1985 by Decree (85/307) as a public entity of scientific and technical nature. The Centre is headed by Professor Mohamed Yassine FERFERA and it has 123 employees and most of the staff (110) are professionals of different categories. The Centre's mission is to undertake studies and research in the following areas: i)economic, social and cultural development, ii) the conditions for inter-sectors integration and technological improvement, iii) food security iv) the economy of work, education, training health and habitat, v) national and international financial and monetary systems. The Centre has 24 on-going research projects and some 20 others in different phases of negotiation. The CREAD carries out also several studies concerning the technical responsibilities of the Centre in the field of research for national and foreign institutions within the framework of agreements and contracts. In addition the CREAD undertakes other activities such as: periodic organization of internal study sessions, organization of international and national events such as seminars, workshops and others, active participation of the researchers of the Centre in international and national conferences, round tables, expert panels and others. The centre also publishes a quarterly technical magazine called: 'Les Cahiers du CREAD''

To undertake the activities described above the CREAD has the following supporting means: adequate printing equipment for carrying out all the required printing jobs, a computer network with some 50 computers connected for the researcher's work, adequate software for the statistical processing of field information, several cars to be used in the research work, and a documentation centre with more than 8200 books, 421 magazines and 450 PhD and M.S thesis.

•  National Water Research Centre (NWRC) ,Strategic Research Unit (SRU), Egypt

The National Water Research Centre (NWRC) of Egypt, has been established 1975 by the Ministry of Water Resources Irrigation (MWRI) . It is the organization responsible for research in the field of the water related issues. The organization chart of the NWRC is consisted of twelve research institutes. The NWRC through its different institutes is conducting researches in many water related fields such as irrigation, drainage, water distribution, hydraulics, river engineering, water resources planning and management, hydraulic structures and shore protection. The main objectives of the NWRC are to propose and study long/term water resources policies and solve the technical and applied problems associated with general policies for irrigation, drainage, and water resources. In addition, the NWRC is responsible for research activities conducted for the extension of agriculture land and utilizing water resources of the country in the most efficient and cost-effective way. Research in the NWRC is carried out in the offices, laboratories, field experimental stations and pilot sites. The NWRC relies on its high calibre staff from Ph.D., M. Sc. to B. SC. Graduates, and also well trained technicians. NWRC not only plays a national role bat also it is playing a regional and an international role. On the regional scale, NWRC acts as the Coordination unit for the African Water Resources Network and is a member or the water resources networks in Europe and middle east countries. On the international scale, NWRC as established wide-scale communications with several international organizations such as USAID, CIDA, CIHEAM, ICID, IWRA, UNDP, UNESCO, UNEP and FAO.

NWRC, has directed a great part of his activities towards the socio-economic and environmental aspects related to water issues. Recently, October 2002, on the occasion of the first regional conference of perspectives of Arab water cooperation: challenges and opportunities organized in cooperation with the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari a Workshop on gender and water resources management in the Mediterranean was organized.

Gender activities at the National Water Research Center (NWRC), is part of the whole socio-economic environment in which water management take place. Because Gender is a cross cutting theme, the NWRC through its Strategic Research Unit (SRU) undertakes most of the activities related to gender.

The Strategic Research Unit exists as an entity within the National Water Research Center (NWRC) organizational chart. SRU emerged from the coalition of two separate units, the Nile Water Strategic Research Unit (NWSRU) mainly funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Water Resources Strategic Research Activities (WRSRA) supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Both units were the fruitful outcome of cooperative initiative for the Government of Egypt and both CIDA and USAID.

•  The Faculty of Agriculture - University of Jordan, (UJFA), Jordan

The Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jordan is a leading higher education institute in Jordan and the Middle East, promoting agriculture research and management of natural resources including land and water. The faculty collaborates with several departments such as the Water Research Center and the Department of Civil Engineering as well as several public agencies such as Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, and the National Center for Research and Technology Transfer (NCARTT). It has strong relationships with many international agencies such as EC, USAID, UNESCO, and FAO. The faculty carries out several programs in irrigation management, optimization of water resources, hydrology of arid regions, water demand management, and the use of RS and GIS in the management of water and land racecourses.

Many of these research projects are funded by the European Commission; they are: SMART, IRRIMED, WASAMED, MEDCOASTLAND, OPTIMA, and DIMAS. Professor Muhammad Shatanawi is the person in charge of the above projects and he is also a UNESCO Chair in Water Resources. His office hosts several researchers and Post-doctorates where many of them are females. His associates in these projects (e.g. Ms. Sawsan Al-Naber) has participated in many conferences and workshops related to gender and water management. In the gender related issue, cooperation will be made with the Gender Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Hashimite Fund for Social Welfare, and many charity organizations and NGOs.

•  Association Marocaine de Solidarité et de Dévelopement ( AMSED), Morocco

AMSED is a non-profit organization of public utility. It was established in 1993 and its main objective is helping the population to improve their welfare and life conditions. AMSED promotes development projects within different socio-economic sectors always in collaboration with some local institutions. Its approach and working method is a participative one based on the reciprocal technical exchange and know-how, on solidarity and on the recognition of the importance of the human values and their potentiality.

AMSED provides mainly a technical contribution to the project and local training aiming to the creation of solid and autonomous bases of development. In its different programmes, AMSED gives a strategic importance to the institutional empowerments. For this reason, the following components are always integrated in project development actions: i) training; ii) close collaboration; iii)capacity building and iv)project financing. AMSED partners are both governmental (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy and Finance, local authorities and Provinces and non-governmental (international organizations such as World, Bank, UNICEF; ILO, etc..) bilateral aid organizations (USAID) and many national NGOs.

The present work of AMSED involves some 130 local associations in different regions of the country and a new programme is about to be launched in the East Region with ten other associations. Other two programmes are about to be finalized and AMSED: one on the environment and the other on the gender empowerment at local associations level. AMSED has always been very conscious of the need to promote women participation on their programmes and projects and related specific training is normally integrated in their actions.

•  The Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees (PARC), Palestine

PARC is a leading non-profit organization working in the field of rural development, environment protection, gender mainstreaming and enhancement of rural women's roles and status. PARC was established in 1983 as a specialized voluntary grass-root Organization within the voluntary movement in the Palestinian society, PARC offers extension work, raise awareness and provides supporting activities and services for individuals, groups and organizations working in the same field. PARC relies on active and broad grassroots participation of beneficiaries parallel to the promotion of the expertise and skills of the staff.

PARC aims at contributing to achieving integrated and sustainable development of the Palestinian rural areas, with the aim of improving their livelihood. As well as establishing a greater level of gender balance and awareness.

PARC decided its strategic areas to reach sustainable development and classified them into three components: i) Environment and agriculture, ii) Human Resources and iii) Institutional building

Under the first component falls the goals that target expanding the areas of cultivated land, environmental protection, water resources and integrated development that support agricultural activities.

Under the second component falls the following goals, women empowerment, realizing of the employees aspirations and supporting individuals and groups and building their capacity.

Under the third component of sustainable institutional development fall the following goals: assisting institutions and organizations, development of financial vitality and regional cooperation.

•  The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EE. AA), Egypt

The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) was restructured with the new mandate to substitute the institution initially established in 1982. At the central level, EEAA represents the executive arm of the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs. The long-term objective of the agency is to ensure a sustainable economic development that meets present needs without compromising future generations ability to meet their own needs.  The Principal Functions of the Agency include: i)   Formulating environmental policies ii) Preparing the necessary plans for Environmental protection and Environmental development projects, following up their implementation, and undertaking Pilot Projects iii) The Agency is the National Authority in charge of promoting environmental relations between Egypt and other States, as well as Regional and International Organizations.

The Agency to realize its aims it undertakes multiple tasks but those that are more relevant to the Project activities are: i) Establishing Public Environmental Education Programs and assisting in their implementation ii) Implementing pilot projects for the preservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment against pollution iii) Periodically collecting national and international data on the actual state of the environment and recording possible changes. 

A Gender Unit (GU)has been established in EEAA, by a ministerial Decree, headed by a senior staff of EEAA. On the 29 th & 30 th Jan. 2003, the GU prepared for the conference dealing with "National Study for environment progress to women", which was held at Maadi. It was chaired by the head of GU in EEAA, Dr. Mawaheb Abou El Azem. The Minister of state for Environmental Affairs, The Secretary General of the National Council for Women also attended & chaired some of the sessions.

The Royal Danish Embassy/Danida agreed to provide institutional and organizational support to the EEAA-GU in establishing 5 Gender Centers in Marakez in the Fayoum Governorate to cover women problems, environmental awareness, education level & the awareness of their role in sustainable development. The Fayoum Governorate was chosen as the starting point based on the high rate of illiteracy among women which is about 59%. Three out of the 5 Centers are completely established and equipped with computer facilities. Eleven training courses on computers have been carried out already and women have taken actively part.

The Center of Arab Women for Training and Research (CAWTAR), created in 1993 with headquarters in Tunis, is a unique regional institution in the Arab region, its interests are focused on gender issues, and it seeks to promote Arab woman's participation in development and to provide services to the different parties concerned with these issues. These services include training, research and networking with the aim to achieve a better understanding of women's conditions combined to a better appreciation of the status and role of Arab women; and to support gender equality as an integral part of human rights in the Arab world. The center benefits from the unique structure of its board of trustees establishing strong partnership relations with governmental and non-governmental organizations, international institutions and regional development programs mainly in collaboration with United Nations agencies.

To support these objectives further, CAWTAR has started a tradition of issuing a periodical publication entitled the CAWTAR Arab Women's Development Report, inspired by, and following the format of the annual UNDP Human Development Report. Each report focuses on a special theme based on solid research, on recommendations of regional and international conferences and on the recommendations of the members of its specialized network. The outcome of this work presents up to date quantitative and qualitative gender-sensitive indicators, so as to assist decision makers in the Arab region in formulating the policies, strategies and programs that take into consideration the gender approach.

•  Cukurova University Faculty of Agriculture, (CUKUR) Adana-Turkey

Cukurova University occupies a foremost place among other Turkish universities with its 10 faculties, 3 colleges, 7 vocational colleges, 3 institutes and 26 research and application centers. The University counts with motivated staff, innovative labs and modern libraries. The University considers providing highly qualified graduates to Turkey as a top priority. The University, with its 1903 member teaching staff, offers courses to over 23.000 undergraduate, post graduate and doctorate students.

The Agricultural Faculty has nearly 300 academic staff including 103 professors, 16 associate professors, 41 assistant professor and 150 research assistants. It has 1973 undergraduate and 781 graduate students. The faculty offers four year BSc degree under five programmes (Plant Production, Agricultural Technology, Animal Production, Landscape Architecture and Food Engineering Programme) in cooperation with ten departments (Agricultural Machinery, Animal Science, Farm Structures and Irrigation, Field Crops, Food Engineering, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Plant Protection, Agricultural Economics and Soil Science). The goals of the faculty are to generate information and skill through research directed to the agricultural problems of the region and the country, to increase agricultural production both quantity and quality wise, to find and extend new information and techniques, and to furnish students with the most up-to-date information and ability in agricultural disciplines.

Internationalization of education and research in the field of agriculture is widely supported at the Faculty of Agriculture and it has become integral part of the strategic plan of its development.

Research mandates of the Faculty are to improve economical and social welfare of small farmers, to introduce modern agricultural techniques in collaboration with centers of excellence (universities and research institutes), to improve research capacity of the regional institutes through collaborative research, training, education and extension, to create alternative income sources for the resource-limited farmers for the dry areas, to introduce sustainable agricultural production techniques for environmental safety, to preserve exceptional genetic material and maintain biodiversity, to improve infrastructure of education, research and extension, to provide opportunities for training and education of young scientists, to create and support scientific exchange programs to share knowledge, experiences and technologies and to seek solutions for the priority agricultural production constrains.

The Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation is involved in the fields of irrigation, drainage, water resources, agricultural structures, hydrology, environment & water pollution, soil salinity and soil erosion. The Department of Agricultural Economics is involved in agricultural commodities marketing, economic analysis of farms, development of small-scale farmers, food safety and poverty alleviation, sustainable management of water resources, income generating activities for poor families and gender issues in agriculture.

The contents of gender issues are: gender in rural areas (mountain and plain areas); women in development (WID) and women and development (WAD), role and status of women in rural place as a mother, housewife, unpaid family worker, seasonal worker, couple etc.; migration, gender and rural women; organization and rural women; entrepreneurship, gender and rural women; future expectations of women related agriculture and themselves; division of labor by sex in irrigated and dry agriculture and natural resources and women.

•  Ministry of Agriculture natural Resources and Environment -Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Cyprus

The Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) of Cyprus was established in 1962 with a mandate to conduct research on plant and animal production problems, and develop, evaluate and adapt under local conditions scientific findings and technology available from international and regional research institutions.

The ARI is a Department of the Ministry of Agriculture Natural Resources and Environment and is divided into ten research sections: Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Production Systems, Vegetables and Ornamentals, Tree Crops and Viticulture, Animal Production, Soils, Water Use and Environment, Entomology and Pesticide Toxicology, Plant Pathology and Biotechnology, Agricultural Economics, Biometrics and Information Technology. Each Section, consisting of a group of specialists, undertakes programs in agricultural research that represent a combination of theoretical and applied research. At present the Institute employs 40 scientists, 70 technicians, a permanent labour force of 72 persons strengthened by seasonal labour based on experimental needs.

ARI woks in close co-operation with the local industrial and commercial units dealing with agricultural means of production and products. There is also a wide co-operation with institutions and companies from other countries (FAO, ICARDA, IAEA, IPC, CIHEAM etc). The input of ARI in the Euro-Mediterranean Region and in particular in the Middle East Region is substantial. The selection of ARI in 2000 by the European Union as Centre of Excellence in Agriculture and Environment is a recognition that reflects the high quality scientific research conducted by the Institute and its contribution to the development of agriculture and the protection of the environment.

Recently, particular emphasis was given on gender issues and the contribution of women in Agriculture, organizing an International Conference in cooperation with the EU on "The New Challenge of Women's´ Role in Rural Europe"-October 2001. Seventy-five representatives from 26 countries participated in the Conference. The ARI participated at the Workshop on ´Gender and Water Resources Management in the Mediterranean´ (Egypt - October 2002) and at the Workshop on ´Integration of Gender Dimension in Water Management in the Mediterranean Region (INGEDI), Bari- Italy, June 2004. Finally the ARI in cooperation with the EU organized the European Conference on ´Women and Sustainable Rural Development in Europe´, June 2004. In that Conference, 25 representatives participated from 22 countries. The main topics discussed were:

•  Rural policies, Equal opportunities, Decision makings and Rural Women

•  Rural Women and Sustainable Development

•  Rural Women education, Skills, Employment and female entrepreneurship

•  Changes in Rural Society and Rural Women

•  The Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development, (MIO-ECSDE) Greece

The Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development is a Federation of Mediterranean Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for Environment and Development. MIO-ECSDE acts as a technical and political platform for the presentation of views and intervention of NGOs in the Mediterranean scene. In cooperation with Governments, Intergovernmental and International Organizations and other socio-economic partners MIO-ECSDE plays an active role for the development of policies for the protection of the environment and the promotion of the sustainable development of the Mediterranean region and its countries.

MIO-ECSDE activities include the following: i)-Promotion of Information and Networking through its Internal Information Bulletin (8 issues per year), its well known newsletter Sustainable Mediterranean (co-published with RAED and the EEB), various other publications and the regularly up-dated web site ii)-NGO Capacity Building through its annual international residential training workshops on environmental issues for leading members and staff of Mediterranean NGOs. iii)-Promotion and Drafting of Common NGO Policies, iv)-International Collaborations including collaboration with the Commission of the EU, MAP/UNEP, UNESCO and other International and Regional Governmental Organizations (UNDP, IFAD, METAP, World Bank, EIB) and existing scientific and other Networks and federations (EEB, RAED, FoE, WWF, RAMSAR Convention, MED Forum, CIESM, MEDCITIES, MEDWET, IUCN, GWP etc). MIO-ECSDE is a member of the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD) and since 2002 is the host institution of the Global Water Partnership-Mediterranean (GWP-Med) whose aim is to promote Integrated Water resources Management (IWRM) and sustainable use of water in the Mediterranean. v)-Raising Public Awareness, Participation and Consensus Building in cooperation with its member organizations on critical issues, like water management, waste, gender and other issues. vi)-Promotion and undertaking of research and vii)- Environmental Education

MIO-ECSDE contribution to gender mainstreaming includes actions within Education for Environment and Sustainability (particularly in terms of Education for all) such as the e-campaign "New Era 21" where the gender issue is underlined and MEdIES (Mediterranean Educational Initiative for Environment and Sustainability) which is an Education for All initiative centered on water and household waste.

The issue has faithfully been included in the Mediterranean NGO and multi-stakeholder statements that MIO-ECSDE has drafted and which have subsequently been presented to the various regional and international Ministerial and other fora. It has also circulated important articles and statements on how female empowerment is a necessary prerequisite for sustainable development. The same applies for all of the MIO-ECSDE publications.

Furthermore, MIO-ECSDE in its IWRM efforts is a proponent of mainstreaming gender aspects into water advocacy and policy making viz a viz the different roles of men and women in the water sector and the differential impacts of proposed policies.

Balanced representation of female regional and local actors in the meetings (co)organised by MIO-ECSDE is also been taken into account.

•  Osservatorio Nazionale per l'Imprenditoria ed il Lavoro Femminile in Agricoltura (ONILFA)

The Observatory for Enterprising and Working Women in Agriculture (Osservatorio Nazionale per l'Imprenditoria ed il Lavoro Femminile in Agricoltura) was born from an idea of the women representatives in the Agriculture Professional Organizations participating at the European Women Farmers Workshop held in Brussels in 1996. The Ministry for Agriculture Policies accepted the suggestion and on 13 October 1997 created the Observatory. The Observatory is composed of 30 members representing the main institutions and organizations involved in agriculture and rural activities at national level. Specifically the Observatory is composed of: i) Agriculture Professional Organizations (CIA, Coldiretti, Confagricoltura, Copagri); ii) Ministries of Agriculture Policies, Labour, Finance, Productive Activities and Equal Opportunities; iii) Regions and Autonomous Provinces, ISTAT and INEA.

With the objective of promoting synergies for the women work the observatory works with private and public stakeholders which are responsible for agriculture and rural development . In particular , The Observatory's Objectives are: i) compile and elaborate statistical data, ii) analyze the legislation related to the work of women and control that principles of equal opportunities are respected, iii) examine the interventions proposed by the EU, the Central Administration and Regions addressed to promote initiatives in the field women's enterprises, iv) create the links with the institutional sources of information and dissemination , and the research institutions, v) promote, in collaboration with the Regions and the Autonomous Provinces, pilot initiatives in the area of women's enterprises.

The main activities of the Observatory are :
- Organize symposiums, seminars, and information/formation shot events in the national territory and international with particular attention to the Mediterranean Basin to create the opportunities for solving problems, disseminate knowledge, and confronting experiences related to the condition of women in rural environments.
- Undertaking surveys in subjects related to the role and functions of women in rural areas with the purpose of providing to the public administrations useful suggestions to implement specific actions.
-Elaborate and disseminate information material on the areas of interest of the Institute

The Observatory is the institutional organization responsible for the Organization of The World Day of the rural Women in Italy.

  General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Syria

The General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) is an independent commission that belongs to the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform. Its main tasks are to conduct scientific research in the following areas: Field Crops, Horticulture (Fruit trees and vegetables), Plant protection, Biotechnology, Natural recourses (Water, Soil, and Forestry), live stock production, Food technology and Socio-economic studies.

GCSAR has 18 research centers and 58 stations around the country, each of them is specialized in conducting research in certain fields.

The CGSAR has a Director General and two departments for the administration and finance of the technical activities. In addition it has 7 technical departments dealing with: 1) Administration of Horticulture, 2) Administration of Natural Resources. 3) Administration of Field Crops. 4) Administration of Plant Protection. 5) Administration of Socio-economic studies Research. 6) Administration of Animals production Research. 7) Administration of Cotton Research. Furthermore it has 8 independent departments concerned with 1) Information & Publishing Dept. 2) Training and qualification Dept. 3) Technology Transfer Dept. 4) General and International Relations Dept. 5) Genetic Resources Dept. 6) Food Technology Dept. 7) Statistic and Planning Dept. 8) Biotechnology Dept.

GCSAR supports both basic and applied research in the agricultural sciences including agricultural biotechnology.

•  ITAL-ICID, Rome, Italy

The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) was established on 1950 as a scientific, technical not-for-profit, Non-Governmental International Organization with headquarters in New Delhi, India. The Commission is dedicated to enhancing the worldwide supply of food and fibre by improving water and land management and the productivity of irrigated and drained lands through appropriate management of water and environment.

The mission of ICID is to stimulate and promote the development and application of arts, sciences and techniques of engineering, agriculture, economics, and ecological and social sciences in managing water and land resources for irrigation. ICID has more than half-a-century of experience in the promotion and transfer of water management technology. ICID is an active contributor to all global discussions and dialogues on issues of importance such as those leading to Agenda 21, World Water Forums and Visions. etc. which have also become the focal point of several of these technical activities. It promotes programmes to enhance sustainable development of irrigated agriculture.

ICID Publishes a peer-reviewed quarterly technical journal (The Irrigation and Drainage-Managing Water for Sustainable Agriculture - The Journal of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage published through Wiley and Sons Ltd.), a quarterly Newsletter, a monthly New update from its members and many publications receiving worldwide appreciation including a Global Review of Irrigation and Drainage (in three volumes).

The Italian member of ICID is the ITAL-ICID (The Italian National Committee of ICID). It is a scientific and technical non profit association, founded in 1950 and promoting studies, research and the application in land and water resources management; planning operation maintenance of irrigation, drainage and flood control; agricultural, environmental and social issues affecting water resources and irrigated agriculture; soil conservation and reclamation.

ITAL-ICID promotes reciprocal exchange of information with ICID as well as National and International Authorities and Organisations, interested in problems of irrigation, land reclamation, protection of land and environment, including FAO " Gender Analysis in Farmers' Water Management " is a project submitted by ITAL-ICID and sponsored by the Italian Government to implement four regional training workshops in Africa and Asia.

ITAL-.ICID organises training and specialisation courses for Italian and foreign members and non-members interested in irrigation, drainage, flood protection land and environmental protection. It also promotes and organise congresses, meetings, seminars or other similar events at the regional, national or international level and annually organizes the National Conference on Land and Reclamation and Water resources. ITAL- ICID promotes the publication of studies, monographs and pamphlets as well as the publication on "Land Reclamation and Irrigation Consortia in Italy" .

•  Instituto Andaluz de la Mujer de la Junta de Andalucía (Women's Institute of Andalusia of the Andalusia Governing Board, IAM-JA), Spain

The Instituto Andaluz de la Mujer (Women's Institute of Andalusia) is an organism of the Junta of Andalusia (Regional Government ) that fosters equal rights and opportunities for both women and men with the objective of advancing toward a model of society that incorporates new forms of co-existence that are more democratic and equal.

The Institute carries out many tasks but those that are more relevant to the project activities are described bellow:

•  Advising the Andalusia government, promoting and coordinating activities in the different departments for the development and execution of equal opportunity plans for women as instruments of the Andalusia government's political action in favour of women.
•  Studying and investigating the situation of women in Andalusia, from the institution itself as well as through scholarships and aids in research for their later publication and diffusion.
•  Gathering, publishing and disseminating information and documentation relative to women.
•  Revising periodically current laws and their application regarding the principle of equality.
•  Promoting women's insertion in the labour force through the creation of information and orientation centres and of professional training programmes.
•  Cooperating with the local administration in coordinating equality policies setting up municipal information centres for women .
•  Promoting and creating specific services for women.
•  Carrying out permanent campaigns through the mass media and disseminates materials that promote social values of equality between women and men.
•  Encouraging the establishment of women's associations.

Since its creation, the Women's Institute of Andalusia has strengthened its network of information and counselling centres for women's equal rights and opportunities. Likewise, these centres increase social awareness and conscientiousness regarding the advancement of a new model of society that incorporates women's contributions. At present, there are eight provincial offices located in each of the Provincial capitals. They have two functions: one is that of provincial delegation of the WIA and the other is to constitute information and care centres.

The Women's Institute of Andalusia has established the "Maria Zambrano Documentation Centre" where a large variety of documentation services are provided to users.

The Women's Institute of Andalusia has created a Gender and Equity Unit to consolidate the gender mainstreaming in Andalusia. This is a first experience to provide the decision makers with the knowledge and tools to integrate a gender dimension in their decisions and activities giving in this way a strong support to the recommendations of the EU.

The IAM will coordinate the participation of other Departments of the Junta de Andalucía that are directly responsible for water resources management and agricultural development, in specific: The General Division of Rural Development of the of Agriculture and Fisheries Secretary (Dirección General de Desarrollo Rural de la Consejería de Agricultura y Pesca) and the General Secretary for Water (Secretaría General del Agua)

•  The African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD), Morocco

The African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) is a Pan African intergovernmental organization, established in 1964 by African governments, with the support of UNESCO; making it the first uniquely Pan-African training and research center in the continent for the improvement of public administration and governance systems in Africa. Its headquarters is located in Tangier (Morocco). Membership is open to all African countries: at present, CAFRAD has a membership of 37 States, which include most of the South Mediterranean Countries.

The mission of CAFRAD is to support governments and related bodies in strengthening public administration and governance, promoting management innovation and serving as a centre of excellence through partnership and networking with countries and institutions, developing human capacity and enhancing leadership in Africa. Among the objectives of CAFRAD to achieve its mission is worth mentioning those that are more directly related with the GEWAMED project:

•  to co-ordinate activities and advise in the area of training for local, national and regional public administrations;
•  to promote and undertake comparative research and analysis on administrative problems connected with social and economic development;
•  to foster inter-African administrative co-operation and capacity-building through exchange among experts, and sharing of experiences, knowledge, information and documentation;
•  to build active partnerships with national, regional and international institutes and organisations involved in public administration and development management.

CAFRAD promotes and undertakes practically oriented comparative research and analysis in the areas of its competence, and administers research grants on request. The most recent comparative analysis and researches include:

•  The role of women in the public administration in Africa;
•  The transparency of Public Administrations in Africa;
•  African Public service: New Challenges, Professionalism and Ethics;
•  Analysis on Restructuring and Modernization of the Civil Service in Africa,
•  Studies on ethics in African public administration.

CAFRAD has considerable experience in the networking management. Since 2000, CAFRAD is one of the African On-line Regional Centres of the United Nations Online Network in Public Administration and Finance ( UNPAN ) ( www.unpan/africa.asp ) In the framework of UNPAN, CAFRAD acts as regional focal point on e-Information management, promoting the sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practices throughout Africa, and supporting capacity-building and partnerships among the Member States; with emphasis on south-south co-operation and commitment to integrity and excellence in sound public policies, effective public administration and efficient civil services. Thanks to the World Wide Web, through UNPAN, African countries now have immediate and on-going access to a vital tool for strengthening the capacity for public sector management.

•  René Moawad Foundation (RMF), Lebanon

The René Moawad Foundation is a Lebanese non-profit, non-governmental organization that was created on November 22nd 1990, one year after the assassination of the President René Moawad. Since its creation by his spouse, MP Nayla Moawad, the RMF planned and implemented several developmental projects in order to address the most difficult problems of the country. Since its inception, RMF has collaborated closely with other local and national organisations. Along with these organisations, RMF has identified common concerns and interests in mainstreaming social issues such as gender and development through projects targeting women, ensuring that current initiatives aim at empowering women, increasing their participation in decision-making, and thus initiating a process of positive transformation.

Launched in 1993, the Literacy and Vocational Training Program for women at the RMF provides essential training, information and technical assistance services to hundreds of adult and youth in the rural and peri-urban areas of North Lebanon. The RMF targets these women in order to challenge illiteracy prevailing in their circles, and enable them economically thanks to marketable professional skills that will help them improve the financial level of their families.

Since 1999, in the context of gender awareness, RMF in partnership with the Center for Research and Training on Development (CRTD) engaged in a series of training workshops for gender mainstreaming. RMF representatives participated in the regional training sessions by attending 5 workshops organized by CRTD in Beirut, Morocco, and Egypt, including: Training of Trainers; Qualitative Tools of Research; Advocacy; Gender and Strategic Planning, Communication, Economic Literacy. In addition, RMF is involved a local gender training that is organised jointly with CRTD. Several local workshops were conducted on gender and development targeting field staff working with a number of NGOs operating in North Lebanon in addition to gender training to RMF staff.

In 1997, RMF developed a program for promoting political participation of Lebanese women. This program was implemented in partnership with the European Union, the Fundación Promoción Social de la Cultura (FPSC), and the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional (AECI)-Spanish Government. The beneficiaries are university students and professors, the media, and liberal professions. The RMF has held a series of conferences and workshops and trainings for grass root organizations in various regions concerning the political participation of the Lebanese women . Parallel to a nation wide TV advertising campaign, the RMF also launched a new Website under the domain name related to the project.

The RMF is currently implementing a project on training, capacity building and technical training for rural women, groups and associations in underprivileged regions of Lebanon. This national initiative funded by the IFAD through the Council for Development and Reconstruction builds on the previous experiences of the RMF and includes a new dimension to its gender related projects in linking gender with water management in rural areas. The RMF will implement several income-generating activities and will focus on creating linkages between women organizations and groups with other organizations as well as with the market.

•  Programme Solidarité Eau (pS-Eau), France

The Water Solidarity Programme (pS-Eau) promotes dialogue between international aid stakeholders (nongovernmental organizations, public authorities, local governments, private sector, research, etc.) in the field of water and contributes to the elaboration of shared methodology references. It coordinates working groups and research-action programmes, and publishes a newsletter. Its website is very documented in French .

The pS-Eau is managed by a board of directors composed by researchers, representatives of public authorities, territorial authorities, international solidarity associations, and professional water organisations.

pS-Eau's activities are organized around geographic and thematic programmes. pS-Eau encourages the networking of stakeholders in the Maghreb and Machrek. It also facilitates the international aid actions of French partners with the organizations of the south shore of the Mediterranean basin. In the framework of the international support programme for water resource centres (Streams), pS-Eau is accompanying the regional process for the Maghreb. pS-Eau participates in the census of NGOs active in sustainable development in the Mediterranean. With various partners in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean and in Europe, pS-Eau participates in the elaboration of proposals in favour of sustainable and environmentally friendly development in the Mediterranean, involving the ensemble of concerned partners.

The activities on gender with pS-Eau began in 1998 by the publication from a special bulletin on the set of themes gender and water and started from a reflection on the problems. The program "gender and water" was created in 2002 with the objective of promoting the integration of the questions of gender in the resources water management, near the various actors of the sector of water and sanitation. Over the period 2002 - 2003, the program has developed frameworks of dialogue and information to look further into the comprehension and perception of the various actors on the set of themes related to gender. The principal activities were :

•  Establishment of a network on gender and water (French-speaking and international) with links to other national and international networks ("Alliance on Gender and Water" and the "Network Gender in Action");
•  coordination and implementation of a series of electronic conferences;
•  development, coordination and dissemination of pilot actions on "gender and water";
•  publications of studies and articles (of which the study "Water, Gender and Sustainable Development", Gret editions, 2002).