IWRM demonstrations use learning-by-doing to innovate and adapt water resources management actions, tools and technologies. Concrete results and lessons learned are fed back, to build confidence and anchor basin and national policies and planning in knowledge of what works. Coalitions of beneficiaries, water advocates and leaders join forces within political realities to catalyze change in institutions that enable practical implementation of IWRM plans. These are two regional examples of IWRM's success:
Nigeria
In Nigeria’s Komadugu-Yobe River Basin, upstream of Lake Chad, dam construction and irrigation caused falling river levels, impacting livelihoods and leading to conflict. Governments and civil society agreed a Water Charter for the Basin. Farmers, fishermen and herders joined in negotiation of plans to restore the river. Practical demonstrations helped restore the river’s flow locally, allowing communities to improve livelihoods and reduce conflict. Trust gained from practical measures has led to authorities now investing in a Trust Fund for sustainable management and restoration of the Basin.
El Salvador
Communities vulnerable to floods and droughts in El Imposible Basin, El Salvador, suffered ill-health because of poor water quality. Working together, river basin committees used IWRM to improve water quality and access. Livelihoods projects provided tangible benefits in the short term, and results have been integrated into a national process for strengthening basin organizations in El Salvador.