Study tour delivers benefits for Afghan agriculture
In July 2011 the Commission hosted a visiting delegation of officials from the Uruzgan Provincial Government in Afghanistan.
General Manager Water Markets and Efficiency Group Will Fargher and Senior Science Advisor Ralph Ogden gave presentations on water reform in Australia including the Commission's role and the National Water Initiative.
The delegation was particularly interested in the NWI's entitlement and allocation framework as well as water resources information.
The representatives of the Provincial Rural Rehabilitation Directorate and Department of Water Management were accompanied by representatives from the Western Australian Department of Agriculture and Food who facilitated the visit.
The study tour was supported by AusAID to improve Afghani understanding of approaches to water management and to build networks with Australian institutions.
The delegation travelled extensively across Australia for nearly 3 weeks, visiting key irrigated agricultural areas and inspecting water infrastructure in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.
The study tour has helped build networks for Afghanistan's Government with Australia, and link their officials and engineers with agricultural and water management expertise here.
It has also opened the way for further development of working relationships and shared understanding to assist Afghanistan in rebuilding its economy and developing a modern and diverse agricultural industry.