What you will learn

Understand to include various water users and uses and their respective spatial levels, from farm, to scheme, to river basin, both upstream and downstream.
Explain the allocation, distribution, governance and use of both groundwater and surface water and apply the basic principles of estimating irrigation water requirements.
Understand the relation between water technologies, management, governance & policy.
Analyse the interrelations between institutional and infrastructural designs for sustainable water management in agriculture.
Understand the concept of drainage and its role in agricultural water management and design drainage systems that enable more operational control.

At Wageningen University & Research we uniquely approach water management from not only the technical, but also the social and governmental perspective. Because, water technology can only be successful when it serves the stakeholders involved.

This programme consists of online courses, informative knowledge clips, case studies, interviews, and practical assignments through which you will:

Analyse the interrelations between institutional and infrastructural designs for sustainable water management in agriculture.
Explain physical and agro-hydrological principles underlying drainage of agricultural land.
Learn how taking the socio-technical approach on agricultural water management can contribute to climate resiliency and food security.

Agricultural Water Management: Water,-Society and Technology Interactions

We start by taking a deep dive into practical and technical aspects, from crop characteristics and irrigation water requirements to actual field practices. Subsequently, we explore the institutional perspective, from models of rural development to water management demands.

The case study videos and interviews from Morocco create the opportunity for you to directly apply your newly acquired knowledge in a real-life situation.

Drainage in Agriculture: controlling water and salt levels in the soil

It is clear that the food production mainly has to come from improvements in agricultural water management on existing agricultural lands. In light of the changes in water demand, supply and use, the role of (subsurface) drainage has changed from a single-purpose measure for controlling waterlogging and/or salinity to an essential element of integrated water management.

Join this course to advance your knowledge of the global importance of drainage, drainage systems and solutions, and to help securing a sustainable food supply.

So, whether you are a student or professional in agricultural water management, soil chemical, physical and biological processes, hydrology, hydraulics and irrigation, join us!

Expert instruction

2 skill-building courses

Self-paced

Progress at your own speed

4 months

9 - 10 hours per week

$250.20

~~$278~~USD

For the full program experience

Courses in this program

WageningenX's Water & Drainage in Agriculture Professional Certificate
4–5 hours per week, for 10 weeks
Would you like to meet the increasing food demands around the world by contributing to optimisation of water governance and technologies? At Wageningen University & Research, the No. 1 agricultural university of the world, we approach water management from both a technical and a social perspective. Because, properly deploying water technologies for successful water management requires social and institutional agreement. Join us and learn the fundamentals of agricultural water management.
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18–20 hours per week, for 5 weeks
Get prepared for heavier rainfall and the increasing demand for food! The #1 Agricultural University of the world will teach you how to design and implement effective drainage systems in agriculture. You will learn how to create a perfect soil profile for optimal growing conditions for a crop and help feed the growing world population. Enroll now and prepare for the effects of climate change by draining excess water.
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- These courses for anyone with basic knowledge of social and biophysical sciences, ready to contribute to improving agricultural water management from where they are.
- Water Managers.
- Water Engineers.
- Agricultural Engineers.
- Irrigation Professionals.
- Hydrologists.
- Agricultural & Water Policy Makers.