IWMI-Tata Water Policy Program: converting science into policy action

Established in 2000 as a co-equal partnership between the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the Sir Ratan Tata Trusts, Mumbai, India, the IWMI-Tata Water Policy Research Program (ITP) is a research platform focused on water, energy, food and livelihoods in India. It brings together the scientific expertise and international experience of IWMI with a strong field presence, action orientation and strong investment in natural resource management-based rural livelihoods in Tata Trusts’ Rural Upliftment Portfolio. Over the past two decades, ITP has maintained a practical, problem-solving orientation to research and become a recognized ‘brand’ in the water-agriculture-energy-environment-livelihood sector in India. In recent years, ITP has taken to collaboratively pilot its research-based ideas on the ground. This unique approach has helped ITP establish a strong presence in policy circles and create a lasting impact on program design and policy formulation. This brochure provides an in-depth overview of ITP’s work, discussing its collaborative approach, key research themes, policy contributions, and impact through action-research initiatives.