Our history

The International Water Management Institute was established in 1984 as the International Irrigation Management Institute (IIMI).

It established its global office in Sri Lanka — the first international entity headquartered in the country.

In 1997 it became the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), reflecting an expanded vision of the role irrigation plays in the global hydrologic cycle, food security, and the environment. A need for an integrated approach to water management was realized, and IWMI remains a leader in water science research.

Since its founding IWMI has worked to deliver cutting-edge solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

IWMI is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.