The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is reinforcing water security and agricultural resilience in Serbia through a nearly US$100 million concessional financing programme designed to modernise irrigation infrastructure, improve water access and support sustainable agricultural production across five regions of the country.
The initiative underscores the importance of reliable water resources in strengthening agricultural productivity, particularly as climate change and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns place growing pressure on farmers and food production systems. By expanding and upgrading irrigation infrastructure, the programme is helping Serbia improve its capacity to manage water resources, reduce vulnerability to drought and support long-term agricultural development.
The development of irrigated agriculture project covers 122,432 hectares of agricultural land, representing a significant investment in the country’s agricultural infrastructure. More than 108,000 hectares are already irrigated, while work is continuing on a further 14,000 hectares. Once completed, these improvements are expected to enhance the availability and reliability of irrigation water, enabling farmers to manage changing weather conditions and maintain more consistent agricultural production.
The project includes extensive infrastructure upgrades, with 17 irrigation canals spanning more than 500 kilometres and over 60 pumping stations forming key components of the system. These facilities are intended to improve the distribution and management of water across agricultural areas, while also strengthening flood control and supporting more efficient use of available water resources.
Reliable irrigation infrastructure is particularly important for agricultural economies where production depends heavily on seasonal rainfall. Periods of drought, irregular precipitation and extreme weather events can affect crop yields, disrupt farming operations and place pressure on rural livelihoods. By improving access to irrigation, Serbia can strengthen its ability to respond to these challenges and create more favourable conditions for agricultural investment and growth.
Dragan Glamočić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia, highlighted the growing importance of irrigation infrastructure in the face of climate change and increasingly extreme weather conditions.
“Climate change and increasingly extreme weather conditions have made the importance of irrigation clear. With strong partners such as ADFD and the UAE, Serbia has been able to access highly favourable financing to develop irrigation infrastructure across tens of thousands of hectares. This is strengthening agricultural production, supporting new businesses and increasing revenues across Serbia. Most importantly, this partnership is helping to strengthen stability and food security for our citizens,” he said.
The minister’s remarks underline the broader economic and social benefits associated with investments in agricultural water management. Beyond improving irrigation access, modern infrastructure can help farmers make better-informed production decisions, support the development of agricultural businesses and strengthen economic activity in rural communities. More dependable water supplies can also help producers plan their operations with greater certainty, potentially creating opportunities for investment, employment and higher agricultural revenues.
H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, emphasised that water security remains a critical foundation for resilient agriculture, particularly as changing climate conditions increase pressure on water resources and agricultural systems.
“Water security is fundamental to resilient agriculture, particularly as changing climate and rainfall patterns place greater pressure on farmers and agricultural systems. Our partnership with the Serbian Government reflects our commitment to strengthening the infrastructure needed in partner countries to secure water for agriculture, support more reliable production and enable farmers to plan and invest with greater confidence,” he said.
Through its support for Serbia’s irrigation development, ADFD is continuing to promote infrastructure-led development that addresses essential economic needs while contributing to long-term resilience. The programme demonstrates how concessional financing and international partnerships can help countries strengthen critical infrastructure, improve resource management and respond to emerging environmental and economic challenges.
The investment also highlights the close relationship between water security and food security. Access to dependable irrigation can help reduce agriculture’s exposure to rainfall variability, support the continuity of farming activities and contribute to more stable food production. These benefits are increasingly significant as countries seek to protect agricultural supply chains, maintain rural incomes and build greater resilience against climate-related disruptions.
ADFD’s engagement in Serbia forms part of its longstanding commitment to supporting water security as a foundation for agricultural development and food security. The fund’s broader approach recognises that investments in water infrastructure can deliver benefits beyond the immediate availability of water, helping strengthen livelihoods, support economic development and improve communities’ capacity to manage environmental pressures.
This commitment is being further advanced through the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform, launched in January 2026. The platform aims to mobilise US$2 billion in financing to support water-related initiatives worldwide, including an initial US$1 billion commitment from ADFD for the period from 2026 to 2030. A further US$1 billion is expected to be contributed by partners, expanding the resources available to address water security challenges.
The platform targets approximately 10 million beneficiaries globally and supports progress towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By bringing together financing and development partnerships, the initiative seeks to strengthen efforts to improve access to water and promote more sustainable water management.
Together, ADFD’s investment in Serbia and its wider global water initiatives reflect a sustained focus on addressing water-related challenges through long-term infrastructure development and international cooperation. In Serbia, the irrigation programme is helping strengthen the foundations of agricultural production by improving water access, supporting farmers and enhancing the resilience of rural economies.
As climate pressures continue to reshape agricultural conditions, investments in reliable irrigation systems and effective water management are becoming increasingly important. Through its partnership with the Serbian Government, ADFD is contributing to efforts to build a more resilient agricultural sector, support food security and create stronger conditions for sustainable economic growth.
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