World Bank Group Timeline
First IDA credit for agricultural sector approved
The Roseires Irrigation and Soil Surveys Project in Sudan is IDA's first agricultural sector credit as well as the first instance of a joint IDA-World Bank operation, with IDA providing $13 million and the World Bank committing $19.5 million for a total of $32.5 million. At the time of negotiations for this credit, 86% of Sudan's population and 98% of its export income is related to the agricultural sector. The investment, which provides the foreign exchange cost of building a dam on the Blue Nile near the town of Roseires, aims to expand agricultural operations by 900,000 acres while increasing yields and crop diversification by increasing water availability during the low river flow months of January to June.
Resource Gallery
Roseires Irrigation Soil Surveys Project
P002553: Approved June 14, 1961
The profile contains project and financial information, and lists of project documents and archival records.
Interview with Burke Knapp
Interview date: July 1961
Knapp discusses the Roseires Dam project beginning on page 72 of the transcript.
Project summary for Roseires Dam Project
June 21, 1960
The project summary contains an overview and financial details related to the project (1741670).
Correspondence from Minister Abdel Magid Ahmed to President Black
December 14, 1959
The Sudanese Minister of Finance and Economics expresses his eagerness to begin project negotiations with the Bank (1741670).
Construction of Roseires Dam
1961
Workmen drilling in preparation for a diversion channel for the river (30369049; Credit: The World Bank).
Roseires Irrigation Project: Project Performance Audit Report
Document date: July 10, 1974
The report provides an audit of achievements and measures these benefits against the project's objectives.
View looking west from east abutment
1961
The crew in the foreground is starting the excavation at Pier 16 (30369049; Credit: The World Bank).
Roseires Irrigation Project: Appraisal Report
Document date: June 7, 1961
The report describes the project, details its cost and financing, and describes its potential benefits.
Irrigation Projects: Appraisal Report
Document date: April 17, 1959
The report reviews and evaluates the technical feasibility of irrigation in Sudan as it relates to the Managil and Roseires projects.
