In Africa South of the Sahara, the irrigation sector is increasingly dominated by farmer-led irrigation development (FLID), which holds significant potential to improve food security and alleviate poverty. Despite its widespread occurrence and rapid expansion, FLID is often overlooked by researchers, governments and donors. The main objective of this research is, therefore, to assess how and to what extent FLID contributes to socio-hydrological resilience in semi-arid Africa in the context of a changing climate. To reach this overall objective, an interdisciplinary, multisite (with fieldwork in north Ghana and Ethiopia), multiscale (local to regional) and mixed-methods approach will be adopted. First, the diversity within FLID will be studied through farmers and irrigation strategies typologies, and in-depth analyses of the participation of vulnerable groups. Second, FLID will be mapped at high resolution (for 2016 to 2027) using various machine learning algorithms and remote sensing products. Third, the mapped areas will be characterized in terms of biophysical and socioeconomic characteristics and drivers of inter-annual variability. Fourth, the water needs for FLID will be estimated using local monitoring stations’ data and a multi-method remote sensing approach. The project will allow for region-wide maps, international insights and methodological advances, highly relevant for promoting inclusive growth and sustainable water management in the context of a changing climate