This study presents some lessons from a selection of IUCN interventions in dryland areas that have adapted to a greater or lesser extent to the conditions of drylands, notably focusing on water management to deal with scarcity and variability. The study is intended as a means of capturing lessons learned from these interventions on the challenges and opportunities for improving water development in drylands. It is primarily a learning document compiled by the IUCN Secretariat, with technical advice from the Dryland Ecosystems Thematic Group of the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management. The document will also be shared with IUCN members and partners to catalyse deeper thinking and more effective action on water interventions in drylands as a first step in establishing improved systematic approaches and tools for influencing policy and investment regarding water management in drylands.