Water & Agriculture
Water , Food , and Agriculture
Agriculture uses approximately 70 % of the world ’ s freshwater supply . Agricultural water use is under growing pressure as demands for water increase ; competition among cities , farmers , and the environment grows ; and as concerns grow over large-scale overdraft of groundwater and water contamination from agricultural runoff . New threats include the challenges of climate change , which is likely to alter both water availability and agricultural water demands .
Increasing water productivity in food production
In the twentieth century , the primary objective of water policies was to simply make more “ new ” water available for human use . In this traditional paradigm , the best measure of success was total water delivered or used . Yet , total water use is now understood to be a poor indicator of the value or productivity of water , and a poor indicator of true efficiency . New thinking suggests that greater emphasis is needed on the goods and services provided by that water use , e . g ., water-use efficiency and productivity .
The Pacific Institute has produced a series of studies that address improving the water productivity of agriculture , including : Highlighting successful agricultural water management practices
Many farmers have already adopted innovative water management strategies . The Institute seeks out those individuals , organizations , and institutions that are interested in collaboration , shared learning , and the identification and testing of innovation . As part of this effort , we identify and evaluate farm water “ success stories ,” and present case studies and videos that share these practices . In addition , the Pacific Institute has partnered with the California Roundtable on Water and Food Supply to develop an interactive database of sustainable agricultural water management practices at www . agwaterstewards . org . The database is searchable by region , crop type , and irrigation technique to help farmers find context-appropriate solutions .
Adapting to climate change and extreme events
The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to climate change because it is directly tied to land and water resources . Even modest changes in temperature and precipitation patterns , the length of growing seasons , or the frequency of extreme events will have large consequences for many farmers . The Pacific Institute has conducted a number of studies on the impact of drought on California , including its agricultural sector . In addition , the Institute is working on how to help farmers understand and plan for climate impacts at the local level .
Building new partnerships for knowledge and good governance
Strong partnerships are key . The Institute works with others to build knowledge and effective strategies for policy by actively participating in a number of stakeholderdriven processes , including the Agricultural Water Management Council , California Roundtable on Water and Food Supply , and the California Department of Water Resource ’ s Agricultural Stakeholder Committee .
Over the next three decades , threats to water and food security will grow as the global population continues to climb , dietary preferences change , and the climate becomes more variable . The Pacific Institute conducts research and works with innovative agricultural partners to identify ways to ensure clean water and sufficient food for current and future generations .
Source : Pacific Institute
12 Africa Water , Sanitation & Hygiene • September 2018