at the 6th world water forum join the debate - fao.org.pk · join the debates at the 6th world...

Water & Food Security

Join the Debate at the 6th World Water forum

Contribute to Food Security….

…by optimal use of water in agriculture

Farmers at the centre of the solutions

Innovate and rethink water, food and nutrition security answers

After the 6th World Water Forum, the dialogue continues on Water and Food Security

In the last 50 years, the world’s cultivated area has grown by 12% and agricultural production has grown 2.5 to 3

times (FAO, SOLAW, 2011). Agricultural water use has helped meet rapidly rising demand for food and has contributed

to the growth of farm profitability and poverty reduction as well as to regional rural development and environmental

protection. 55% of the food production comes from irrigated or drained areas and 45% from the other areas.

Partners engaged with FAO and ICID in the preparations of the sessions on water and food security at the 6th World Water Forum: IFAD, ADB, Consortium of Indian Farmer Organisations/India, International Youth Council, Ministry of Agriculture/France, OECD, IDE, IFAD, ICARDA, ICRISAT, Daugherty Water for Food Institute/University of Nebraska/USA, ICBA, ICOLD, Arab Water Council, INP/Egypt, SIWI, CCFD, ESCAP and many more

“Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access

to su�cient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for

an active and healthy life”. Poverty encompasses di�erent dimensions of deprivation that

relate to human capabilities and is thus closely intertwined with food security.

But...It takes in average 3 000 litres of water to produce the food needed to feed one person for a day. With the world

population increasing to 9 billion by 2050, and most of that growth expected in urban areas, the challenge of feeding

the world in a resource scarce environment has never been greater.

Already today in an increasing number of regions and watersheds, the demand for water outpaces available supply,

translating into environmental degradation and increased competition among di�erent users. About 12%of the

global land area is currently in use for cultivation of agricultural crops. Agriculture also uses 70% of all water

withdrawn from aquifers, streams and lakes. After water has been used for domestic, industrial and agricultural

purposes, only lower quality water is returned to the system, directly or by non point sources pollution (nutrients,

pesticides derived from crop and livestock management).

Yet in some countries in the arid and semi-arid zone, food production is only possible by irrigating. Food production is

not negotiable but what can be negotiated is where, when and how food is produced and consumed.

Agricultural policies have primarily benefited commercial farming with

productive land and access to water. However, a significant part of

small-scale producers are still locked in a poverty trap of high

vulnerability, land degradation and climatic uncertainty. Billions of small

farmers, including herders and fishermen, have their share in feeding the

world and managing its landscape and resources. They need appropriate

support as well, through incentives and governance practices.

Today’s agriculture sector faces in fact a complex series of challenges: i) produce more food of better quality while

using less water per unit of output; ii) provide rural people with resources and opportunities to live a healthy and

productive life; iii) apply clean technologies, as well as irrigation and drainage management that ensure

environmental sustainability; and iv) contribute in a productive way to the local and national economy, from

producer to consumer. This last point relates to the dimension of the post-harvest losses and food waste issues,

and the need to consider the e�ciency of the food supply chain from field to fork, in order to reduce unnecessary

waste, as well as to promote sustainable diets and to prevent hunger and malnutrition.

Development, agriculture, land, and water institutions in particular need to respond more e�ectively to the

needs of farmers. Secure, equitable and reliable access to land and water are essential conditions to ensure

sustainable production intensification. Urban planning must connect to rural development, as farmers are the

most secure source for a diverse food basket.

Increasing transparency in water allocation and management will be needed together with well targeted

investments in modernization of irrigation management, infrastructure and service provision, institutional

restructuring, synergies with the agricultural policies and upgrading of the technical capacities of farmers and

water managers. In some areas, it is about managing transitions.

The awareness of the interactions between food, its supply chain, energy supply,

poverty, environment and climate change is increasing as well as the recognition that

water plays a central role in all those issues. Water for food needs to consider the overall

context in which water management and its management for agriculture takes place.

The agriculture sector must become climate-smart to successfully tackle current food

security and climate change challenges. For this it should be water-smart.

More information online FAO www.fao.org/nr/water

and ICID www.icid.org/index.html

22 March 2012

www.unwater.org/worldwaterday

www.worldwaterweek.org

26-31 August 2012

Moving from Targets to SolutionsJoin the debates at the 6th World Water Forum The debates on water and food security are organised around 4 priorities and integrated sessions (introduction,

roundtables, dialogue, synthesis). The program below highlights some of the major events about water and food, including the 11 sessions (9 targets, introduction, multi-stakeholder panel and synthesis sessions) of the Theme 2.2: “Contribute to food security by optimal use of water in agriculture”, coordinated by FAO and ICID; 7 sessions at regional level; and many others related to water supply or uses in competition with other sectors. Check the 6th World Water Forum’s programme for a complete list of events.

Date & time Session Place

12/3

13/3

13/3

13/3

13/3

13/3

14/3

14/3

14/3

14/3

14/3

14/3

14/3

14/3

17.00-19.00

8.30 - 13.00

8.30 - 10.30

11.00 - 13.00

14.30 - 19.00

14.30 - 16.30

11.00 - 13.00

11:00 - 13:00

11.00 - 13.00

11.00 - 13.00

14.30 - 16.30

14.30 - 16.30

14.30 - 16.30

17.00 - 19.00

Side Event - Launch of the Report “Water and Food Security Facing Global Challenges: What Solutions” (French Government)

High-Level Roundtable - Water-Food-Energy Security Nexus (Closed session organised by the German and Oman Governments)

Mediterranean Region – Target 2.2 (ATA and F-IEA)Non-conventional water resources in the Mediterranean: the necessity of a common regulatory framework approach

Mediterranean Region – Target 2.1 (ATA and F-IEA) Fostering the inclusion of non-conventional water resources in water planning in the Mediterranean: towards making the term “non-conventional” obsolete

Mediterranean Region – Target 1.1 and 1.2 (Blue Plan and AFD, France)Water demand management in the Mediterranean

High-Level Panel – Water and Food Security (Organized by the French Government and FAO)

Theme 2.2 (ICID & FAO) Opening - Contribute to food Security by optimal use of water, an introduction

Target 2.2.5 (ICID & ICOLD) Be smart, store each drop to produce more food and get ready for changing climates

Cross continental Arab countries (target 1) - Towards higher water use e�ciency for sustainable development

Target 2.1.7 (IWA) Water accounting and management for balanced multiple use of water

Target 2.1.6 (ICID/AFEID and American Water Resources Association)Sustainable management of multiple water services

Target 2.2.7 (FAO and French Ministry of Agriculture) Groundwater: Boom or bust for agriculture?

Region Americas - Target 4.1 (Univ. of Nebraska) Sustainable food security through increased productivity of rainfed and irrigated agriculture

Region Americas - Target 4.2 (Univ. of Nebraska) Sustainable food security through increased agricultural productivity by the use of treated wastewater or low quality water

French Pavilion

Palais des congrès (PC) N+2 - Room: PC3 Patio 1

Palais des congrès (PC)N+1 - Room: PC 13 Patio 3

Palais de l'Europe (PEU) Hall 8 - Room: PEU 4

Palais des congrès (PC) RDJ - Room: PC 2 Endoume 3

Palais des congrès (PC) N+1 - Room: PC 15 Auditorium

Palais des congrès (PC)N+1 - Room: PC 8 Callelongue

Palais de l'Europe (PEU)Hall 8 - Room: PEU 5

Palais des congrès (PC)N+2 - Room: PC17 Samena

Palais des congrès (PC)N+1 - Room: PC 9 Goude 1


PEv A2 - Salon Présidentiel

Palais des congrès (PC) RDJ - Room: PC5 Jardin 1

Palais des congrès (PC) RDJ - Room: PC5 Jardin 1

Water and food security (multiple perspectives)

Save water and produce more and better food

Develop diverse water sources for agriculture and use

them in a sustainable way

Reduce food waste and consume sustainably

Balance between uses, in particular agriculture, and

allocate equitably - Policy, strategies and actors

Date & time Session Place

14/3

14/3

15/3

15/3

15/3

15/3

15/3

15/3

15/3

15/3

15/3

16/3

16/3

16/3

17.00 - 19.00

17.00 - 19.00

8.30 - 10.30

8.30 - 13.00

11.00 - 13.00

11.00 - 13.00

14.30 - 16.30

14.30 - 16.30

14.30 - 16.30

17.00 - 19.00

17.00 - 19.00

9.30 - 10.30

11.00 - 13.00

11.00 - 13.00

Theme 2.2 (ICID and FAO) Multi-Stakeholder Panel Contribute to food security by optimal use of water

Theme 2.3 / Target 2.3.7 Roundtable on Sustainable BiofuelsExisting and innovative solutions for better water management practices in biofuel production

Target 2.2.3 (ICID and AFEID) Sustainable productivity and lower costs of water management for food security at a�ordable prices for all

Target 2.2.8 (SIWI and FAO) & Target 3.2.4 (French Ministry of Finance and Climate KIC) Water savings and sustainable diets: reducing post-harvest losses and food waste for multiple gains

Target 2.2.4 (International Center for Biosaline Agriculture) Be creative - Use non-conventional waters for agriculture and aquaculture

Region Asia and Pacific - AP2.1 (FAO-RAP and ESCAP) Water in green growth and economy, food and water security

Target 2.2.1 (ICARDA and ICRISAT) A little rainfall can go a long way and could feed many more: act now

Target 2.2.9 (CCFD and French Ministry of Agriculture) Make water work for small farmers also: an answer to food security and production challenges

Cross continental Arab region - Develop solutions for using non-conventional water resources with focus on the use of renewable energy to bridge the water gap in the Arab region

Target 2.2.2 (Univ. of Nebraska and FAO)Sustainable food security through increased productivity of irrigated agriculture

Target 2.2.6 (Arab Water Council and Institute of National Planning, Egypt) Optimal use of water for food security - Regional visions and local agricultural plans

Press Briefing on Theme 2.2 “Contribute to food security by optimal use of water in agriculture”

High-Level Panel – Water, food and energy nexus (organized by Electricité de France, CGIAR and CPWF)

Synthesis Session (FAO and ICID) on Theme 2.2 “Contribute to food security by optimal use of water”

Palais des congrès (PC)N+1 - Room: PC 8 Callelongue

Palais de l'Europe (PEU)Hall 8 - Room PEU 3

Palais des congrès (PC)RDJ - Room: PC 3 Patio 3

Palais de l'Europe (PEU)Hall 8 - Room: PEU 8 / Europa 8

Palais des congrès (PC) RDJ - Room: PC 3 Patio 3

Palais de l'Europe (PEU)Hall 8 - Room: PEU 7 Europa 7

Palais de l'Europe (PEU)Room: PEU 2 / Europa 2

Palais de l'Europe (PEU)Hall 8 - Room: PEU 1 / Europa 1

Palais des congrès (PC)N+1 - Room: PC 11 Morgiou

Palais des congrès (PC)RDJ - Room: PC 13 Patio 3


Palais des congrès (PC) Room: PC 7 Escalette

Palais des congrès (PC) Room: PC 15 Auditorium

Palais des congrès (PC)N+1 - Room: PC 10 Goude 2

Many possible solutions for a sustainableagriculture in a water responsible world

Complex challenges ahead for managers and decision makers

There are many solutions to address growing water scarcity for food and agriculture. Technologies and management approaches that raise the e�ciency of farming systems and the productivity of water use in agriculture, including aquaculture and livestock sectors, must be combined with recycling and reuse of water, and drainage. This has to be achieved amid increasing competition for water among domestic, industrial, energy and agricultural uses.

Considerable reduction of food loss and waste can also been obtained in the supply chain: in storage, transportation, food processing, wholesale and retail. Behavioural changes, especially in diets and consumption patterns, also influence water demand in agriculture. Policies and strategies are needed at all levels, from local sustainable agriculture plans to regional, national and global programmes.

In the wake of increasing demand, changing consumption patterns, recent financial turmoil, and climate change, food security and agricultural livelihoods have regained importance in development planning. The fundamental challenge is how to meet ever-rising demand for food, feed and fibres in a context of volatile markets and climatic uncertainty while at the same time increasing farmers income, reducing poverty, adapting to climate change, using clean energy and ensuring environmental sustainability. All this is to happen learning from past agriculture and irrigation and drainage development, and with an increasingly constrained water resource base.

Water & Food Security

Join the Debate at the 6th World Water forum

Contribute to Food Security….

…by optimal use of water in agriculture

Farmers at the centre of the solutions

Innovate and rethink water, food and nutrition security answers

After the 6th World Water Forum, the dialogue continues on Water and Food Security

In the last 50 years, the world’s cultivated area has grown by 12% and agricultural production has grown 2.5 to 3

times (FAO, SOLAW, 2011). Agricultural water use has helped meet rapidly rising demand for food and has contributed

to the growth of farm profitability and poverty reduction as well as to regional rural development and environmental

protection. 55% of the food production comes from irrigated or drained areas and 45% from the other areas.

Partners engaged with FAO and ICID in the preparations of the sessions on water and food security at the 6th World Water Forum: IFAD, ADB, Consortium of Indian Farmer Organisations/India, International Youth Council, Ministry of Agriculture/France, OECD, IDE, IFAD, ICARDA, ICRISAT, Daugherty Water for Food Institute/University of Nebraska/USA, ICBA, ICOLD, Arab Water Council, INP/Egypt, SIWI, CCFD, ESCAP and many more

“Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access

to su�cient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for

an active and healthy life”. Poverty encompasses di�erent dimensions of deprivation that

relate to human capabilities and is thus closely intertwined with food security.

But...It takes in average 3 000 litres of water to produce the food needed to feed one person for a day. With the world

population increasing to 9 billion by 2050, and most of that growth expected in urban areas, the challenge of feeding

the world in a resource scarce environment has never been greater.

Already today in an increasing number of regions and watersheds, the demand for water outpaces available supply,

translating into environmental degradation and increased competition among di�erent users. About 12%of the

global land area is currently in use for cultivation of agricultural crops. Agriculture also uses 70% of all water

withdrawn from aquifers, streams and lakes. After water has been used for domestic, industrial and agricultural

purposes, only lower quality water is returned to the system, directly or by non point sources pollution (nutrients,

pesticides derived from crop and livestock management).

Yet in some countries in the arid and semi-arid zone, food production is only possible by irrigating. Food production is

not negotiable but what can be negotiated is where, when and how food is produced and consumed.

Agricultural policies have primarily benefited commercial farming with

productive land and access to water. However, a significant part of

small-scale producers are still locked in a poverty trap of high

vulnerability, land degradation and climatic uncertainty. Billions of small

farmers, including herders and fishermen, have their share in feeding the

world and managing its landscape and resources. They need appropriate

support as well, through incentives and governance practices.

Today’s agriculture sector faces in fact a complex series of challenges: i) produce more food of better quality while

using less water per unit of output; ii) provide rural people with resources and opportunities to live a healthy and

productive life; iii) apply clean technologies, as well as irrigation and drainage management that ensure

environmental sustainability; and iv) contribute in a productive way to the local and national economy, from

producer to consumer. This last point relates to the dimension of the post-harvest losses and food waste issues,

and the need to consider the e�ciency of the food supply chain from field to fork, in order to reduce unnecessary

waste, as well as to promote sustainable diets and to prevent hunger and malnutrition.

Development, agriculture, land, and water institutions in particular need to respond more e�ectively to the

needs of farmers. Secure, equitable and reliable access to land and water are essential conditions to ensure

sustainable production intensification. Urban planning must connect to rural development, as farmers are the

most secure source for a diverse food basket.

Increasing transparency in water allocation and management will be needed together with well targeted

investments in modernization of irrigation management, infrastructure and service provision, institutional

restructuring, synergies with the agricultural policies and upgrading of the technical capacities of farmers and

water managers. In some areas, it is about managing transitions.

The awareness of the interactions between food, its supply chain, energy supply,

poverty, environment and climate change is increasing as well as the recognition that

water plays a central role in all those issues. Water for food needs to consider the overall

context in which water management and its management for agriculture takes place.

The agriculture sector must become climate-smart to successfully tackle current food

security and climate change challenges. For this it should be water-smart.

More information online FAO www.fao.org/nr/water

and ICID www.icid.org/index.html

22 March 2012

www.unwater.org/worldwaterday

www.worldwaterweek.org

26-31 August 2012

at the 6th world water forum join the debate - fao.org.pk · join the debates at the 6th world...

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