FAO and WWC report urges governments to prioritise water use to ensure food security in future

A report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Water Council (WWC) has warned that while there will be enough water in 2050 to produce the food needed to feed nine billion people, water supplies to many regions, especially developing countries, will be reduced due to overconsumption, degradation and climate change.

Owing to the findings of the report ‘Towards a water and food secure future’, the organisations have urged governments to ensure that crops, livestock and fish are sustainably produced to safeguard water resources.

According to the report, by 2050, agriculture will be the biggest use for water, and it is estimated that around 60% more food will be needed to feed the world.

This will result in almost two-thirds of supplies being drawn from rivers, lakes and aquifers. Hence, it would be necessary for farmers to increase their output by using limited land and water.

According to current data, nearly 40% of people around the world are affected by water scarcity, which is set to increase to two-thirds by 2050.

President of the World Water Council Benedito Braga said: "Food and water security are inextricably linked. We believe that by developing local approaches and making the right investments, world leaders can ensure that there will be sufficient water volume, quality and access to meet food security in 2050 and beyond."

The report has called upon governments to help farmers increase their food productivity by using limited water resources, including in the area of crop and livestock genetics through a combination of public and private investment, as well as supportive training.

To address degradation and waste, the report makes case for transparency in allocation and pricing mechanisms by water institutions.

The paper also highlights the need to guarantee security of land and water tenure, and access to credit, strengthening the role of women, who are primarily responsible for much of the farming in regions of Africa and Asia.

FAO deputy director-general natural resources Maria Helena Semedo said: "In an era of accelerated changes unparalleled to any in our past, our ability to provide adequate, safe and nutritious food sustainably and equitably is more relevant than ever.

"Water, as an irreplaceable element of achieving this end, is already under pressure by increasing demands from other uses, exacerbated by weak governance, inadequate capacities, and underinvestment."

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Image: The FAO/WWC paper calls for policies and investments to improve water storage facilities, wastewater capture and reuse and also research that generates more resilient agricultural production systems for smallholders. Photo:courtesy of Food and Agriculture Organisation.