Agricultural Water Use

Worldwide, close to 70% of water withdrawals are for agriculture. In developing countries, over 90% of total water use is for agriculture. Against a backdrop of acute competition for scarce water resources among economic sectors, increasing the efficiency of agricultural water use requires simultaneously improvements in water management, technology, knowledge and capacity building at all levels, from farmers through irrigation agencies to basin and national water resources institutions. Since 1990, various international fora have emphasized the need to reduce water waste, intensify efficiency in water use and rationalize water distribution among competing users in view of the rapid decline in available resources, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Near East and the accelerated, often competing demand for fresh water resources from the agricultural, urban and industrial sectors.

Improved water management and the reduction of water wastage within irrigation schemes, responsible for about 60% of water pumped or diverted, will thus have to play a key role in increasing food production. Improving the sustainability and productivity of existing and new irrigation schemes requires innovative approaches and increased role of the private sector, and a framework for national water policies, regulations and economic measures that are conducive to a rational allocation and efficient use of water resources.

FAO is assisting Member Countries to build the capacity to effectively develop and manage their water resources, to reform their water sector legislation and is promoting low-cost, environmentally sound, irrigation technologies and improved water usage. Priorities include water resources inventories and evaluation; water use efficiency; water quality control, conservation and environmental effects; and water policy formulation and river basin planning.

• Formulation of National Irrigation Policy and Strategy (TCP)
  
• Formulation of National Irrigation Policy and Strategy (TF)
  
• Formulation of National Water Master Plan (TCP)
  
• Irrigation Improvement: Environmental Component (TF)
  
• Lowlands Sustainable Development and Reclamation (TF)
  

SEE PROJECT EXAMPLES:

• Appropriation de techniques d'économie de l'eau à la parcelle (TCP)
  
• Reassessment of a Small Island State’s Water Resources and Demand (TCP)
  
• Aménagement et mise en valeur à faible coût de bas-fonds (TCP)
  
• National Irrigation Policy and Strategy (TCP)
  
• Politique et stratégie nationales de développement de la petite irrigation (TCP)
  
• Capacity Building for Nile Basin Water Resources Management (Regional Africa) (TF)
  

USEFUL FAO LINKS:

• Land and Water Development Division
  

• Agriculture 21
  

• Special Programme for Food Security Toolkit Site - Water Control