Food and Water Security During Crises
The world is challenged by rising food-water nexus pressures. Read how leading locations are implementing policy innovations to use water in agriculture more efficiently while protecting water quality.
Currently, agriculture accounts for 70% of all water withdrawn. By 2050, demand for food will increase by 60%. Meanwhile, global water demand for agriculture will increase by 60% by 2025. Climate change will only exacerbate food-water nexus pressures.
Agriculture is the main polluter of surface water and groundwater supplies while increased demand for water in agricultural production is increasing urban-rural competition for scarce water resources.
The pandemic has changed the way people access their food, with home-based production becoming an alternative, such as hydroponics and roof gardening. This is empowering people to take food security matters into their own hands. It also provides jobs and training opportunities for local communities.
San Francisco’s urban agriculture water meters
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPCU) provides the Community Garden Irrigation Meter Grant Program. It helps agriculture and community gardens better manage their irrigation water use. The grant waives utility fees for the installation of a water meter for projects with a minimum 10-year lifespan. This is part of the city‘s aim of urban agriculture and community gardens providing health, education, and economic benefits to residents
Minnesota’s Urban Agriculture Grant
Minnesota has launched its Urban Agriculture Grant to encourage youth agricultural education and urban agricultural community development within city limits or peri-urban areas. Organisations eligible to apply include non-profits, for-profit businesses, schools, tribal communities and local government entities. Applications are assessed on the environmental impact of their project, including, how it will promote clean water and use water efficiently.
Singapore growing its agri-food cluster
The Singapore Food Agency is establishing a $60 million Agri-Food Cluster Fund to create an agri-food sector that is highly productive, climate-resilient, and resource-efficient. Funding will be available to promote large commercial-scale, automated, and advanced farming technology solutions. Funding will also be available to implement technology that increases water efficiency and reduces pollution and waste.
The take-out
Food and water security can be achieved through innovative policy solutions that promote more crop per drop and protect water quality.