Coping with Water Scarcity in Agriculture: a Global Framework for Action in a Changing Climate

Water scarcity is one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century. Agriculture is both a cause and a casualty of water scarcity. It accounts for an estimated 70 percent of global water withdrawals, with freshwater resources heavily stressed by irrigation and food production. While demand for water for agriculture and other uses are increasing rapidly, climate change also affects fresh water resources negatively both in terms of quantity and quality. More frequent and severe droughts are having an impact on agricultural production, while rising temperatures translate into increased crop water demand. Water use is growing at more than twice the rate of population increase, and a 60 percent surge in food demand is expected by 2050. There is an urgent need, therefore, to address water scarcity.