Agriculture accounts for about 70% of water withdrawals worldwide, but about 90% in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Increasing scarcity of fresh water and growing competition, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, is a serious constraint on agricultural production.
According to the state of food and agriculture 2020 report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately 1,2 billion people live in areas where severe water shortages and scarcity challenge agriculture, from very high drought frequency in dryland cropland and pastureland areas to very high water stress in irrigated areas. This means that about one in six people on the planet face severe water shortages and scarcity in agriculture. If areas with high (in addition to very high) severe drought frequency or water stress are also considered, the number of people affected increases to 3,2 billion, of whom more than 40% (1,4 billion) live in rural areas.
As the report further indicates, these current estimates of water scarcity in agriculture globally can serve as a global assessment of the future potential impacts of climate change on water constraints.
“Water in these areas is likely to be a constraint [on] agricultural livelihoods and for most households, and unless demand and user practices change or alternate water resources are found, people may be driven to migrate,” the report states. Previous research by the FAO has found that 128 million hectares of dryland cropland and 656 million hectares of pastureland face frequent droughts, while 171 million hectares of irrigated cropland are subject to high or very high water stress. This means that about 11% of dryland cropland and 14% of pastureland experience severe recurring droughts, while more than 60% of irrigated cropland is highly water-stressed.
Denne historien er fra February 26, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra February 26, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
