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Topic
Agriculture and food systems for food security
Agriculture is the largest user of freshwater globally and a cornerstone of food security and rural livelihoods. Reliable water availability underpins crop production, livestock systems, and incomes for millions of people, while also shaping the landscapes and ecosystems on which farming depends.
Intensifying pressures on water and food systems
Water pressures on agriculture are intensifying. Climate change is driving more frequent droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall, directly affecting yields and food supply. At the same time, unsustainable water use and land management practices can degrade soils, reduce water availability, and increase vulnerability, particularly for smallholder farmers and rainfed systems.
How SIWI contributes
SIWI works to improve how water-related decisions in agriculture are made by promoting more integrated and sustainable approaches. We support policies and planning processes that link water use with land management, ecosystems, and food systems, including attention to green water, soil moisture, and landscape-scale processes. SIWI helps align agricultural production with water sustainability and climate resilience.
What sustainable water management in agriculture enables
By strengthening decision-making around water in agriculture, SIWI helps to enable more resilient food systems, protected ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods. Managing water wisely in farming is essential for meeting food needs today while safeguarding water resources for future generations.