Innovative approaches in agricultural water management can enhance water efficiency, reduce environmental problems and gain an economic advantage. Examples are modernization of irrigation systems and climate smart farming methods.
Water is needed for agricultural production, but conversely, agriculture has important consequences for water balance and water quality. Worldwide there is insufficient clean water for food production, water extraction and biodiversity conservation. Even relatively wet countries periodically suffer from drought damage. This problem is getting worse due to climate change. The weather will be characterized by periods with more severe droughts and also periods with flooding. The water quality is threatened by intensive land use and the production of waste water. We are therefore faced with a major challenge to deal with these changes and to jointly ensure that the water system continues to function for food production, drinking water extraction, safe working, living and recreating and maintaining biodiversity.
