Chapter 22 - Sustainable water use and management for agricultural transformation in Africa

Abstract

Sustainable agricultural practices focus on the wholesome effectiveness of approaches and activities surrounding food production. These methods can range from the application of local indigenous knowledge and practices to modern and technology-based approaches to food production. Water is the basis of life and a major input that dictates agricultural processes and in turn food production. The resource is faced with a lot of pressure that is further heightened by an increasing human population, changing environmental conditions, and modern systems of food production, hence the need for transformation. The process of agricultural transformation and intensification in Africa has increased in the past half-decade and is projected to increase further with the support of international donors and agencies as well as internal and external interests. Modern and improved water usage via irrigation practices and other smart approaches are being encouraged for the sustainable use of water resources in agriculture. However, this approach requires inputs from both financial and policy approaches from the stakeholders, government sector, resource personnel, and agencies for the development and management of water and agricultural transformation practices. With adequate knowledge about modern approaches to water use for agricultural transformation such as climate-smart agriculture, it can be used to address sustainability issues as well as to drive the economic growth of the region. Conversely, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals towards agenda 2030 emphasize the need for water resources management. This chapter highlights the importance of sustainable water use to agricultural transformation and the processes, and measures involved.