How Do Irrigation and Drainage Interventions Secure Food Production and Livelihood for Rural Communities?

Abstract

AbstractIrrigated agriculture is again at the forefront of development priorities, as food security and good nutrition are now considered among major goals, along with ending poverty and achieving access to water and sanitation for all. Question 59 of the 22nd ICID Congress, by addressing the two issues of ensuring food security and securing livelihoods in rural areas, is therefore particularly relevant within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) process led by the United Nations.What is firstly addressed under this question is how securing irrigation contributes to securing food, which is compulsory for securing the livelihood of rural populations. Many papers highlight the role which rural communities can play in the governance of water resource and hydraulic systems. Adequate use of so‐called 'poor quality water' is presented as a development factor of rural areas, as well as considering multiple uses, which may help sustainability.Water needs for food production are increasing, while other uses must be better satisfied in spite of climate changes often resulting in a scarcer resource. It is therefore crucial to improve irrigation efficiency through innovation and development of water‐saving methods and techniques.Inter‐basin cooperation, either within a country or transboundary, also appears as a solution to cope with limited water resources or to resolve water conflicts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.