Valuing Water in Food Systems and Beyond

Abstract

The value of water can, and should, be understood in a multitude of ways as value is contingent upon the needs and perspectives of various users; companies, governments and communities all value water differently. Buildsing from an earlier water valuation framework, this chapter looks at the value of water from a business perspective, and more specifically, through an applied water stewardship lens. Water valuation is broadly split into two categories: economic and financial valuation, to speak to public and private sector user groups respectively. Providing an overview of various applied water valuation methodologies is applicable for food systems and beyond. The concept of water valuation from a corporate water stewardship angle is a nascent area. It is anticipated that the coming decade will see an increasing number of more nuanced approaches that can help mainstream the idea and thereby benefit water resources.