On-farm Water Management Research Articles

Rice producer enrollment and retention in a USDA regional conservation partnership program in the southern United States

Private lands conservation is critical to maintain available and quality natural resources in agriculture-dominated landscapes. Financial capital and technical assistance incentives are a primary tool to recruit and retain voluntary participation in private lands conservation programs and, subsequently, to induce persistence of innovative conservation practices. Fundamental to program success is to evaluate how, why, and to what extent incentives and program characteristics motivate participation and persistence. This study draws on diffusion of innovations’ attributes of innovation as our conceptual and interpretive framework to qualitatively explore and describe program participation and persistence of on-farm water, nutrient, and wildlife habitat management practices among a cohort of rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) producers enrolled in the Rice Stewardship Program (RSP) in the southern United States. A total of 50 interviews were conducted between January of 2019 and July of 2019 in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Findings suggest the program’s lack of complexity (practices were simple to enact) and relative advantage (practices were viewed as better than previous practices) were primary motivations that influenced initial and continued participation, as well as the persistence of specific practices. Compatibility with current on-farm practices and the observability of outcomes or benefits to program participation and its practices were reported consistently but as secondary motivations. Nutrient management practices were observed as having the highest potential persistence as these practices were perceived to be compatible, observable, and relatively advantageous, particularly in relation to the region’s existing nutrient stewardship framework. As few evaluations of private lands conservation programs specific to rice agriculture exist, our findings offer practical insights for managers to consider program evaluation or design that is based on the established innovation attributes framework common to other agricultural contexts.

The Effect of On-Farm Water Management on Expansion of Irrigated Land in Bajaur, Pakistan

The Effect of On-Farm Water Management on Expansion of Irrigated Land in Bajaur, Pakistan

Application of Value Engineering to Identify and Solve Irrigation Water Allocation Problems

Periodic assessment and monitoring of the functionality of irrigation scheme components is the popularly known approach for identifying and fixing existing or looming problems. For example the widely used quantitative metrics for irrigation water allocation performance assessment include equity, adequacy, and reliability of water supply. However, a qualitative metric that is seldom applied particularly in Nigeria is the value engineering method. A value engineering method is problem identification and solving approach commonly used to analyze the level of functionality of a given system or its components. The approach comprised the following phases; problem identification, system functionality analysis, creation, evaluation and development of value alternatives. A value engineering approach was applied to identify and solve the water allocation problem at Watari Irrigation Project (WIP), Kano Nigeria. Eleven (11) major problems related to water allocation were identified, and 27 solutions (ideas) were suggested, screened and reduced to 13 by the irrigating management experts. Five (5) value alternatives (VA) from the finally screened ideas were formed by putting 2 or 3 ideas as an integrated solution for a given problem. The 5 value alternatives include repairing water conveyance infrastructures, dredging water conveyance infrastructures, improving on-farm water management, conducting policy dialogue and alteration and creating awareness and sensitization campaigns. After scoring these value alternatives using a scale of 0 to 10 by another set of irrigation experts, dredging water conveyance infrastructures is having the highest score of 8.19 and hence, it requires urgent attention from the relevant authority.

Soil and Irrigation Water Salinity, and Its Consequences for Agriculture in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review

The salt problem in Ethiopia has been further exacerbated by a number of factors, including poor water quality, ineffective on-farm water management techniques, and a lack of appropriate and technically sound drainage infrastructure at irrigation sites. Despite its importance, no systematic review or documentation of the extent and consequences of the problem has been made so far. This scientific review primarily focuses on original studies published in the country, notably in arid and semi-arid regions where salinity issues have a significant influence. The data indicated that soil and irrigation water salinity have a substantial link with crops and agricultural communities in Ethiopia. Salinity has a significant impact on soil and water fertility, resulting in poorer agricultural production, food insecurity, and poverty. Salinity has a significant impact on crops in the country, from the germination stages to the harvesting stages during the growing season. If the current state of soil and water management continues, the severity of both soil and irrigation water salinity will reach an irreversible level that significantly impedes the country’s agricultural production capacity. As a result, cultured irrigation water treatment, crop selection based on salinity and sodicity levels, irrigation water quality, leaching, and fertilizer use in combination with organic manures are scientifically proven actions to address the salinity problem. Furthermore, to adequately reclaim and manage salinity in Ethiopia’s dryland saline zone, multi-stakeholder participation is required.

A concept of Technological and Managerial Complexity of Project Management in Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa, Pakistan

Purpose: The study aims as an engineering example of a single-objective Project Complexities (SOPCs) problem, Water Users Associations (WUAs) of On Farm Water Management (OFWM) and its use for a Project Complexities &amp; Water Management (PCs &amp; WM) model parameters prediction is presented in this study.&#x0D; Methodology: A traditional method for WUAs training used herein is the well-known Background ladder method, which uses an umbrella based approach of project application and adaptation to the prevailing scenario and locale to minimize an output error. As a novel approach, umbrella approach of complex project can be used here for the same purpose.&#x0D; Findings: It is shown that obtained errors are much lower than the outputs obtained from the Background ladder method. Next, an identification of the integration of complex projects as in David model. This model is a fully three-dimensional approach of Linear, Horizontal and Vertical Project Complexities and Water Management at different combinations of Project Complexities and Water Management along with the development of new model in the shape of Ladder Approach. The first main result is that the Complexities of Complex Projects Can be solved by parallel analysis in reasonable time and locale. The second outcome is the fact that the local minimas of the identified problems can be resolved through Umbrella Approach of Project Application and adoption method as well as statistical analysis. This will also minimize the need of training of locale peoples for a Water Management Project’s work.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Exploring farmers' perceptions and lessons learned from the 2015–2018 drought in the Western Cape, South Africa

The agricultural sector is one of the most vulnerable sectors to the impacts of climate change. Between 2015 and 2018, the Western Cape Province of South Africa experienced a multi-year severe drought. Projections show that the Western Cape is likely to experience hotter and drier conditions, with more frequent droughts. Without appropriate adaptation actions, climate change is likely to increasingly constrain agricultural activities in the province. Commercial farmers represent a considerable population of decision-makers, which are fundamental to climate change adaptation. Understanding farmers' perceptions is important to develop effective policy, support structures, and communications. This study aimed to understand wheat farmers' and apple producers' perceptions of climate change and adaptation in the Western Cape, South Africa, and establish whether the recent drought offered lessons for adaptation. Study methods included the use of an online questionnaire as well as several in-depth interviews with farmers and producers. Results showed that most farmers and producers agree that climate change is real and is caused by human activities. Most farmers and producers in the region are already actively (or intend to start) preparing for climate change (69%). In response to climate change, apple producers view on-farm water management (such as irrigation management and water recycling) as the most important strategy. Wheat farmers strategies are focused on crop management (including cultivar selection and conservation agriculture). Many farmers and producers further agreed that they had learnt from the past 2015–2018 drought. Notably, results showed that farmers and producers who rely a great deal on weather forecasts were more likely to feel that their farm's response was effective. Furthermore, it was found that farmers and producers who felt they learned from the drought were also more likely to be actively preparing for climate risks. It is recommended that investments into climate change adaptation focus on research and development, particularly with regard to cultivar development, irrigation management, tailored weather forecasting, and localised risk assessments. Policy should prioritise the more vulnerable farmers and producers while focusing on integrated risk reduction measures which account for multiple stressors.

Relatives, neighbors, or friends: Information exchanges among irrigators on new on-farm water management tools

CONTEXTOn-farm water application in Ethiopia, as in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, is dominated by furrow irrigation, which resulted in inefficient water uses and related economic and environmental problems. A recent project introduced two on-farm water management tools, called wetting front detectors and Chameleon sensors, to some farmers in Koga irrigation scheme and facilitated for other farmers in the quaternary canal, who did not receive the technology, to learn from farmers who installed the tools on their plots. OBJECTIVESThe objective of this study is to investigate the role of different social ties on information exchanges among farmers when some farmers have the signal on how long to irrigate a field during an irrigation event from on-farm water management tools. The study explored the relative importance of being neighbors, friends, spatial proximity of farms, and project induced pairings. METHODSThe study used a household survey data from all members of quaternary canals in the project that were in the technology, information, and control groups, as well as detailed network modules on how farmers with plots in the quaternary canal are associated with each other. A fixed effects econometric approach is used to control for time invariant household level and quaternary canal characteristics, while teasing out how the different social ties affect the information flow. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results show that being in purposeful friendships as indicated by knowing each other's decision on the use of agricultural inputs and its outcome, as well as being spatially proximate as indicated by having farm plots next to each other or usually passing by each other's plots play a significant role in determining whether information-recipient farmers received information from the technology-recipient farmers as expected. Being relatives or neighbors played a minor role to facilitate information exchanges on how long to irrigate. In addition, ad-hoc pairs of farmers between technology-recipient and information-recipient created through the project within the quaternary canal did not play a significant role above and beyond the existing social ties of friendships and spatial proximity. SIGNIFICANCEThe findings have implications for effective ways of targeting in future scale up of such technologies as it informs that the roll out of such type of technologies and the extension services around it can better help technology diffusion and learning if they use friends and spatial proximates as anchors of information. That is, at times of over-subscription to such on-farm water management tools, information about the technology and the recommended duration of one irrigation turn can diffuse faster if the limited number of tools are distributed in such a way that friends and spatial proximates have access to a tool, rather than distributing the tools based on being neighbors or relatives.

Development of green energy based micro-sprinkler irrigation system for small holdings of SAT region

The Indian agriculture in the region of semi-arid tropics (SAT), characterized by small holders, small water harvesting and recycling system assumes a significant potential to sustain agricultural productivity by providing supplemental as well aslifesaving irrigation and mitigating mid-season drought. In Indian Agriculture, major energy consuming activities include on-farm water management. Efficient and cost-effective irrigation system matching the small-scale water harvesting and storage, are anot available in this region. In view of this, a carry-and-irrigate type micro-sprinkler irrigation system was designed and developedin order to achieve the holistic utilization of water resources and niche-potential of solar energy and gravity. The performance was measured on various parameters of application rate, Christiansen uniformity coefficient and pattern efficiency and were quantified as 14.2 mm/h, 91.3% and 89.01% respectively. The develop irrigation system qualified the performance criteria as standardized by ASAE, 1996. Given the characteristics of low cost and portability, it can considerably substantiate the vegetable production at household scale. Though, this system is developed exclusively for the location representing typical dryland agriculture of India, it can be easily and effectively replicated in other part of the world having similar agro-ecosystem. This simple water management technique utilizing the niche potential of gravity and solar energy can significantly contribute to the various objectives of sustainable development goal.

Dobra poljoprivredna praksa u primeni sredstava za zaštitu bilja

Agriculture is the world's second largest source of employment, often involving long hours and heavy work in challenging climates and harsh conditions. The continued development of sustainable intensive agriculture is essential to maintain the quality and quantity of agricultural products for consumers, particularly with the scarcity of natural resources, climate change, a growing world population and the physical limitation of productive agricultural land. On farm best management practices (BMPs) during transport, storage and use of crop protection products (CPP) help to avoid the contamination of operators, soil and water bodies. Also, the correct disposal of empty CPP containers and remnants from spraying is crucial to avoid point source contamination of water bodies. BMPs include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent direct contact with crop protection products. When BMPs are in place for handling and using PPPs and product spills are managed properly, the risk of contamination both to humans and the environment will be reduced significantly. Farmers around the world should be aware that land and water management are critical for agriculture and ecosystems. On-farm water management optimizes water use for crops and other farm operations. Spray drift, drain flow, run off and leaching from fields may cause contamination of surface and ground water. The adoption of best management practices, such as field margins, optimized irrigation systems and best in class application technology, will help to prevent such contamination as well as improve agricultural productivity. Significant surface water contamination can also occur as a result of improper filling and cleaning of spray equipment. It is simple and easy to prevent by using separated based systems to collect this and other waste water. In separation based systems, waste water is put in a container. Crop protection products are then physically separated from the water, e.g. by evaporating the water into the atmosphere with the help of the wind and sun, which leaves the residues of crop protection products in the container.

Effects and Issues of Water Management of Using ICT for On-farm Water Management System

Effects and Issues of Water Management of Using ICT for On-farm Water Management System

Canadian horticultural growers’ perceptions of beneficial management practices for improved on-farm water management

Climate change challenges agricultural production in Eastern Canada by affecting water resource availability. Farmers' adoption of improved water management practices and technologies can play an important part in the region's climate change adaptation strategy. To facilitate the diffusion of agricultural beneficial management practices (BMPs), it is essential to examine the factors that influence farmers' decision-making, and the barriers and facilitators of adoption. While determinants of adoption have been studied extensively, past research suggests that they are context dependent and that a gap exists in relation to understanding how BMP characteristics are perceived and how they shape adoption. Therefore, this article identifies some of the key factors in the adoption of improved water management systems in Ontario and Québec by focusing on differences between adopters and non-adopters. This study uses data from a survey of 70 fruit and vegetable growers. Results show that Canadian growers find important being good stewards of the land – being interested in minimizing their farms' impact on the environment and making good use of scarce resources. Farmers also believe society should help support the costs associated with safeguarding the environment. Growers interested in adopting the BMPs were likely to have less farming experience, diverse farming goals, higher educational attainment, and a higher degree of specialization in the production of tomatoes, cranberries or onions. While the majority of growers perceived the BMPs to be profitable, a better alternative and having capacity to reduce water use and improve yields, growers not interested in adopting these BMPs identified several issues that in their view act as barriers – initial cost of investment, and market instability. Policy responses aimed at enhancing diffusion of the BMPs, can be better targeted on priority regions and growers, incorporating in their communication strategy messages that resonate with growers' needs and take note of concerns they raise.

Management and Utilization Strategy of Water Resources for Rice Production

Declination of available water resources is threatening the dry season crop production in Bangladesh. Sustainable water management is crucial need to meet future food production. This study was aimed to determine futuristic water management strategy for rice cultivation. Both surface and groundwater is getting scarce in north-west region, whereas abundant of fresh surface water creating opportunities to irrigate dry season crops in south-central region. This study has outlined irrigation management for rice cultivation and groundwater utilization in water scarce area of north-west region. More than 75% of annual rainfall occurred during monsoon and crops other than monsoon often faced water shortage. Timely establishment of T. Aus rice on 01 May accounted average 183 mm supplemental irrigation for north-west and south-west region. Transplanting of T. Aman rice before 24 July found the low risk period of drought and gave about 1 t ha-1 yield advantage than late transplanting after 15 October. Supplemental irrigation in drought year gave up to 26% yield advantage than the rain-fed condition of T. Aman rice in experimental plot. Over exploitation of groundwater by famers for crop cultivation makes the groundwater status worsen. Farmers used 38% excess water than the actual requirement for Boro rice cultivation. For that annual groundwater withdrawal was higher than annual recharge causing groundwater level depletion in most of the districts. Groundwater table went below suction limit of shallow tubewell (STW) during dry season and thus it become unable to operate. Improved distribution system with plastic pipe, buried pipe could save about 25% of irrigation water. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation method saved 20-25% water than farmer’s practice. Application of these on-farm water management technologies in Boro rice reduced water demand and made the groundwater balance positive as well as reduced the groundwater withdrawal pressure. On the contrary, irrigation with less saline surface water resources in river and canals of south central regions could expand Boro production and increased land productivity. Intervention of low lift pump with plastic pipe distribution in non-saline tidal areas could increase land productivity. Besides, trapped freshwater in to the canals inside the polders and re-excavation of these canals would make crop intensification. Thus, additional food production could help to achieve sustainable development goal and sustained food security. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 37-50, 2021

Analysis of Soil Texture, Furrow Geometry, and Infiltration Rate for Improving Water Application Efficiency

Soil texture, furrow geometry, and infiltration rate are the main characteristics for improving water application efficiency. Substantial amounts of diverted irrigation water are often lost because of poor water control, inefficient irrigation conveyance systems, poor on-farm water management, or poor application practices. Field experiments were conducted on three farm plots within the command area for water availability and accessibility under the Melka Hida small-scale irrigation scheme in the West Guji Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The physical characteristics of soil, including depth, particle distribution, textural classification, bulk density, field capacity, and permanent wilting point, were studied and the results are presented. Furrow parameters including slope, width, length, and shape geometry were measured. The cumulative infiltration and infiltration rates were also recorded. The results show that irrigation application efficiency ranged from 57 to 64% with an average of 61%, indicating that about 40% of the applied water was not used by crops. The storage efficiency ranged from 79.6 to 81.6% with an average of 80%. Soil moisture measurements showed that crops were water stressed during the experimental period. Application efficiency decreased with increasingly steep slopes and cutoff times, greater applied depth, and high inflow rate in the study area. Unavailability of irrigation water control structure, weakness of water users’ associations, and maintenance of furrows and steep slopes were observed as the major causes of inefficient water management in the Melka Hida irrigation scheme.

On-Farm Water Management and its Impacts on Productivity and Quality of Cactus Pear (opuntia ficus-indica)

On-Farm Water Management and its Impacts on Productivity and Quality of Cactus Pear (opuntia ficus-indica)

English

Soil salinity is the major factor that limits agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. The use of improved farm management practices in such areas is becoming a highly concerning issue to sustain agricultural productivity. This study, therefore, was conducted to evaluate the effect of on-farm water management practices and irrigation water sources on soil quality. The experiment was conducted on 16 farmer's fields in the area for two consecutive years. Soil and water sampling were done at the beginning and end of each growing season. Both samples were analyzed for selected parameters following standard laboratory procedures. A general linear model of two ways analysis of variance was used to evaluate the variations among treatments. Results indicated that about 64.3% of studied soil properties are showed significant variation at P<5% across treatments. This implies that management practice and sources of irrigation water have an impact on soil productivity. Salinity and alkalinity values showed an increasing trend over time and higher values for both parameters were observed in groundwater irrigated fields. This suggested that irrigation water sources have also pronounced effects on soil quality. The higher value for soil fertility indicators such as organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous was also observed under managed fields. This also suggests management practices positively influenced soil productivity. Therefore, paying attention to management practices and water quality is very important to maintain soil productivity. Key words: Agriculture, ANOVA, irrigation management, soil salinity, water quality.

Estimation of Ground Water Recharge for Irrigation Water Budget Planning in Kanzenze Swamp

Groundwater is the dynamic local water source for agriculture, industry, wildlife and human development activity. Hence, in order to sustain long-term groundwater use, make intelligent groundwater allocation decisions and water budget planning, develop on-farm water management strategies, the estimation of the net groundwater recharge from agricultural areas like Kanzenze swamp is paramount important. The study findings therefore showed that Ground Water Recharge estimation for the study area ranges from 33.85mm to 52.96mm while the average mean of ground water recharge is about 45.06mm per year. The coefficient of ground water recharge is ranging from 3.41% to 5.27% while average mean recharge coefficient is 4.06% recharged to ground water level yearly. However, monthly basis planning have advantages for farmers’ water budgeting. It revealed that highest recharge coefficient is recorded in months of March, April and November representing 17.22% and 17% of the mean monthly rainfall while the lowest recharge coefficient is recorded during the period of June, July and February representing 16.17%, 15.73% and 16.71% of the average monthly rainfall. Thus, it is recommended that utmost farmers around the Kanzenze swamp should plan the irrigation activities and minimizes unnecessary water use consumption in such way that in June and July there is water enough water even taught there is shortage of rainfall. It meant that priori irrigation systems should be applied to obtain optimum moisture content and water table levels for effective crop production mainly horticultural crops in season C rather than season A and season B of cultivation in Rwanda.

Remote Sensing and Modelling Based Framework for Valuing Irrigation System Efficiency and Steering Indicators of Consumptive Water Use in an Irrigated Region

Water crises are becoming severe in recent times, further fueled by population increase and climate change. They result in complex and unsustainable water management. Spatial estimation of consumptive water use is vital for performance assessment of the irrigation system using Remote Sensing (RS). For this study, its estimation is done using the Soil Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) approach. Performance indicators including equity, adequacy, and reliability were worked out at various spatiotemporal scales. Moreover, optimization and sustainable use of water resources are not possible without knowing the factors mainly influencing consumptive water use of major crops. For that purpose, random forest regression modelling was employed using various sets of factors for site-specific, proximity, and cropping system. The results show that the system is underperforming both for Kharif (i.e., summer) and Rabi (i.e., winter) seasons. Performance indicators highlight poor water distribution in the system, a shortage of water supply, and unreliability. The results are relatively good for Rabi as compared to Kharif, with an overall poor situation for both seasons. Factors importance varies for different crops. Overall, distance from canal, road density, canal density, and farm approachability are the most important factors for explaining consumptive water use. Auditing of consumptive water use shows the potential for resource optimization through on-farm water management by the targeted approach. The results are based on the present situation without considering future changes in canal water supply and consumptive water use under climate change.

Prioritization of adaptation measures for improved agricultural water management in Northwest Bangladesh

Adaptation strategies are essential to manage water demand and ensure optimal use of available water resources under climate change. Identification and prioritization of adaptation options would greatly support decision-making in drought-prone Northwest Bangladesh. This study identified climate adaptation options by literature review and stakeholder consultation, then used multi-criteria analysis to evaluate and prioritize the options. The complexity of the options was also evaluated, specifically social, institutional, and technical obstacles to their local uptake. Seventy-two adaptation options were identified, spanning six sector categories. The options were further classified as in-system dependent, i.e., options that could be implemented by local actors, or as out-system dependent, i.e., options reliant on actions by external actors. Finally, they were defined as on-farm or off-farm strategies. Transboundary cooperation to increase surface water flows was ranked as the overall top-priority option, though this option is very complex and out-system dependent. Integrated water resources management and integrated crop management were the top-ranked options in the water management and crop production management sectors, respectively. Clustering scattered households and offering training programs in on-farm water management were the most and least complex measures, respectively. Stakeholders exhibited a clear preference for higher scale out-system dependent strategies, rather than in-system dependent options focused on changing the agricultural system itself to cope with climate change. Nonetheless, it is recommended that short-term and medium-term planning focus on opportunities to implement achievable adaptation measures within the local agricultural system. Investment in complex, externally dependent strategies is important for long-term planning.

Rice yield response forecasting tool (YIELDCAST) for supporting climate change adaptation decision in Sahel

Rice yield responses forecast (YIELDCAST) is a very useful decision support tool in climate adaptation in Sahel, where crops are purely rainfed climate-stressors sensitive. This study aims to construct upland rice yield responses forecasting algebraic formulation code referred as YIELDCAST by using gene-expression programming (GEP) based on observed rainfall and temperatures data (1979–2011), and forcing with global climate model (GCM) downscaled outputs under CO2 emission scenarios SR-A1B, A2 and B1 (2012–2100) over Bobo-Dioulasso, a Sahelian region. Statistically, GEP is a capable tool to downscale climate variables in the region (R = 0.746−0.949), and construct reliable rice YIELDCAST tool (R = 0.930; MSE = 0.037 ton/ha; MAE = 0.155 ton/ha, RSE = 0.137 ton/ha). Yields forecasted (2012–2100) showed a noticeable statistically significant difference between scenarios; however, fluctuating with no substantial increase (average below 1.60 ton/ha); suggesting that the increase observed in temperatures and decrease in rains will either reduced or hindered yield to largely increase in Sahel. With no such YIELDCAST tool to support adaptation decision, Sahel will still be under the trap of the broad array of adaptation strategy, which is a trial and error, less specific and costly. The model can help anticipate adaptation decision support on-farm water management, shift to suitable planting periods, and use of improved drought resistant and short duration varieties adapted to a local weather pattern.

Agriculture's Historic Twin-Challenge Toward Sustainable Water Use and Food Supply for All

A sustainable and just future, envisioned by the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, puts agricultural systems under a heavy strain. The century-old quandary to provide ever-growing human populations with sufficient food takes on a new dimension with the recognition of environmental limits for agricultural resource use. To highlight challenges and opportunities towards sustainable food security in the 21st century, this perspective paper provides a historical account of the escalating pressures on agriculture and freshwater resources alike, supported by new quantitative estimates of the ascent of excessive human water use. As the transformation of global farming into sustainable forms is unattainable without a revolution in agricultural water use, water saving and food production potentials are put into perspective with targets outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The literature body and here-confirmed global estimates of untapped opportunities in farm water management indicate that these measures could sustainably intensify today's farming systems at scale. While rigorous implementation of sustainable water withdrawals (SDG 6.4) might impinge upon 5% of global food production, scaling-up water interventions in rainfed and irrigated systems could over-compensate such losses and further increase global production by 30% compared to the current situation (SDG 2.3). Without relying on future technological fixes, traditional on-farm water and soil management provides key strategies associated with important synergies that needs better integration into agro-ecological landscape approaches. Integrated strategies for sustainable intensification of agriculture within planetary boundaries are a potential way to attain several SDGs, but they are not yet receiving attention from high-level development policies.