Between 70 and 90 per cent of all freshwater drawn in the developing world is used for growing crops. With water scarcity emerging as a global concern, we simply cannot continue the water-intense methods of the past. Yet, as human numbers increase, more food needs to be produced with the same - or shrinking - land. This calls for smarter, thriftier ways of using freshwater and increasing water's productivity in agriculture. It has to be achieved without damaging the environment, or undermining food security, jobs or health.
In response, the CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food (CPWF) has brought together dozens of researchers, policy makers and local communities in Africa, Asia and South America to look for practical solutions through action research. As the Challenge Program begins to synthesise its findings after three years of field work, this film travels to eight of its benchmark river basins, to find out what has been accomplished - and what remains to be done -- to grow more food with less water.
Produced by TVE Asia Pacific for the CGIAR Challenge Program on Water and Food
