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Three basic concerns have shaped the "water programmes" of FAO:   

  • to produce more with less water, 
  • to protect water quality and the environment, including human health, 
  • to close the food consumption and production gap, particularly in the African countries. 
The activities of the Service can be classified into 5 sets of priorities:   
  1. Water resources inventories and evaluation 
  2. Water policy formulation and river basin planning 
  3. Water use efficiency 
  4. Water development and irrigation expansion
  5. Water quality control, conservation and environmental effects 
 

Water resources inventories and evaluation

Data and information on water and food are collected, analysed and disseminated through the AQUASTAT programme. The objective of AQUASTAT is to provide users with comprehensive information on the state of agricultural water management across the world, with emphasis on developing countries and countries in transition. 

Information at country level is complemented by maps and by a set of global and continental digital coverages on irrigation, river basins, water balance and agricultural water use. 

The programme also contributes to FAO global perspective studies on the role of water in food production and food security, and on the impact of irrigated food production on water resources. 

Through its water information programme, FAO also contributes to international water assessment initiatives, and in particular the preparation of the UN World water development report and the Global dialogue on water for food and environmental security . 

 

Water policy formulation and river basin planning

Following the development of methodologies for water policy reviews and reforms, FAO will assist member countries in conducting national water policy review, in formulating adequate legislation and in building the capacity to manage water resources. With the focus on management of water resources scarcity the impact of national water sector policy reforms will be monitored. 

Within the same objective, of addressing water resources scarcity, FAO will also continue to provide a platform for the discussion of issues relating to international rivers. Hydrological and socio-economic models, as mentioned above,  with GIS-based information systems will be used to assess the impacts of planned water uses. Guidelines for river basin management and planning will be developed. 

The program is focused on technology and training, to establish a balanced capacity at national and regional level for cooperation and management of international river and groundwater basins. In the field, FAO is assisting Nile Basin Countries in establishing capacity to manage the water resources in the basin. The regional Nile Basin program includes the capacity building project "Nile Water Resources" together with the project "Lake Victoria Water Resources". 

 

Water use efficiency

An integrated package of improved water use technologies and management tools will be available to Member Nations to promote the development of appropriate national strategies. This includes technical assistance for the introduction of water-efficient technologies, better management structures, and ways to establish accountabilities and incentives at both the farm and the scheme level. Emphasis will be on capacity building through training programmes, seminars, networking and information sharing among national and regional research and development agencies.   

Methodologies

  • diagnostic tool on water use efficiency problems; 
  • updated version of CROPWAT; 
  • manual on low-cost, high-frequency, low-volume irrigation; 
  • guidelines on agricultural practices and cropping systems for increased in situ water conservation; 
  • recommended practices and guidelines for irrigation turn-over. 

 

Water development and irrigation expansion

FAO assists member countries in the development of sustainable irrigation, and promotes the need for expansion and better co-ordination of public and private investments in this sector. Within this objective the use and application of cost-efficient irrigation technologies and equipments must be increased, and credit systems and provision of loans and grants for irrigation development by external support agencies and governments have to be improved.  

Methodologies

  • Provide member nations with appropriate policies and methodologies and guidelines for sustainable water resources management in the rural sector;
  • Assist in the transfer of low-cost irrigation technology and irrigation equipment manufacturing;
  • Capacity building in irrigation design and use;
  • Promote public opinion and decision makers of the need for investment in cost- efficient small- scale irrigation development

 

Water quality control, conservation and environmental effects

This set of activities is concerned with environmental and conservation aspects of irrigation development, with particular focus on protecting water and soil quality. Methodologies for the rapid assessment of salinity on a regional scale will be reviewed. Assistance will be given to establish regional centres of excellence on wastewater reuse. Health aspects of water development will be pursued through the interagency Panel of Experts on Environmental Management for Disease Vector Control (PEEM).   

Methodologies

  • review of methods for the rapid assessment of salinity on regional scale; 
  • guidelines for control of agricultural water pollution; 
  • guidelines on vector control in irrigation.

 

 

 

 
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