* People depending on the agricultural sector as percentage of the total economically active population.

Introduction

Basic  facts

Water and food security

Managing water -  the "people" side

Technology - irrigated production

Technology - options for farmers

Use and abuse

Looking ahead

LOOKING AHEAD

The right to food is not negotiable. Between now and 2030, the world's population is expected to grow by 2 billion people. Feeding this growing population and reducing hunger will only be possible if agricultural yields can be increased significantly - and sustainably.

With so much of the Earth's water being used for agriculture, it is clear that an improvement in the management of agricultural water becomes key to the achievement of global food security.

Did you know... FAO estimates that the world's growing population will require about 50 percent more food by 2030 compared to 1998. In the last 30 years, food production has increased by more than 100 percent.   Over the next 30 years, 70 percent of gains in cereal production are expected to come from irrigated land.   FAO estimates that irrigated land in developing countries will increase by 34 percent by 2030, but the amount of water used by agriculture will increase by only 14 percent, thanks to improved irrigation practices.