Publications
Irrigation performance benchmarking
2025
To better understand the process of monitoring irrigation performance, this brief examines a pilot study in Cambodia, which developed a benchmarking methodology to undertake ongoing performance assessment of irrigation schemes for strategic investments in increasing water productivity.
Real water savings in agriculture
2025
Based on extensive work carried out by FAO and FutureWater under the Asia Pacific Water Scarcity Programme (WSP), this brief examines the complexities associated with efforts to increase water use efficiency and the importance of utilising water accounting and consistent use of terminology in developing water management interventions.
Consumption-based water management
2025
This brief provides policy-makers and experts with an understanding of consumption-based water management (CBWM) so that they can consider whether it may – or may not – be possible to apply it in irrigation- dependent parts of Asia that are currently experiencing, or are expected to experience, overextraction of water resources, in particular groundwater.
Understanding water modelling capacity and use in Asia and the Pacific region
2025
In 2019, FAO in partnership with the Stockholm Environment Institute assessed the water modelling capacities of seven countries with the highest score for climater-related disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. This brief exmaines the findings from this assessment and includes observations on the extent to which modelling is used in policy development and implementation.
Modernizing irrigation for fisheries biodiversity and ecosystem services
2025
In the Lower Mekong Basin, expansive irrigation systems have disrupted aquatic habitats, notably obstructing fish migration essential for biodiversity, ecosystem health, and local food security. This brief highlights the need for adaptive management, underpinned by research, as essential for ensuring that infrastructure development remains ecologically sustainable and benefits communities reliant on fisheries.
Mapping river infrastructure for improved water resource management
2025
This brief outlines the significance of spatial planning in water resource management, specifically in addressing habitat fragmentation and the challenges posed by fish passage barriers.
Applying gender equality, disability, and social inclusion principles in agricultural water resources management
2025
By weaving together empirical case studies, best practices, and strategic insights, the brief aims to guide practitioners toward creating agricultural water resource initiatives that not only stand resilient in the face of challenges but also honor the rights and needs of every stakeholder.
Follow the Water
2025
This publication is the starting point for using the Follow the Water (FtW) tool, which seeks to help users understand water flows in irrigation systems and detect the impacts of changes in irrigations systems' allocations, consumptions and return flows.
REWAS - REal WAter Savings tool
2025
Water shortages in the Asia-Pacific region critically impact food security, as irrigated agriculture accounts for nearly 90 percent of freshwater withdrawals. This document provides an overview of the REal Water Savings (REWAS) tool, which was developed as a practical approach to evaluating the larger-scale impacts of field-level crop-watering interventions.