Around the world, countries are struggling to adapt their agriculture and food systems to conditions of water scarcity, climate change and increased competition between users. Water scarcity trends are expected to increase. Smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable to changes in water access and availability.

A strengthened focus on water accounting and water governance is crucial to address water scarcity in a changing climate to strengthen food security and ensure access to water for all. In order to manage and use water resources more efficiently and equitably, the quantity and quality of water available need to be well understood, as well as rules which govern the access to water.