Join us for a unique session on sustainable water management in agriculture, Thursday, 5 March, 14:00–15:30 (UTC+1). 

Agriculture accounts for over 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. With climate change and a growing world population putting increasing pressure on water resources, current water management practices within the sector are not viable. To address these challenges, this masterclass will explore Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and its role in promoting sustainable water use in agriculture.   

The session will focus on non-conventional solutions to water scarcity beyond the usual approaches, such as increasing water supply or improving water use efficiency. It will also highlight the critical role of collaboration, as an essential aspect to the use of the term “integrated’’, beyond coordinated development of natural resources. 

Two inspiring examples of IWRM will come into focus. The first example will highlight the promotion of saline agriculture, achieved through the collaborative work of the International Network of Salt Affected Areas (INSAS) and the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG), along with initiatives integrating land, soil, and water management in various countries.   

The second example will introduce opportunity crops: species that are both drought-resilient and nutritious, with benefits for biodiversity. The AWSAMe initiaitive in Malawi promotes these crops, also called forgotten, neglected, or underutilized species, to empower farmers and enhance their livelihoods.   

FAO, as part of its Capacity Development Programme for Water, Land and Soil in Agriculture (WaSaLA), is moving forward with Agrifood Leadership Education Programme on Water Action (ALEP-WA). This is the second in a two-part masterclass series on water action. Participants who complete both sessions will receive a certificate of participation. 

This masterclass will encourage participants to think creatively, explore integrated approaches, and discover solutions that can make a real difference for agriculture sustainable water management worldwide.   

>>> Register here >>> 

AGENDA   

14:00 – 14:05 – Welcome 

Rosaida Dolce, Water and Environment Specialist, Land and Water Division (NSL), FAO  

14:05 – 14:25 – Introduction to IWRM in Agriculture 

Jean Boroto, Senior Land and Water Officer, NSL , FAO   

14:25 – 14:35 – Questions 

All participants   

14:35 – 14:50 – Saline Agriculture 

Maria Konyushkova, Sustainable soil management consultant, NSL, FAO   

14:50 – 15:05 – Opportunity Crops 

Felistas Mugariri, Water crops and nutrition analyst, NSL, FAO   

15:05 – 15:20 – Facilitated Discussion 

All participants   

15:20 – 15:30 – Conclusion 

Jean Boroto, FAO / Organizers