WASAG - Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture
Water scarcity represents one of the major challenges of the twenty-first century, particularly affecting agriculture and food systems, contributing to crop failures and creating an acute food insecurity crisis in vulnerable countries.
In response, the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) serves as a collaborative platform to support coordinated, integrated and evidence-based solutions that turn these challenges into an opportunity for building resilient agrifood systems.
The Framework is a partnership hosted by FAO that convenes key actors from across the globe and from different sectors to improve water use in agriculture, with the aim of ensuring food security for all. It brings together governments and intergovernmental organizations, FAO Member Nations, United Nations agencies and bodies, international financial institutions, academia and research institutions, civil society organizations and private sector actors, including social enterprises, trade associations and foundations.
The Framework was officially launched in Marrakesh in November 2016 during the Twenty-Second Conference of the Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and partners subsequently convened in April 2017, agreeing to establish the WASAG partnership.
As a collaborative platform, WASAG supports countries and stakeholders in adapting to the multiple dimensions and impacts of water scarcity in agriculture in a changing climate, thereby contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. It regularly reports on its progress to the Committee of Agriculture (COAG).
After two international forums held in 2019 and 2023 respectively, the High Level Rome Water Dialogue on WASAG – held in Rome on 17 October 2024 during the World Food Forum – brought together Members and partners. They adopted the Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture, which now provides strategic guidance to WASAG’s work under the direction of a Member-led steering committee and the technical guidance of the Technical Advisory Committee.
