Water shortages in the Asia-Pacific region critically impact food security, as irrigated agriculture accounts for nearly 90 percent of freshwater withdrawals. The lack of reliable freshwater for irrigation directly affects farmer productivity and incomes.

This report evaluates Libya’s water management infrastructure through advanced remote sensing and field surveys under two initiatives. Focusing on irrigation, storage, transport, and distribution systems across Fezzan, west and east Libya, it identifies critical inefficiencies, damaged facilities and high non-functionality rates.

Rainfed agriculture in Sudan is vital for food security but remains vulnerable to erratic rainfall, land degradation, and conflict. This study leverages remote sensing to track cropland and productivity trends from 2018 to 2024. Results show a 6.4% increase in cultivated area in 2024, signaling recovery and offering critical insights for sustainable agriculture and policy planning.

This report presents the findings of a rapid geospatial flood impact assessment conducted by FAO in October 2023, following the devastating floods in eastern Libya in September. Using satellite data and advanced geospatial tools, the assessment evaluated the extent of flooding and its impact on infrastructure and agriculture.

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the methodology for assessing five key soil enzyme activities: β-Glucosidase, Arylsulfatase, N-acetyl-β-Glucosaminidase, Dehydrogenase, and Phosphomonoesterases.

This report provides insights into global and country-level progress on water-use efficiency.

The global water stress indicator measures the pressure exerted by human activities on natural freshwater resources, providing insight into the environmental sustainability of water use. In this report, you can learn more about the progress on the level water stress globally, by country and by major basin.

The Sahel holds great agricultural potential due to its vast land and favorable climate, but water scarcity limits its use. To achieve sustainable agriculture, new water sources and affordable power solutions are essential. This report reviews efforts to evaluate solar irrigation potential in the Sahel through spatial analysis.

This report was developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners as part of the project “Enabling Activities for Implementing UNCCD COP Drought Decisions.” The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).