The state of the world’s land and water resources for food and agriculture : FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
Recently the State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture (SOLAW 2021) report was released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The purpose of the report is to evaluate the implications for agriculture in global food systems and suggest solutions that can help transform the combined role of land and water.
Key findings:
- Agriculture is the biggest stress on the world’s land, soil and water resources.
- Climate change is expected to increase transpiration and change the amount and distribution of rainfall. This can lead to changes in the suitability of the land/crop and also changes in river flow and groundwater recharge.
- About a third of the rainfed croplands and about half of the irrigated land are affected by human-induced land degradation.
- In North Africa, South Asia and Middle East-West Asia, more than 60% of the irrigated area has been eroded.
Recommendations:
- There should be a more inclusive and friendly system for land and water.
- There is a need to plan for implementing integrated solutions (such as sustainable land/soil management) at all levels.
- Include climate-resilient land management that is consistent with changes in soil and water processes.
Source – The Hindu
