Water and food security: Feeding 9 Billion people

Agriculture uses 70% of world's freshwater resources, but leaves 900 Million hungry. To feed 9 Billion people in 2050, we will need to produce more and better while consuming less. Ten decision-makers brings solutions at the World Water Forum.

"Without water, no food", warns Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister for Agriculture and host of the discussion. Today, feeding one person for one day requires between 3000 to 5000 liters of water. From 2050 onwards, 9 billion people will need food, requiring an increase of 70% of the world food production. Under current conditions, we will lack more and more water and "Africa, with its demographic boom, is on the front line" stresses the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The challenge is huge, solutions are many. "It is necessary to invest in the development of more efficient irrigation systems" says Bruno Le Maire. Drip watering systems are a key feature of the Green Plan launched in Morrocco in 2008. "In Brazil", declares Katia Abreu, Brazilian Senator in charge of agriculture, "farmers have the legal duty to preserve water resources." Farmers represent the core of the solution and have to be involved in water governance, recalls Xavier Beulin from the French Federation of Farming Unions.

Global Challenges, Local Solutions

In the age of climate change, the development of seeds resistant to water stress that are also accessible to producers from developing countries turns crucial. The President of the World Food Security Council, Olaniran Yaya insists: "Let's pool the solutions and include indigenous knowledge!". The priority lies now in supporting local and small-sacle production in order to strengthen the resilience of food systems. To this extent, Alexander Müller from FAO underlines the potential of organic farming in increasing production while diversifying output and preserving ecosystems. "It is urgent to invest on research on this topic", he follows.

Food security will be on the agenda of the G20 meetings in April and May, chaired by Mexico. The country Ambassador, Carlos de Icaza, concludes: "Water needs to be considered as a strategic resource." Less than 100 days before the Earth Summit in Rio, water and food security draws international attention.