Considering Resources Beyond Water: Irrigation and Drainage Management in the Context of the Water–Energy–Food Nexus†. (2nd August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Avellán, Tamara; Ardakanian, Reza; Perret, Sylvain R.; Ragab, Ragab; Vlotman, Willem; Zainal, Hayati; Im, Sangjun; Gany, Hafied A.
• Other Names: Schultz Bart guestEditor.; Tyagi Avinash guestEditor.; Apipattanavis Somkiat guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Irrigation and drainage. Volume 67:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2017-08-02
• Subjects: water–energy–food nexus -- water management -- water resources -- water security -- food security -- sustainable energy -- agriculture management -- SDG; lien eau–énergie–nourriture -- gestion de l'eau -- ressources en eau -- sécurité de l'eau -- la sécurité alimentaire -- énergie durable -- gestion de l'agriculture -- SDG; Irrigation engineering -- Periodicals; Drainage -- Periodicals; Flood control -- Periodicals; Sustainable agriculture -- Periodicals; 627.52
• DOI: 10.1002/ird.2154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-0353

Abstract

Abstract: While the world is facing unprecedented transitions and threats we need to deeply rethink the relationships between water and energy use, food production, and ecosystem protection. This includes the development and deployment of ambitious, out‐of‐the‐box solutions towards sustainable development. This paper is based upon recent discussions before and during the 2nd World Irrigation Forum in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This paper takes stock of current knowledge and analyses the most recent trends in water, irrigation and the environment. It discusses the requirements for strategic approaches and the contributions of irrigation and drainage to Sustainable Development Goals. Firstly, we concentrated on renewed and more balanced relationships between water, energy, food and ecosystems in the context of irrigation and drainage management. Secondly, we assessed the positive and negative impact of agricultural water use in order to demonstrate and improve its performance. Given exacerbated competition and water resource scarcity, a better understanding of the positive effects and valuable ecosystem services provided by irrigation and drainage systems could pave the way to maximizing benefits and safeguarding the environment. Lastly, we tried to address the role of stakeholders in irrigation governance. This includes active contribution to policy‐making and planning, incentives, and most importantly, capacity development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.