FAO and IWMI’s milestone book gives actionable guidelines on water quality for agriculture
FAO and IWMI’s milestone book gives actionabl EurekAlert
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Water Quality in Agriculture: Risks and Risk Mitigation
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Water quality book cover (photo: FAO and IWMI).
Credit: FAO and IWMI
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) co-launched the publication “Water Quality in Agriculture: Risks and Risk Mitigation” at the Rome Water Dialogue on October 5, 2023. This comprehensive publication, authored by a team of international experts, focuses on risk assessment and mitigation in agriculture, with a particular emphasis on technical solutions and good agricultural practices. The guidelines provided cover various aspects of farming, including crop and livestock farming, as well as fish farming or aquaculture.
Building upon previous works by FAO on water quality, salinity, and wastewater reuse, this 2023 release serves as a compendium that guides the evaluation and safe use of water for agriculture, while also considering health and environmental protection.
Key Guidelines for Water Quality in Agriculture
- Overview of recommended water quality guidelines
- Focus on wastewater and brackish water use
- Risk assessment and mitigation options for pathogenic and chemical contaminants
- Addressing salinity-related threats
This publication will be an invaluable resource for national and subnational governmental authorities, farmers, project managers, extension officers, engineers, and academics. It provides a means to assess water quality information and identify potential problems and solutions related to water quality from farm to basin.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Water Quality
Dr. Sasha Koo-Oshima, the FAO’s Deputy Director, Land and Water Division, emphasized the significance of water quality in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Policy makers have recognized water reuse as a key factor in achieving a more sustainable future. This is particularly crucial for low- and middle-income countries where wastewater treatment is lagging behind urbanization. With growing urbanization, the demand for water is increasing, resulting in more untreated wastewater. Currently, half of all domestic wastewater remains untreated, along with large volumes of untreated agricultural drainage water being discharged into the environment. FAO’s ‘One Water One Health’ initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This includes access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water for irrigation and food production, as well as adequate water management practices, water efficiency, and the protection of essential services provided by aquatic ecosystems. The publication plays a pivotal role in integrating agriculture, water, and health within this context, providing insights and actionable pathways towards sustainability.
Dr. Rachael McDonnell, Deputy Director General of Research and Development at IWMI, highlighted the challenges faced by the world in terms of feeding growing populations, securing livelihoods for farming communities, and protecting the environment. The management of water resources is a critical factor with implications for human and ecosystem health, social issues, and economic growth. The publication by FAO and IWMI offers actionable guidance to address the challenges of water pollution and soil salinization in low- and middle-income countries, promoting sustainability in agriculture and water scarcity.
This publication, titled “Water Quality in Agriculture: Risks and Risk Mitigation,” is the first detailed look at risk assessment and mitigation in 30 years. It draws upon previous works such as “Water Quality for Agriculture” (Ayers & Westcot 1976, 1985), “Wastewater Treatment and Use in Agriculture” (Pescod, 1992), and “Water Desalination for Agriculture Purposes” (Beltran & Koo-Oshima, 2006). It is complemented by two other recent FAO guidelines for Brackish Water Use and Antimicrobial Resistance.
Download the publication: Water quality in agriculture: risks and risk mitigation
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture
- SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
- SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development
The article discusses the importance of water quality in agriculture, which is directly connected to SDG 6. It also highlights the need to address challenges related to feeding growing populations, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainability in agriculture, which are linked to SDG 2. Additionally, the article mentions the significance of water quality for human and ecosystem health, which aligns with SDG 3. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of protecting essential services by aquatic ecosystems, which is relevant to SDG 14.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials
- Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices
- Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination
- Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds
The article emphasizes the need to assess and mitigate risks related to water quality in agriculture, which aligns with Target 6.3. It also highlights the importance of implementing good agricultural practices to ensure sustainable food production, which is connected to Target 2.4. Furthermore, the article mentions the risks associated with chemical contaminants and the need to protect human health, which relates to Target 3.9. Lastly, the article emphasizes the importance of addressing water pollution to prevent marine pollution, which aligns with Target 14.1.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution
- Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density
The article mentions the need to assess water quality and mitigate risks, which can be measured using Indicator 6.3.2. It also highlights the importance of implementing sustainable agricultural practices, which can be measured using Indicator 2.4.1. Furthermore, the article discusses the risks to human health from pollutants, which can be measured using Indicator 3.9.1. Lastly, the article emphasizes the need to prevent marine pollution, which can be measured using Indicator 14.1.1.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all | Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials | Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality |
| SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture | Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages | Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution |
| SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development | Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds | Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: eurekalert.org
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