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Water is critical to creating a better future

Source: FAO

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said that producing enough food to feed the world’s rapidly growing population will require the international community to ensure the sustainable use of the world’s “most critical finite resource,” water.

1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted each year

“Unless we increase our capacity to use water wisely in agriculture, we will fail to end hunger and we will open the door to a range of other ills, including drought, famine and political instability,” warned Ban in a statement read at the start of World Water Day 2012 ceremonies taking place at FAO.

In many parts of the world, water scarcity is increasing and rates of growth in agricultural production have been slowing, he noted. At the same time, climate change is exacerbating risk and unpredictability for farmers, “especially for poor farmers in low-income countries who are the most vulnerable and the least able to adapt,” he said.

Guaranteeing sustainable food and water security for all will require transferring appropriate water technologies, empowering small food producers and conserving essential ecosystem services, the UN chief said. He also called for policies that promote water rights for all, stronger regulatory capacity and gender equality.

“Water will play a central role in creating the future we want,” concluded Ban. “At the upcoming Rio+20 Earth Summit, the international community will need to connect the dots between water security and food and nutrition security in the context of a green economy.” Continue reading Water is critical to creating a better future

Strict water saving measures urged in food industry

Key players in South Africa’s food industry have been urged to implement strict water saving measures to address the country’s impending water deficit that is threatening food security and produce.

Water recycling

The appeal comes from Gareth Lloyd-Jones, managing director of Ecowize – the hygiene and sanitation company servicing the food sector.

In a report compiled by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) last year, it was said that there have been repeated warnings that SA faces a water supply crisis. Furthermore the report stated that SA’s freshwater resources will be fully depleted by 2030 and unable to meet the needs of people, industry and its neighbours if people continue to exploit their water resources by following a “business as usual” approach.

“This report highlights the critical need for food producers and manufacturers to realise the magnitude of this crisis and take responsibility and make concerted efforts to prevent water wastage often caused by, pipe bursts and water leaks and unscheduled use of water,” said Lloyd-Jones. Continue reading Strict water saving measures urged in food industry

Wasting water threatens food security

The wasteful way in which water is used for crop irrigation is a threat to world food security, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) warned.

In less than 20 years we will have 40% less freshwater than we need to ensure basic water, food and energy security

“If we do not reform, 50% of [...]

Water resources survey

A project aimed at improving understanding of South Africa’s water resources will begin in April, the Water Research Commission said on Wednesday.

South Africa is a water stressed country

The Water Resources of South Africa 2012 study would bridge the 10-year gap between the commission’s other hydrological surveys, research manager Wandile Nomquphu said [...]

Blue Gold could ignite military conflict

Expert warns of future SADC water conflicts. Africa faces absolute water shortages by 2025

Recent statistics and developments indicate that availability of the precious liquid ‑ or blue gold as it is now called ‑ is declining and has the potential to be a major source of military conflict.

The Nsanje Inland Port on Shire River sparked a diplomatic dispute

And SADC is not immune to the problem.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Environmental Outlook to 2030 Report, about 1.2 billion people are living in areas of water scarcity, while 47 percent of the global population will live in areas of high water stress by 2030.

It is statistics such as these that have analysts worrying that future wars will be fought over blue gold, as thirsty people, opportunistic politicians and powerful corporations battle for dwindling resources.

Last week an official in Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Henrie Manford Njiloma, warned that rising populations and industrial development in SADC were resulting in increased water demand and could cause political instability if not managed well.

In particular reference to Malawi, he said: “Despite enjoying political stability internally and peaceful coexistence with neighbours, subtle issues in the Malawian water sector affecting both internal and external political stability exist and hence as seen elsewhere in the world could be a cause for future conflicts.” Continue reading Blue Gold could ignite military conflict