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Water

A precious resource under threat

Water is the world’s most precious resource. All living things on our planet rely on water to survive. Yet it is a resource at risk.

Right now, 1.1 billion people lack access to water. By 2025, two in three people may face water shortages.

Growing populations and unsustainable resource management increase water stress on rural communities, while climate change worsens flooding, landslides, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems.

How can rural people’s water security be improved?

Investing in policies and local institutions can result in better management and allocation of land and water resources, giving groups equal access and usage rights.

Infrastructure and technology can increase water availability and the efficient use of water. Many countries rely on large irrigation schemes, which are often unsustainable and have infrastructure that is difficult to develop and maintain. Instead, small irrigation schemes are effective when carefully planned.

Conserving catchment areas and aquifers also improves sustainable access to water for the rural poor.

What is IFAD doing?

By working closely with rural communities, traders, retailers, and local governments, IFAD is helping to improve the allocation and management of water resources.

IFAD invests in water infrastructure and technology for small-scale irrigation schemes, post-harvesting handling and processing, and domestic water supply.

By advocating for an integrated and participatory approach to water resource management, IFAD empowers poor rural people to participate in managing the resources on which they depend.

Spotlight

Spotlight

As temperatures rise, so too does our need for diverse crops

Drought is the number one cause of agricultural production loss. This is why IFAD supports small-scale farmers as they grow crops that are resilient, but often neglected.

Projects

Projects

Haiti

Small Irrigation and Market Access Development Project in the Nippes and Goavienne Region 

Madagascar

Support Programme for the Rural Microenterprise Poles and Regional Economies (PROSPERER)

Niger

Family Farming Development Programme in the Diffa Region

Experts

Asset Publisher

Stories and news

Stories and news

The road to a greener future

September 2023 - BLOG
Roads may sometimes be taken for granted. But for remote rural communities, they can be life changing. Find out how integrating roads and water management can lead to sustainable economic growth.

Africa is in the eye of the climate change storm. Here is what its people are calling for

August 2023 - BLOG
It’s time countries step up their investments and secure a climate-resilient future for small-scale farmers in Africa. Here’s how.

As temperatures rise, so too does our need for diverse crops

July 2023 - STORY
Drought is the number one cause of agricultural production loss. This is why IFAD supports small-scale farmers as they grow crops that are resilient, but often neglected.

New Zealand contributes US$3.57 million to IFAD to enhance resilience of Pacific island communities through climate smart agriculture

July 2023 - NEWS
IFAD and the Government of New Zealand signed a NZD 5.75 million (USD 3.57 million) agreement to support Pacific communities to ensure sustainable access to water and healthy diets.

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Related publications

Related publications

Handbook for Scaling Irrigation Systems

October 2022
Handbook for Scaling Irrigation Systems is a joint publication between IFAD and IFC on how to develop and scale innovative solutions to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and increase crop productivity.

Research Series 81: Food and water systems in semi-arid regions – case study: Egypt

June 2022
This paper explores the role of water in Egypt’s food system and the dilemma the country faces: raise food self-sufficiency by allocating freshwater resources from the Nile to food production, or rely on food imports from water-abundant regions worldwide.

Water harvesting systems for smallholder producers, tips for selection and design

February 2022
This brief raises awareness about water harvesting systems and describes the design of water harvesting interventions. It aims to inform stakeholders on the assessment of water demand, water available for harvesting, and the selection of suitable water harvesting systems.