Research and development needs in agricultural water management to achieve sustainable development goals^*1

Abstract

The United Nations calls for action to achieve 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). We argue that the current development paradigm is an impediment to achieving several of these goals. We identify 14 agricultural research and development (R&D) needs, which ought to be addressed to achieve critical SDGs. We also identify the paradigm shifts required, particularly from global and international organizations, to facilitate this R&D and implement its outcomes. Importantly, the Global North2 would have to divert its focus from securing access to cheap land, water and labour that is primarily used to generate agricultural exports and business opportunities for Global North investors. Instead, the focus needs to be on creating opportunities for local farming communities to produce food for domestic markets, increase income and generate local jobs and business opportunities. Circular food systems can support a range of SDG goals, such as no hunger and zero poverty and slow migration, especially of youth, to big cities or foreign lands with insecure jobs.

Research and innovation in agricultural water management for a water‐secure world

“…Thus in such cases, AWM innovations need to be contextualized so that reallocation for equity has to be pursued in parallel with strategies for improving efficiency and productivity (DWS, 2018b). Failing to address these underlying factors perpetuates inequality and inequity in water access and management at different scales (Bjornlund et al, 2023; Ovink et al, 2023; Rockström et al, 2023; Smith et al, 2023).…”

“…Nexus planning in AWM could be a starting point because it strives to bring everyone to the table and co‐plan for balancing conflicting interests among different actors. All AWM solutions must account for local access to developmental agents, including capacity, infrastructure, engineering and technology (Bjornlund et al, 2023; Rockström et al, 2023; Smith et al, 2023). Applications of single‐factor innovation, particularly technological innovations that are not locally feasible, will continue to undermine sustainable water management efforts in agriculture (Bjornlund et al, 2023).…”

“…Increased water demands driven by socio‐economic growth have also facilitated the accelerated decline in the quality and quantity of fresh water as a result of overexploitation of freshwater resources for human needs and the alteration of natural water systems (Garcia‐Moreno et al, 2014; Rockström et al, 2023). The vulnerability of freshwater resources is a pressing and ongoing challenge because water plays a central and vital role in main global economic and developmental activities, including agricultural production and ensuring the realization of health, food and water‐focused Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8 (Bjornlund et al, 2023; Cofie & Amede, 2015; Rejekiningrum et al, 2022; Smith et al, 2023).…”

“…Considering the scale of the challenge, we must find innovative solutions for sustainable freshwater management, particularly agricultural water management (AWM). Decision makers must and have encouraged investment in innovations as solutions for water management efforts and water technologies (Bjornlund et al, 2023; Garcia‐Moreno et al, 2014). These innovations come with an emphasis on implementing water‐related mitigation and adaptation solutions in anticipation of variable but definite climate change impacts (Bjornlund et al, 2023; Garcia‐Moreno et al, 2014; Ovink et al, 2023; Smith et al, 2023).…”

“…Decision makers must and have encouraged investment in innovations as solutions for water management efforts and water technologies (Bjornlund et al, 2023; Garcia‐Moreno et al, 2014). These innovations come with an emphasis on implementing water‐related mitigation and adaptation solutions in anticipation of variable but definite climate change impacts (Bjornlund et al, 2023; Garcia‐Moreno et al, 2014; Ovink et al, 2023; Smith et al, 2023). These solutions need to be contextualized, equitable, innovative and strategic management channels for freshwater resources, acknowledging local socio‐economics and institutional structures (Bjornlund et al, 2023; Garcia‐Moreno et al, 2014; Malakar & Lu, 2022; Smith et al, 2023).…”