Looks at how water availability and demand will evolve over the next three decades. Examines how water- and food-related policies will affect global, regional, and local water scarcity, food production, food security, the environment, and livelihoods in the long term. Collaborative work of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Presents and applies the IMPACT-WATER model (developed by IFPRI) which examines water and food policy and investment issues. Explores critical planning questions in water and food using PODIUM, the Policy Dialogue model (developed by IWMI).

This research study shows that ‘business-as-usual’ scenarios will have substantial production surpluses of rice, which dominates water use patterns in the country at present. However, the surpluses come at a considerable environmental cost, due to high levels of groundwater depletion. Bangladesh can mitigate potential groundwater crises by limiting rice production to meet the requirements of self-sufficiency. Increases in water productivity of both Aman (wet season) and Boro (dry season) rice production can help too. A carefully designed deficit irrigation regime for Boro rice can also increase transpiration, yield, water productivity and production, and reduce the pressure on scarce groundwater resources.

This research study shows that ‘business-as-usual’ scenarios will have substantial production surpluses of rice, which dominates water use patterns in the country at present. However, the surpluses come at a considerable environmental cost, due to high levels of groundwater depletion. Bangladesh can mitigate potential groundwater crises by limiting rice production to meet the requirements of self-sufficiency. Increases in water productivity of both Aman (wet season) and Boro (dry season) rice production can help too. A carefully designed deficit irrigation regime for Boro rice can also increase transpiration, yield, water productivity and production, and reduce the pressure on scarce groundwater resources.

Non-PR | IFPRI1 | EPTD

Working paper | Rosegrant Mark W., 'Modeling water availability and food security -- a global perspective the IMPACT-Water model', , IFPRI, 2000

Are we headed toward a worldwide water crisis? The increasing demand for water among households, industry, the environment, and especially agriculture is making global water scarcity a perilous possibility.What will happen to food production and global food security as water becomes increasingly scarce? What steps can we take to avert threats to global food supply, the environment, and the livelihoods of those lacking access to clean water? Using state-of-the-art computer modeling to show how water availability and demand are likely to evolve, World Water and Food to 2025 contends that if current water policies continue, so will high levels of food insecurity, environmental degradation, and water-related ill health. Further neglect of water issues could produce a genuine water crisis, which in turn could lead to a food crisis. But we can avoid these outcomes if we make fundamental policy changes now.The authors show exactly which policies and actions could ensure sustainable and efficient water use, enough food for the world’s people, and adequate drinking water for all."-- "About This Book | PR | IFPRI2; GRP38; Environment and Natural Resource Management | EPTD