In Egypt, in order to meet the increased food needs, two basic strategies are possible: importing food or growing more food. Egypt imports about 236 m3 water per capita per year in the form of food. Different agriculture projects were established with the aim to enlarge the cultivated area and to guarantee sufficient production of the main crops. Based on the concept of re-use and efficiency increase, it is expected that the use of scientific knowledge, international experience and cooperation as well as advanced management tools should help in the sustainable planning of the future economy. Thus on the national level, re-use and efficient water utilization have the highest priority. According to Egyptian estimates, an additional 20.9 km3year-1 could be made available through recycling water, by changing irrigation techniques and adopting water efficient crops and cropping patterns. This is equal to 30 percent of the water that is used at present.

Summaries (En) | 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 modelling to show how water availability and demand are likely to evolve, the book 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 genuine water crisis, which in turn could lead to a food crisis. 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. | Gift

The paper presents the global food and water situation and perspectives for the future, in particular in the Near East, and the challenge it imposes on water scarce countries. It analyses how countries react to increased water scarcity and reviews the policy, institutional and technological responses available at local, national and global levels with a particular focus on enhancement of water productivity in agriculture.