World Water Day: Why worry about water?

Last year’s floods in Sri Lanka were some of the most destructive on record.  Even now some areas have not fully recovered from the inundation. Yet around the world we also see growing numbers of headlines about water scarcity. The current drought in Africa’s Sahel region for instance is threatening the food security of an estimated 23 million people. So what, then, is the ‘global water crisis’? Too much water? Or not enough?

In truth it is a combination many factors, leading to some very different outcomes, like those outlined above. There is a general agreement among water exerts that the way we currently manage our natural systems is unsustainable. Many places face water scarcity. Others experience flooding made worse by deforestation and climate change.

‘Business as usual’ is not an option if we want to grow enough food to feed the planet and keep the natural systems that sustain us.

The good news is that the ‘crisis’ is solvable. Many agricultural systems are underperforming. This means we can grow more food using the same amount of water. Floods and droughts can be better managed by protecting our natural environment. Climate change, which exacerbates many water challenges, can be tackled by improved forest protection, climate smart agriculture and reduced carbon emissions from industry. Sri Lanka, with its long history of wise water management has much to teach the world about productive water use. But we can also learn from elsewhere how to grow more with less water and better integrate the various uses of water so that there are fair shares for all.

We hope you’ll join us in using the occasion to think a little more about how we use this precious resource and start planning for a brighter - and wetter - future.  

Water opportunities in Sri Lanka?

Down on the farm

It is estimated that with improved water management, Sri Lanka could double the productivity of its rice paddies. Yields of other crops could also be improved. As the population of South Asia skyrockets, so regional demand for food will increase. Here is a huge opportunity to create jobs in farming, food processing and associated industries like transportation. Many of Sri Lanka’s smallholders are poor. Improved crop yields could deliver better incomes, allowing more household resources to be invested in things like children’s education, benefitting both individual households and the nation as a whole

Well, well, well

Sinking a farm well can transform a small plot of land. Pumping groundwater gives farmers access to water whenever they need it. This means they can grow valuable vegetables, especially in the dry season when prices may be higher. But unregulated groundwater exploitation can create problems.  If too many new wells are sunk, water tables drop and contamination of water can become acute. Careful management can solve these problems. By combining satellite mapping with computer modelling, we can design groundwater management regimes that sustain the resource, keep water clean and allow farmers to grow more food.        

Nurturing nature

Without marshes and forests the natural water cycle cannot run smoothly. Forests help trap water and release it slowly into streams and rivers. Wetlands are natural sponges that help regulate floodwater and sustain fish and other useful products. But both these natural systems are under threat. New economic thinking is putting a value on these natural assets. Many countries are working out how local people who depend on these resources can be encouraged to act as stewards for them on behalf of the rest of us. This may involve paying communities to look after the trees and marshes. But given the huge environmental and economic cost of habitat loss, this is good value for money. It ensures clean, regular water supplies and protection from floods and droughts.

Health and sanitation

Water is intimately connected to health. We need safe water to drink and clean water to wash with if we are to stay healthy. Water is also vital for good sanitation. If we cannot properly wash away household and human waste, we run the risk of contamination by harmful microorganisms.

Simple rainwater harvesting systems with storage tanks for institutions like schools could help ensure that remote communities in Sri Lanka get enough good quality water to stay healthy.       

Brandix and IWMI Collaboration