An international action programme on water and sustainable agricultural development : a strategy for the implementation of the Mar del Plata Action Plan for the 1990s

Agriculture is still the primary source of economic growth in many developing countries. This report by the FAO presents an International Action Programme (IAP-WASAD) for the 1990s. It outlines five major areas of water use by agriculture that need serious attention if the goal of sustainability is to be reached. These are: efficient water use at the farm level; water logging, salinity and drainage; water quality management; small-scale water programmes; and scarce water resources developments. There is presently a decrease in the rate of expansion of irrigated land in developing countries, while the population continues to increase, therefore creating possible future food shortages. Water for irrigation must meet certain quality standards as well as quantity standards, which differ with the sensitivity of the crop. The use of agricultural chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers) can create pollution problems; accelerated erosion of topsoil can create infiltration problems; and water scarcities are often met by using wastewater from agro-industries and aquaculture. Institutions need to be strengthened, to provide more support for rainfed and irrigated agriculture, and there is a serious shortage of educated, trained and experienced water management professionals at all levels. Better water management and a more comprehensive environmental evaluation are recommended.