Conference on Global Food Security

Conference on Global Food Security: "One-fifth of the world's population, more than 1.6 billion people, live in areas of water scarcity, where human capacity and financial resources are insufficient to access adequate clean water and water supply for food production. Agriculture and food production account for 70% of fresh water withdrawals; in many countries, irrigation has been able to help achieve food security or at least meet a significant portion of food demands.

Based on climate change predictions, the situation is likely to get worse; greater variability of rainfall and more droughts in arid areas are expected. Those areas suffering from poverty and hunger are often those that also lack adequate water and sanitation. Water management is required not only for food production but also to improve quality of life through better access to water and sanitation, hygiene, food and adequate nutrition"