strategy

Managing water resources for sustainable rural development

Synonyms:
Managing water resources for sustainable food production
Context:
Transfer of technology, both horizontal and vertical, needs to be strengthened. Mechanisms to provide credit, input supplies, markets, appropriate pricing and transportation must be developed jointly by countries and external support agencies. Integrated rural water-supply infrastructure, including facilities for water-related education and training and support services for agriculture, should be expanded for multiple use and should assist in developing the rural economy.

Many are still denied the clean water and food security which are basic human rights. Assessments confirm a dramatically-rising pressure on land resources, particularly in mainland Asia and Africa. Future freshwater problems look even more severe than they did two years ago. UNEP's GEO-2000 Report emphasizes how land issues are inextricably interwoven with water management at both national and regional levels.

Implementation:
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.
Facilitated by:
Monitoring irrigation
Minimizing soil erosion
Using integrated pest management
Using saline water for agriculture
Expanding public education on hygiene
Draining fields to prevent waterlogging
Improving quality of water for livestock
Eliminating disease transmission sources
Eliminating disease transmission sources
Rehabilitating degraded aquatic environments
Developing sustainable coastal fishing policy
Delegating community responsibility for water
Adopting appropriate water treatment technology
Increasing efficiency of agricultural water use
Assessing the environmental impact of aquaculture
Informing public about adverse impacts of chemicals
Establishing national policy to expand water supply
Setting quality criteria for agricultural water use
Developing small scale irrigation to conserve water
Implementing environmentally sound hydropower schemes
Training extension staff on water resource technology
Preventing adverse impacts on aquatic living resources
Identifying critical areas for water resource research
Accelerating use of agricultural water use technologies
Expanding artificial drainage for irrigated agriculture
Formulating large scale irrigation development programmes
Assessing training needs for agricultural water management
Implementing efficient rural water cost-recovery programmes
Establishing sustainable aquaculture development strategies
Setting quality criteria for marine and freshwater ecosystems
Preventing contamination of water sources by animal excrement
Expanding integrated use of rural water supply infrastructure
Improving land and water management by farmers in arid regions
Creating drought preparedness programmes stressing food security
Increasing cooperation within and among water management agencies
Preventing adverse impact of agricultural activity on water quality
Developing drainage for irrigated lands in arid and semi-arid regions
Ensuring proper disposal of manure from intensive livestock operations
Undertaking environmental management measures to control disease vectors
Involving private sector in developing human resources and infrastructure
Using water distribution schemes to increase water retention of grasslands
Strengthening water resource research capabilities in developing countries
Training in community water resources management
Comparing economic feasibility of aquaculture with other water resource use
Improving career development programmes for land and water management staff
Assessing hydrobiology and environmental requirements of inland fish species
Expanding water and soil management research for irrigated and rain-fed areas
Providing technical advice for institutional cooperation in local communities
Undertaking long-term capacity building measures for improved water management
Improving international exchange of information on water management technology
Making multiple use of water through integrated agro-livestock-fishery programmes
Increasing water sources for livestock to prevent overgrazing around existing sources
Improving fish yields in inland waters using environmentally sound management methods
Type Classification:
C: Cross-sectoral strategies
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 1: No PovertyGOAL 2: Zero HungerGOAL 3: Good Health and Well-beingGOAL 4: Quality EducationGOAL 5: Gender EqualityGOAL 6: Clean Water and SanitationGOAL 7: Affordable and Clean EnergyGOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic GrowthGOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureGOAL 10: Reduced InequalityGOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesGOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionGOAL 13: Climate ActionGOAL 14: Life Below WaterGOAL 15: Life on LandGOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong InstitutionsGOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal