Report - Integrated Solutions to the Water, Agriculture and Climate Crises

Shiney Varghese (2009)

Shiney Varghese, the author of this report, is Senior Policy Analyst at Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) and GWA member. In her report she discusses the role of industrial agriculture in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water use and degradation and global hunger. Small-scale producers are most affected by the water, agriculture, and climate crises, with women and children disproportionately bearing the burden.

The paper offers a series of recommendations for governments, including: 1) an international rights-based approach that ensures water availability for ecosystems and people; 2) support for agro-ecological practices including investments in the climate change mitigating potential of agriculture; 3) harmonization of policy approaches to water, agriculture and climate; 4) recognition of women’s involvement in farming, food production and water management; and 5) inclusion of small-scale farmers in reforming policy.

The paper also points to three important meetings in 2009 as opportunities to ensure that solutions to the three crises are integrated: the World Water Forum in Istanbul; the UN Commission on Sustainable Development in New York; and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen.

You can download the pdf of the full report below.

- Download:

Shiney_Varghese_publication.pdf  (278 kB)