In the heart of the tropics, a silent crisis is brewing. Water stress is tightening its grip on agriculture, livelihoods, and sustainability, with Asian and Sub-Saharan African countries emerging as future hotspots of water scarcity. By 2050, a staggering 87 out of 180 countries will face water stress, and 45 will plummet into absolute water scarcity. This is not just an environmental issue; it’s a commercial ticking time bomb, particularly for sectors reliant on water, including energy.
Tryphena Magdalene Jason, a researcher at the Centre for Water Resources, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India, has been delving into this crisis. Her recent study, published in ‘AgroEnvironmental Sustainability’ (which translates to ‘Sustainability of Agricultural Environment’), sheds light on the challenges and potential solutions in irrigation water management in seven water-stressed tropical countries.
The findings are stark. Irrigation water demand accounts for 70% of all freshwater withdrawals globally. With varying climatic, topographical, and governance conditions, the agriculture techniques in these 54 tropical countries are as diverse as they are indigenous. “The main objective is to review the challenges in irrigation water management in seven water-stressed Tropical countries among the 54 countries,” Jason explains. “These countries are identified based on the baseline country data mined from FAO’s AQUASTAT database.”
The study highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to sustainable water governance. Community-based interventions, successful financial models, and policy and institutional reforms are all part of the solution. Jason emphasizes, “Implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices, shifting to water-saving technologies and irrigation methods, empowering the institutions, and enforcing policies and regulations to restrict resource overuse are recommended solutions for Sustainable Water Governance.”
The commercial implications are vast. For the energy sector, which relies heavily on water for cooling and processing, this research could shape future developments. Water scarcity could lead to increased operational costs, reduced efficiency, and even forced shutdowns. The study underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable irrigation practices and water-pricing tools to mitigate these risks.
The research also points to the role of policies and institutions in ensuring water sustainability. Empowering local institutions and enforcing regulations can help restrict resource overuse, a critical step towards sustainable water governance.
As we look to the future, this research serves as a clarion call. It’s not just about survival; it’s about thriving in a water-stressed world. The energy sector, along with other water-dependent industries, must heed this call and integrate sustainable water management practices into their operations. The time to act is now, before the water runs out.