Water governance is becoming an increasingly important global issue as communities, farmers and governments face growing pressure to manage limited water resources. Discussions on water tenure are bringing attention to the rules, rights and arrangements that determine how people access, use and manage water for agriculture, household needs and economic activities.

The Rome Water Dialogue is providing a platform to examine these challenges through a high-level plenary session dedicated to water tenure. The session, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. UTC+2, forms part of broader discussions associated with the World Food Forum, where water security, sustainable agriculture and food systems are important areas of focus.

An accompanying exhibition at the World Food Forum is also offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about water tenure and related topics, encouraging greater awareness of the relationship between water management, livelihoods and sustainable development.

Understanding Water Tenure

Water tenure refers broadly to the rights, rules and institutional arrangements governing access to and use of water. These arrangements can be shaped by national laws, customary practices, community agreements and administrative systems.

Clear and inclusive water governance can help determine who may use water, for what purposes and under which conditions. This is particularly significant in agricultural regions, where farmers depend on reliable access to water for irrigation, livestock and food production.

When water rights and responsibilities are poorly defined, disputes may arise between communities, agricultural users, industries and other stakeholders. Transparent systems can help clarify responsibilities, support conflict resolution and encourage more accountable resource management.

However, water tenure arrangements differ between countries and communities. Effective approaches must consider local laws, environmental conditions, traditional practices and the needs of people who depend on water for their livelihoods.

Why Water Tenure Matters for Food Security

Agriculture accounts for a substantial share of global freshwater withdrawals, making water management a critical factor in food production. Farmers require dependable access to water, particularly in areas affected by drought, irregular rainfall and increasing competition for natural resources.

Secure and predictable water access can help agricultural producers plan cultivation, invest in irrigation systems and manage production risks. At the same time, water governance must recognise the needs of small-scale farmers, rural communities and other users who may have limited influence over resource allocation.

Improved water management can also support more efficient irrigation, reduce unnecessary losses and encourage farming practices adapted to local water availability.

As climate variability places additional pressure on water supplies in many regions, institutions responsible for water allocation face the challenge of balancing agricultural production with drinking water needs, ecosystem protection and other essential uses.

Connecting Water Governance with Sustainable Development

Water tenure is closely connected to broader development objectives, including poverty reduction, food security, environmental protection and rural economic growth.

Women, Indigenous Peoples, smallholder farmers and marginalised communities may face particular barriers when formal water rights systems fail to recognise customary arrangements or unequal access to decision-making.

Inclusive governance can help make these challenges more visible and encourage policies that account for different community needs. Consultation, accessible information and transparent dispute-resolution mechanisms can contribute to more effective resource management.

Water governance also requires cooperation across sectors. Agricultural authorities, environmental agencies, local governments and water service providers often need to coordinate decisions because water resources are shared across communities and economic activities.

Climate Change Increases the Need for Better Water Management

Changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, floods and rising temperatures are increasing the complexity of water planning in many parts of the world.

These pressures can affect crop yields, drinking water availability and the stability of rural livelihoods. In areas where water supplies are already limited, competition between users may intensify during periods of scarcity.

Strengthening water governance can help communities prepare for these challenges by clarifying allocation arrangements, improving monitoring and encouraging responsible water use.

Long-term planning can also support investments in water storage, efficient irrigation, watershed restoration and climate-resilient agricultural systems. Such measures need to be adapted to local conditions to ensure that they are environmentally appropriate and economically sustainable.

The Role of Global Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing

The Rome Water Dialogue and its associated World Food Forum exhibition provide opportunities to bring water-related issues into wider discussions about food systems and sustainable development.

Exchanges among policymakers, researchers, agricultural stakeholders and development organisations can help identify practical approaches to improving water access and resource management.

Sharing experiences across regions may also help countries understand how different legal frameworks, community arrangements and management systems address competing water needs.

Nevertheless, dialogue must be accompanied by effective implementation. Progress depends on suitable policies, capable institutions, reliable data and meaningful participation from the communities most affected by water-management decisions.

Building a More Sustainable Water Future

Water tenure highlights an essential question for sustainable development: how can societies ensure that water resources are managed fairly, efficiently and responsibly?

Clear rights, inclusive decision-making and effective governance can help strengthen water security while supporting agriculture and protecting livelihoods. These measures are particularly important as population growth, economic development and climate pressures increase demand for freshwater.

The discussions surrounding the Rome Water Dialogue provide an opportunity to examine these challenges and promote greater understanding of the institutions and arrangements that shape access to water.

Ultimately, sustainable water management requires more than infrastructure and technology. It also depends on fair rules, accountable institutions and cooperation among the people and organisations that share this essential resource.