Improving the way water is used throughout agricultural production and food supply chains is becoming increasingly important as countries work to protect food supplies and manage limited freshwater resources. Experts are placing greater emphasis on water-efficient agrifood systems that can support farmers, strengthen food production and reduce pressure on water resources.

These issues will be discussed during an online event organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on October 15 as part of SIF2026. The event will bring experts together to explore the policies, technologies and innovative approaches that can help make agrifood systems more efficient in their use of water.

Why Water Efficiency Matters for Agriculture

Agriculture depends heavily on reliable water supplies, whether through rainfall, irrigation or other sources. However, changing weather conditions, prolonged dry periods, competing demands and inefficient water management can make it increasingly difficult for farmers to maintain consistent production.

Using water more efficiently can help agricultural communities produce food while reducing unnecessary consumption. Better irrigation scheduling, improved water storage, soil moisture conservation and farming practices suited to local conditions can all contribute to more effective resource management.

Water efficiency is also important beyond the farm. Food processing, transportation and storage involve water at different stages, making it necessary to consider the entire agrifood chain rather than agricultural production alone.

Technology Can Help Farmers Manage Water Better

Advances in agricultural technology are creating additional opportunities to improve water management. Soil moisture sensors, weather-based irrigation systems and digital monitoring tools can help farmers determine when crops require water and how much irrigation may be appropriate.

Drip irrigation and other targeted watering methods can deliver water closer to plant roots, potentially reducing losses when compared with less efficient techniques. Remote sensing and data analysis can also help identify areas experiencing water stress and support more informed decisions about irrigation.

However, the usefulness of these technologies depends on affordability, access to technical support and suitability for local farming conditions. Small-scale farmers may require financial assistance, training and practical guidance before they can benefit fully from modern water-management solutions.

Policies Must Support Sustainable Water Use

Technology alone cannot resolve every challenge associated with agricultural water consumption. Effective policies are needed to encourage responsible water use, improve infrastructure and support cooperation among farmers, communities and public institutions.

Governments can strengthen water management by investing in irrigation systems, promoting efficient farming methods and improving access to reliable information. Water policies also need to consider the needs of agricultural producers alongside those of households, industries and ecosystems.

Cooperation between policymakers, researchers, agricultural organisations and farming communities can help ensure that new approaches address real-world challenges. Sharing successful practices across regions may also help countries adapt solutions to their own environmental and economic circumstances.

Connecting Water Security with Food Security

A dependable food supply requires more than increasing agricultural output. Farmers must also be able to manage essential resources in ways that remain practical over the long term. Water-efficient agrifood systems can contribute to this objective by helping reduce avoidable losses, improving resource productivity and supporting agricultural resilience.

The benefits may extend to rural livelihoods, food affordability and environmental protection. Nevertheless, improvements will depend on local water availability, crop requirements, infrastructure quality and the ability of farmers to adopt suitable practices.

FAO Event to Explore Solutions on October 15

The FAO’s upcoming online discussion under SIF2026 will focus on the policies, technologies and innovations needed to advance water-efficient agrifood systems. The event offers an opportunity to examine how different approaches can contribute to more sustainable food production and responsible water management.

As pressure on water resources grows in many parts of the world, collaboration among governments, scientists, businesses and agricultural communities will remain important. Making better use of available water can help strengthen food systems while supporting the long-term sustainability of agriculture.