The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems (ILIMS), led by the University of Nebraska’s Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) (Nebraska-ILIMS), was fittingly launched at this year’s World Food Day with t
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Solar pumps instead of fossil fuels improve access to irrigation in remote rural areas. But they are also a temptation to consume more groundwater.
Unlike large-acreage government irrigation schemes, small-scale irrigation is typically farmer led. Farmers decide what technologies to use to extract water, be it manual lifting or solar water pumps.
Climate action
It will come as no surprise to much of Pakistan’s population that their country ranks among the lowest for disaster risk management for water security in Asia, according to the Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO).
Many smallholder farmers, especially women and other marginalized groups, face difficulty in accessing loans and other forms of credit.
Globally, COVID-19 has exposed farmers to high levels of income insecurity, underlining the importance of building resilience among male and female farmers.
The state must also combine the provision of irrigation with public procurement of rice and wheat and improved access to markets for high-value crops.
Much of my research has been on the need for collective action in managing natural resources, and the value of groups to facilitate collective agency for women’s empowerment.
In Ethiopia, the average person eats just 42kg of fruit and vegetables per year. This is far below the WHO recommendation of 146kg per year. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, vital for our body.
We now know that handwashing with soap for 20 seconds can fight the spread of coronavirus. For most of us accessing water is as simple as turning on the taps in our kitchens and toilets.
This year’s theme for World Water Day is Water and Climate Change.