Sustainable Farming: Cultivating a Water-wise Future

Water is indispensable in agriculture, accounting for approximately 70% of global freshwater use. It is used for irrigation, livestock, and processing agricultural products. However, at the same time, 3.2 billion people lie in one-fourth of the world’s crops (mainly rice, wheat, and maize), where water supply is severely stressed or highly variable. The growing demand for food, increased competition for water resources, and risks from droughts and floods pose a significant challenge.

This highlights the urgency of effective water management strategies to mitigate water-related risks to and from food systems. Irrigation requirements are increasing due to more erratic rainfall, leading to severe water insecurity and desertification, yet there is potential to move 200 million hectares of rainfed cropland into sustainable irrigation. Poor water management hampers sustainable agricultural gains, leading to salinization, land degradation, water pollution, and increased GHG emissions.

As we deal with a global water crisis, the Global Commission on the Economics of Water calls upon a revolution in food systems, urging us to transform agricultural practices to be more water-efficient and sustainable.

Challenges in Agriculture Water Management

• Climate Change: Altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of droughts or floods significantly affect productivity levels and yield instability.
• Over-extraction: Excessive freshwater withdrawal for agricultural production increases water insecurity for people and the environment.
• Inefficient Irrigation: Medium and large irrigation systems are often poorly maintained or constructed, resulting in significant water losses.  Furthermore, inefficient water application on the farm leads to higher evaporation, runoff, percolation, and potentially salinity.
• Soil Degradation: Poor soil health reduces water infiltration and holding capacity, exacerbating plant water stress during unreliable rainfall.
• Lack of equitable and reliable irrigation access: Where water resources exist, farmers often lack the economic means to access them (e.g., borehole drilling, irrigation technologies), or irrigation supply chains are underdeveloped.

CGIAR Sustainable Farming Science Program (SFP)

The CGIAR Sustainable Farming Science Program (SFP), set to launch in April 2025 officially, builds on progress from the Excellence in Agronomy, Plant Health, and Mixed Farming Systems Initiatives, and promotes agricultural transformation towards productive, resilient, and sustainable farming systems. One of the program’s goals is to achieve water-resilient farming systems for at least three million producers by 2030 by adopting water innovations and integrated management practices that mitigate water-related risks and address the unsustainable use of water resources.

To achieve these outcomes, in the SFP, we address the following three research questions.

• Where, when, and to what extent do water-related risks threaten or arise from agronomic gains?
• What inclusive water innovations and management practices address water-related risks to and from agronomic gains at the field and farm level?  Under what conditions are these solutions effective?
• How can we overcome key determinants preventing water-resilient farming at scale?

On the 2025 World Water Day, this blog by the SFP Integrated Water Management team explores various strategies and innovations that can help farmers cultivate a water-wise future.

Sustainable Water Management Practices

To address these challenges, we advocate that farmers adopt various sustainable practices that enhance water efficiency :

• Farmer-led irrigation

Farmer-led irrigation empowers farmers to take ownership of their irrigation journey.  t provides an opportunity to overcome economic water scarcity as farmers develop their water source and invest in small irrigation technologies individually or in small groups.  With the growing attention to renewable energy sources, solar photovoltaic pumps are steadily on the rise alongside fuel or electric pumps.  It is important to support farmers with appropriate irrigation scheduling advisory services to ensure that water is applied adequately and that potential overuse is mitigated.

• Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for agricultural use.  This practice reduces dependence on groundwater and surface water sources, conserving precious resources.  Farmers can install rainwater harvesting systems, such as tanks and ponds, to capture and store rainwater for irrigation during dry periods.

• Soil Health Management

Healthy soil is crucial for efficient water use.  Overcropping, reduced tillage, and organic amendments improve soil structure, enhance water infiltration, and increase water retention capacity.  By maintaining soil health, farmers can reduce the need for irrigation and ensure crops have access to sufficient moisture.

• Agroforestry

Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, providing multiple benefits, including improved water management.  Trees enhance soil structure, reduce erosion, and increase water infiltration.  Additionally, they create microclimates that reduce evaporation and provide shade for crops.  Agroforestry systems can be designed to optimize water use and improve overall farm resilience.

• Crop Rotation and Diversification

Crop rotation involves alternating different crops in the same field over successive seasons.  This practice helps maintain soil health, reduce pest and disease pressures, and optimize water use.  By rotating crops with varying water requirements, farmers can prevent soil moisture depletion and improve water retention.  Diversifying crops also enhances farm resilience to climate variability and market fluctuations.

• Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is a highly efficient method that delivers water directly to the plant roots through a network of tubes and emitters or simple techniques using reusable plastic bottles.  This technique minimizes water loss due to evaporation and runoff, ensuring that crops receive precisely the e amount of water they need.  Drip irrigation systems can be automated, allowing farmers to control water application based on soil moisture levels and crop requirements.

Innovative Technologies for Water Efficiency

Advancements in technology offer promising solutions for sustainable water management in agriculture:

• Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture utilizes data and technology to optimize farming practices.  Sensors, drones, and satellite imagery provide real-time information on soil moisture, crop health, and weather conditions.  Farmers can use this data to make informed decisions about irrigation scheduling, fertilization, and pest control, reducing water waste and improving efficiency.

• Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation systems use sensors and automated controls to adjust water application based on soil moisture levels and crop needs.  These systems can be integrated with weather forecasts and remote monitoring, allowing farmers to optimize irrigation and reduce water consumption. Smart irrigation technology ensures crops receive the right amount of water at the right time, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

• Hydroponics and Aquaponics

Hydroponics and aquaponics are innovative farming methods that use water-based systems to grow crops without soil.  Hydroponics involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water, while aquaponics combines hydroponics with fish farming.  These systems use significantly less water than traditional soil-based agriculture and can be implemented in controlled environments.  Hydroponics and aquaponics offer sustainable solutions for urban farming and areas with limited water resources.

Success Stories: How Farmers Are Saving Water and Growing More

The CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) Initiative, now integrated into the CGIAR Sustainable Farming Program set to launch in April 2025, has demonstrated remarkable success in implementing data-driven agronomic solutions at scale during its 2022-2024 business cycle. These innovations have increased yields, optimized resource use, and improved farmer incomes while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Across Africa and Asia, innovative solutions are empowering farmers to overcome water scarcity and soil fertility challenges while boosting agricultural productivity.  The CGIAR Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) Initiative, now part of the Sustainable Farming Program, has been instrumental in driving these successes. As we approach the launch, let’s explore four impactful case studies that showcase the transformative potential of these initiatives:

1. Government of Ethiopia – Landscape-Specific Soil Fertility Enhancement

Challenge:
Declining soil fertility is a significant barrier to improving crop productivity in Ethiopia. The lack of micro- and secondary nutrients limits the potential of both rainfed and irrigated agriculture. To address the country’s growing food needs, sustainable intensification through efficient use of organic resources and fertilizers is essential. 

Solution:
This initiative facilitated the development of an app-based digital decision support tool designed to help extension agents and farmers tailor fertilizer recommendations based on specific landscape positions. The tool leverages the understanding that soil moisture levels vary by location, influencing how effectively plants utilize applied fertilizers. By 2030, the aim is to scale this advisory tool to reach 5 million farmers, optimizing fertilizer investments in the most responsive landscapes and farming systems. Powered by advanced analytics, the tool generates valuable, data-driven fertilizer recommendations that also serve as a national reference for Ethiopia’s soil health investments and the Ministry of Agriculture’s soil strategy.

2. Bihar State Government – Optimizing Planting Time for Wheat-Rice Systems

Challenge:
The Eastern Gangetic Plain (EGP) of South Asia, covering Nepal’s Terai region, Bangladesh, and the densely populated eastern states of India, requires timely planting to ensure regional food security.

Solution:
A tailored digital agricultural advisory prototype has been developed to support the agro-advisory ecosystem in the EGP. Using a data-driven dashboard, farmers can make informed decisions on planting schedules, considering irrigation availability, soil moisture, investment costs, risks, and forecast information. The advisory system has been tested on 1,000 farmer plots and aims to reach one million farmers within three years. Additionally, a water accounting framework is being developed to evaluate the impact of improved water management on greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to sustainable farming practices in the EGP.

3. CocoaSoils – Integrating Solar Irrigation and Soil Fertility Management in Cocoa Systems

Challenge:
Cocoa plantations in West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, are underperforming, leading to low farmer incomes. Severe droughts have further reduced yields, prompting farmers to expand into forested areas. While the initial focus was on soil fertility, the need for solar irrigation emerged as a vital complementary solution amid a changing climate.

Solution:
To address financial barriers, especially in Ghana, financial modalities were co-created with irrigation technology suppliers and banks. These modalities consider gender-specific risk perceptions, the need for water source development (like borehole drilling), interest rates, repayment terms, and individual versus group lending. Findings from assessing farmers’ willingness to adopt these credit schemes have been shared with partners, and Access Bank, in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation, is set to launch the first credit scheme for solar irrigation technologies.

4. Government of Morocco – Scaling Mechanized Conservation Agriculture in Rainfed Wheat Systems

Challenge:
Morocco aims to implement conservation agriculture (CA) on 1 million hectares—about 22% of its 4.5 million hectares of rainfed cereal crops—by 2030. Despite CA’s benefits for yield stability, soil quality, and environmental resilience, adoption rates in North Africa remain low.

Solution:
Through a public-private partnership, a mechanized CA approach was developed, combining low-cost, scale-appropriate machinery, optimized crop rotations with low water footprints, and effective management of crop residues, soil moisture, weeds, and soil fertility. A digital platform and dashboard were established to connect advisory service providers, machinery suppliers, and CA farmers. A comprehensive scaling roadmap was also developed, guiding governments, development donors, lenders, extension agencies, NGOs, manufacturers, and policymakers on the technical and institutional requirements to expand mechanized CA in Morocco.

These initiatives highlight how innovation tailored to local needs can transform agricultural practices.  By equipping farmers with tools, knowledge, and financial support, these programs increase yields and safeguard livelihoods, conserve natural resources, and build resilience against climate change.

More information on other interesting and impactful data-driven agronomic solutions at scale can be found here – Accelerating the Uptake of Agronomy at Scale.

The Future of Water-wise Farming

The pressing challenge in agriculture remains the reduction of consumptive water use, which is crucial for developing sustainable and resilient farming systems. To address this, we are working on establishing robust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the specific consumptive water use requirements of high-yielding, stable, and profitable cropping systems.  However, it is equally important to identify opportunities where water use can be increased profitably without compromising ecological safety.  his dual approach will be pivotal in meeting the growing demand for food and water as the global population expands.

In the future of water-wise farming, it is imperative to assess and improve current practices critically.  As the demand for food and water escalates, adopting sustainable farming methods prioritizing water efficiency is no longer a choice but a necessity.  While innovative technologies, improved soil health, and water-wise strategies are essential, they must be implemented with a critical eye toward their impact on consumptive water use and ecological sustainability.  Practices like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, soil health management, agroforestry, and crop rotation offer valuable solutions. Still, their effectiveness depends on careful planning and monitoring.  By integrating these practices with cutting-edge technologies such as precision agriculture and smart irrigation systems, agriculture can transition into a more sustainable and resilient sector.  However, this transition requires a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in water management, ensuring that we conserve water and enhance its productive use where ecologically viable.

Ultimately, embracing water-wise farming is not just about balancing agricultural productivity and environmental conservation; it demands a critical evaluation of our current practices and a commitment to continuous improvement. By doing so, we can create a future where agriculture thrives, ecosystems flourish, and water resources are managed responsibly—a scenario that benefits farmers, communities, and the planet alike.  However, this vision requires ongoing innovation, rigorous assessment, and a willingness to adapt to emerging challenges in water management.