Improving Water Access for Smallholder Production Using a Community-Centered Approach: Reflections from the Field
ART 589
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Title
Improving Water Access for Smallholder Production Using a Community-Centered Approach: Reflections from the Field
Author
Gordon, M. (WFP)
Language Note
English
ISSN
WFP-ART589
Summary
It is estimated that up to 2.8 billion people live in water-scarce regions and the majority of the world’s 800 million food-insecure live in regions where water and food insecurity are intimately linked. The degradation of natural resources, poverty, and climate change are some of the many drivers undermining food security and sustainable livelihoods. Smallholder farmers produce most of the food consumed in the developing world, but often live in poverty and lack the equipment and knowledge required to produce large and consistent quantities of quality crops. Smallholder agriculture is largely rainfed, exposing these farmers to the hazards of rainfall variability and drought. Soil and water conservation technologies and water harvesting expertise can lead to increased water availability and improved water management, which in turn can have a positive effect on crop yields, improved livelihoods and increased incomes. Each year, through its Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) programme, the World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with governments, non-governmental agencies, and community organisations, provides food assistance, technical support, and guidance, aimed at: (i) addressing the immediate food needs of food-insecure smallholder communities; while (ii) supporting the construction or rehabilitation of the productive assets of communities, including smallholders. This summary paper first will outline WFP’s FFA approach, followed by four recent examples of multi-year, community-centred asset programmes that enhance smallholder farmers access to water for agriculture production. Finally, this paper will briefly discuss some of the challenges in achieving long-term sustainability of beneficiary-owned asset programmes.
Call Number
ART 589
In
Agua, Agricultura y Alimentación: Construyamos el Mañana (Conference), 2018
Language
English
System Control No.
ANA-128835
Primary Descriptors
Secondary Descriptors
WFP Taxonomy
Food Assistance for Assets (FFA)