ethics of irrigation

Water for Agriculture: The Ethics of Irrigation

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)

• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a comprehensive approach advocating for the use of water wisely across different sectors. As the Global Water Partnership (GWP) states, "IWRM is about the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems".

• This implies that water use in one area can significantly impact other areas, highlighting the necessity for cooperative management across regions. Understanding local water systems is essential for ensuring equitable distribution and preventing conflicts.

Connection through Virtual Water Exchange

• Virtual Water refers to the water embedded in the production of commodities. As Professor Tony Allan describes, "Virtual water is a useful concept: it acknowledges that we trade water in the form of commodities that 'consume' or 'embody' water, redrawing the boundaries of water management to include across-borders, inter-sectoral and inter-users scenarios".

• The planet's freshwater resources are interconnected, making global trade essential, especially in water-scarce regions. For example, land and water grabs often occur when resource-rich countries supply water to those that consume heavily, leading to inequalities.

Agriculture's Water Use

• Agriculture is the largest user of freshwater, consuming more than two-thirds of the water available. As noted by Molden (2007), "Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater usage, and it plays a vital role in human livelihoods and environmental health."

• The remaining water is allocated to cities, industries, and communities. Growing concern arises from the prospect of a global water crisis, influenced by climate change and increasing water demands in various regions.

Urban Water Supply Systems

• As cities grow, they are increasingly looking at agricultural water to enhance their water supply. Researchers emphasize the need to develop technologies and methods that promote water efficiency in irrigation. As noted by Giordano et al. (2006), "Investment in better irrigation technology could potentially free up significant amounts of water for urban areas."

Ethical Considerations in Agriculture

• The ethical implications of using water for agriculture raise critical questions:

  • Economic benefits: "The challenge is to maximize yield per unit of water," as stated by agricultural economist David Zilberman.

  • Social benefits: Improving communities' well-being through job creation and food security.

  • Environmental benefits: "Water management should support people and their livelihoods while also protecting aquatic ecosystems," according to the United Nations.

  • Cultural impacts: Emphasizing the importance of traditional knowledge in water management. This fits into various ethical categories, influencing agricultural policies.

Dependency and Productivity of Irrigated Agriculture

• Water is essential for plant growth, sourced either from rainfall or irrigation. The importance of irrigation cannot be overstated; only 18% of farmland is irrigated, yet this small portion contributes 45% of total agricultural output. As highlighted by Molden (2007), "Irrigated agriculture is crucial in feeding the world’s growing population."

The Dilemma of Water Allocation

• The heavy reliance on agriculture for 70% of the world’s freshwater raises questions about the long-term sustainability of water resources in relation to food security. Alternatives to achieve food security include:

  • Evaluating large agribusiness versus small, diverse farms that support ecological balance. This discussion is critical, as both systems have differing cultural, economic, and environmental effects.

Understanding Returns on Water Investment

• The need for a careful assessment arises when 70 out of every 100 units of water are directed towards agriculture. Questions about the investment’s efficiency become necessary. According to the World Bank, "Water productivity in agriculture needs to be a key performance measure, guiding policymakers' decisions on resource allocation."

Western vs. Global Agricultural Perspectives

• The predominant Western approach favors cheap, mass-produced food but often neglects environmental sustainability. First Nations agriculturalist Winona LaDuke highlights, "The way we farm affects not just the soil and water, but the culture of those who depend on it."

• In contrast, other cultures emphasize agriculture as integral to community well-being. Water for agriculture also sustains jobs and supports cultural heritage.

Examples of Multifunctional Agriculture

• Japanese rice farming showcases an effective model: integrating rice with fish and ducks in the same paddies, using water resources efficiently. This multifunctional approach demonstrates diverse farming methods that provide socio-economic benefits, including job creation and preserving wildlife.

The Kind of Agriculture Supported

• Key questions for agricultural water use decisions include:

  • "What defines good agriculture in various communities?"

  • "How does food production relate to local economies?"

Consumer Choices and Values

• There is a rising awareness regarding food choices influenced by environmental and ethical factors. Movements like Via Campesina champion food sovereignty, stressing local food systems and the rights of farmers. "Food sovereignty is about the right of communities to control their food systems," as articulated by Vandana Shiva.

Economic Implications of Agricultural Practices

• Managing water tends to emphasize economic efficiency over environmental and social justice, raising long-term concerns. Traditional cost analyses often overlook broader implications of agricultural practices.

Evolution of Agricultural Ethics

• Agricultural ethics have evolved significantly:

  • Pre-Green Revolution focused on subsistence agriculture.

  • Post-Green Revolution has emphasized productivity, profitability, and business interests.

Participatory Irrigation Management

• It has become increasingly important to recognize local cultural knowledge in planning irrigation systems. Successful irrigation projects must acknowledge social benefits alongside economic gains, as outlined by the FAO, which states, "Involving communities ensures that their needs are understood and met."

Contemporary Challenges and Sustainability

• Growing awareness about industrial agriculture’s environmental impact has prompted a shift toward sustainable practices. Protecting groundwater and water quality is essential for future agricultural stability.

Agroecology as an Alternative

• Agroecology emphasizes the interconnectedness of crops, economy, and ecology, advocating for sustainable farming practices that incorporate these relationships.

Multifunctional Agriculture Framework

• This framework aims to include social, cultural, and environmental aspects in agricultural decision-making, ensuring diverse stakeholder needs are met. The EU’s policies increasingly reflect goals for sustainable farming practices, promoting practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.

Conclusion: Ethical Water Use in Agriculture

• Thoughtful water allocation for food production is crucial, considering:

  • The total water used.

  • The sustainability of agricultural practices.

  • Involving stakeholders in decision-making processes.

• A comprehensive analysis of opportunity costs is essential for fair water management in agriculture. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders can enhance sustainable water management, improving agricultural practices while ensuring environmental protection.