To accomplish this, farmers will have to be more efficient and productive in their use of agricultural water, learning to produce more crop per drop. If this is achieved, no major water crisis should affect irrigated food production at the global level and future demand for irrigation water beyond 2030 is expected to continue to slow as world population growth also slows. At the regional level, the story is quite different and varies dramatically. In the Near East and North Africa, about 60 percent of available water resources are currently being used for irrigation, while Latin America barely uses one percent. Another eight countries suffer from water scarcity, using more than 20 percent of their water resources for irrigation.
Water is a key factor in efforts to eradicate food insecurity and rural poverty.
In particular, since women represent the most vulnerable group and are in control of household food security, women in irrigation must gain access to water and other rights and have full participation in decision-making processes. Many developing countries rely heavily on irrigation. In all regions, except Europe and North America, agriculture is by far the biggest user of water, accounting worldwide for almost 70 percent of water use, with domestic use. According to Ms. Fresco, irrigation can contribute to food security by increasing local food production. It also helps rural people increase their incomes.