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Unlocking the Water
Potential of Agriculture
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© FAO 2003
2. Water for sustainable food production, poverty alleviation and rural development
The significance of rainfed production
The growing role of groundwater
The role of surface water commands
Investments in irrigation infrastructure
The role of irrigation in poverty alleviation and rural development
3. Why agricultural water productivity is important for the global water challenge
Spatial variability of water productivity
The substantial increase of water productivity in agriculture
Key principles for improving water productivity
Enhancing water productivity at plant level
Raising water productivity at field level
Accounting for water productivity at system and basin level
Policy tools for promoting water productivity gains
4. Risk management in agricultural water use
The nature of risk
Risk management strategies for agriculture
Spreading risk
5. Alleviating the environmental impact of agricultural water development
Dealing with externalities
The salinity and drainage question
Wastewater reuse
6. Modernizing irrigation water management
The scope of modernization
The role of low-cost technologies in modernization