Increasing salinity conditions is one of the manifestations of climate change which affects agriculture production, food security and nutrition with the potential to lead to environmental degradation. In response, the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) works towards collaborative solutions for resilient agrifood systems.

Under the FAO's Value Adding Impact Area (VAIA) ‘Adressing Water Scarcity in Agriculture and the enviroment (AWSAMe)', an initiative supporting one of the Four Betters of the FAO Strategic Framework, namely Better Environment, two trainings on saline agriculture were carried out in the field. In Uzbekistan, the training which took place from 19 to 21 March 2024, was centered around soil and water management under saline conditions in a landlocked context. In Cabo Verde, the training which was held from 2 to 4 April 2023, focused on how to cope with increasing water salinity and salt intrusions, considering that the country is small island developing state (SIDS) facing increasing saline intrusion. Farmers, technicians, researchers, extension officers and other stakeholders learned from hands-on experience to adopt best management practices and improve their water use efficiency in the context of increasing saline conditions. The participants provided overwhelming positive feedback, confirming the importance of the initiative; they requested that more training is provided considering the magnitude of the threat caused by salinity and the opportunities highlighted by the first training.