The zero draft has adequately addressed the diversity of linkages between water, food security and nutrition.
However, agricultural production alone is not sufficient to guarantee stable food supply and sustainable use of water. Water use in processing, packaging and information technology could be carefully analysed to facilitate access to information which is one definite way of sharing and fostering linkages.
There is the need for education, research, policy, advocacy and partnerships on the use of water. What kind of partnerships do we need as we consider the weak linkage between agricultural processing and water use where more women are found and industry?
Agriculture must be cast beyond production objectives to include agri-business related linkages and the relation to water. The bulk of the foods consumed in Africa are processed using very simple technologies and methods which diminish the use of water. These are indigenous food technologies where a lot of women are found. A typical example is in the processing of shea butter at Gbimsi in northern Ghana. The use of appropriate technology completely eliminates the use of water which indirectly saves the environment. Modernizing agriculture to eliminate pollution of water bodies will require a holistic, value chain approach. Women’s involvement makes a difference on the global scene since gender is cross-cutting. Gender mainstreaming must be considered in all steps in the food production and value addition activities if water is to be saved for other purposes.
These technologies affect the economic and social life of the operators who are mostly women and contribute to family nutritional status. Modernising to reduce water use may require Setting-up small scale co-packing facility to provide services to the small- and medium-scale food enterprises where women abound.
This could lead to less capital expense for equipment, plant or water. Informal education and other information sharing strategies should promote good handling and use of water, processing and packaging. Social equity and environmental justice must remain at the heart of sustainable development not forgetting equitable use and distribution of water.
Sabina Anokye Mensah