The threats posed by salt-affected soils to global food security are increasing with climate change. According to the recent global salt-affected soils map, over 424 million hectares of topsoil (0–30 cm) and 833 million hectares of subsoil (30-100 cm) are currently salt-affected. The Saline Agriculture Working Group of the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) developed practical guidelines for farmers implementing agriculture in salt-affected areas to assist them in their decision-making processes in dealing with salinity and sodicity issues in their lands. The guidelines are split into two thematic volumes. The thematic 1 focuses on "Soil and water management in salt-affected areas" and thematic 2 on "Saline farming schemes and crops suitable for salt-affected areas". 

The webinar launched the thematic 1 of the farmers' guidelines and showcased the relevance and importance of the proper soil and water management practices to be implemented within the saline agriculture context. Eminent international experts shared their experiences on water and soil management from various geographical regions affected by salinity or sodicity. The working group along with invited experts on saline agriculture also discussed how the guidelines could be better implemented, empowering farmers to get more effectively involved in saline agriculture practices. The webinar contributed to the preparations of the technical session that will be held at the WASAG Plenary Assembly on 29–30 April 2024, where the opportunities offered by saline agriculture to several Member Nations will be showcased, along with the Saline Agriculture Working Group outputs and future prospects.