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Book (stand-alone)Desalination for agricultural development: Addressing opportunities and challenges in the context of climate change and the global agricultural commodity market
Expert consultation workshop report
2025Also available in:
No results found.The integration of desalination into agricultural practices presents a transformative opportunity to address water scarcity in a rapidly changing climate. This guidance document has highlighted the technological advances, agronomic opportunities, economic challenges, environmental impacts and social considerations associated with doing so.Technologically, desalination has evolved significantly, offering viable solutions for both seawater and brackish water, with reverse osmosis leading the way. However, the high costs and energy requirements of desalination remain significant challenges, particularly for widespread agricultural use. Innovations in energy efficiency, brine management, and the potential for resource recovery from brine are promising developments that could lower costs and environmental impacts in the future.Agronomically, desalinated water can support high-value crops, and it has the potential to support food security in regions facing severe water scarcity. However, the unique chemical composition of desalinated water, including low nutrient content and the potential for phytotoxicity, necessitates careful management to avoid adverse effects on soil health and crop productivity. Blending desalinated water with water from other sources and adjusting fertilization practices can mitigate some of these concerns.Economically, the viability of desalination for agriculture depends on the value of the crops being irrigated, the proximity of desalination plants to agricultural lands, and the availability of financing mechanisms. The high cost of desalinated water requires targeted subsidies, public–private partnerships, and innovative financing models to make it accessible and sustainable for farmers, particularly in developing regions. Further research is needed to analyse the costs and benefits of desalination for “strategic” crops in water-scarce areas – such as cereals and animal fodder – which are intended to contribute to food security.Environmental sustainability is a critical consideration, with desalination’s energy intensity and brine disposal posing significant risks. The shift towards renewable energy sources and the development of brine valorization strategies are essential steps towards reducing the environmental footprint of desalination. Moreover, the potential for desalination to contribute to aquifer recharge and prevent overextraction of freshwater resources offers additional environmental benefits. -
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetAddressing global challenges from a Latin American perspective
Joining efforts to develop capacities and raise awareness for an integrated management of agriculture and natural resources
2021Also available in:
No results found.The case study on the collaboration between FAO and the Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigacion y Ensenanza (CATIE) aims to highlight the results achieved through the collaboration established in 2014. Among the activities, the case study will emphasize on strengthening the capacities of Latin American practitioners, and the production and dissemination of communication materials in fields such as integrated management of agriculture, forest, and natural resources, including the implementation of voluntary guidelines. Further key results focus on promoting capacity development, as well as joint applied research studies, and other activities aiming to raise awareness and the generation and dissemination of knowledge. -
Policy briefHigher education for sustainable agriculture and agri-food systems to meet the Sustainable Development Goals in Southeast Asia: Challenges, opportunities and policy options for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Policy brief #1 March 2021
2020Also available in:
No results found.This Policy Brief is one in a series led by Chulalongkorn University (CU) with support from the Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC), Ministry of Education, Thailand, in partnership with FAO. The series was initiated to support the ASEAN Work-Plan on Education (AWPE), 2016-2020 implementation while Thailand was Chair of ASEAN in 2019 under the theme: “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability.” The Briefs offer critical interdisciplinary perspectives on agri-food systems from social and sustainability sciences. They are fully aligned with the regional initiative on Food System Transformation and are meant to support the work engaged with ASEAN. The first brief focuses on the potential of Higher Education Institutions in South East Asia to contribute to more sustainable agri-food systems. It highlights the need for better documentation and evaluations of tertiary agricultural education, research and extension data and impacts to properly monitor and assess SDG progress. It advocates for strengthened universities encouraging critical thinking, teaching and multi-disciplinary research on Sustainable Agriculture concepts, practices and SDGs helping students, government decision-makers and farmers to make practical choices based on reliable evidence.
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