WASHINGTON - March 16 - The dramatic convergence of multiple crises–climate, food and water–requires a global shift from the dominant industrial model of agriculture toward more sustainable practices, concludes a new paper published by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and the Heinrich Boll Foundation. The paper was released on the first day of the World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey.

“Integrated Solutions to the Water, Agriculture and Climate Crises,” by IATP’s Shiney Varghese (available at www.iatp.org), traces the role of industrial agriculture in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water use and degradation and global hunger. The paper outlines the effects industrial agriculture has had in driving irrigated agriculture, massive water infrastructure projects and water withdrawals.

Small-scale producers are most affected by these three crises, with women and children disproportionately bearing the burden.

“We can no longer afford to tackle these crises separately,” said Varghese. “We must take a comprehensive approach that supports sustainable practices in agriculture that are good for the people and the planet, protect our water resources and provide enough food for everyone.”

The paper points to three important meetings this year as opportunities to ensure that solutions to the three crises are integrated: the World Water Forum this week in Istanbul; the UN Commission on Sustainable Development to be held in May in New York; and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Copenhagen in December.

The paper also offers a series of recommendations for governments, including:
1) an international rights-based approach that ensures water availability for ecosystems and people; 2) support for agro-ecological practices including investments in the climate change mitigating potential of agriculture; 3) harmonization of policy approaches to water, agriculture and climate; 4) recognition of women’s involvement in farming, food production and water management; and 5) inclusion of small-scale farmers in reforming policy.

Varghese is in Istanbul this week to attend the World Water Forum and will be participating in panel discussions on March 18 and March 20 on the water, agriculture and climate crises. She can be reached at: shiney@iatp.org. Read the full report at: www.iatp.org.