According to these new calculations, another 45 million hectares will be irrigated by 2030 in 93 developing countries, where most of the population growth will take place. About 60 per cent of all land that could be irrigated will be in use. This will require an increase by 14 per cent of irrigation water, according to the report.
Of the some 170 countries and territories surveyed, 20 are already using more than 40 per cent of their renewable water resources for irrigation, “a threshold used to flag the level at which countries are forced to make difficult choices between their agricultural and urban water supply sectors”, says the report. Another 16 countries use more than 20 per cent, “which can indicate impending water scarcity. By 2030, South Asia will, on average, have reached the 40 per cent level, and the Near East and North Africa not less than 58 per cent”.
By contrast, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and East Asia are likely to remain far below the critical threshold. These regions will see the bulk of agricultural expansion in the next 30 years.
Of the some 170 countries and territories surveyed, 20 are already using more than 40 per cent of their renewable water resources for irrigation, “a threshold used to flag the level at which countries are forced to make difficult choices between their agricultural and urban water supply sectors”, says the report. Another 16 countries use more than 20 per cent, “which can indicate impending water scarcity. By 2030, South Asia will, on average, have reached the 40 per cent level, and the Near East and North Africa not less than 58 per cent”.
By contrast, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and East Asia are likely to remain far below the critical threshold. These regions will see the bulk of agricultural expansion in the next 30 years.