Smart Net-Zero

World Bank Group (WBG) | Source | Report |

This frames agricultural water management (AWM) as a development issue that must connect water availability with food production and trade choices. Drawing on geospatial analysis, household data, and country experience, the report introduces a framework that categorizes countries by water stress and food import or export status to guide country-specific action rather than one-size-fits-all policy. It argues that when food production aligns with water realities, the same land and water can raise yields, improve livelihoods, create jobs, and reduce environmental pressure. Investing in this sector yields significant dividends: a 10% increase in agricultural productivity can reduce the likelihood of poverty by 2.5% to 3%, and every USD 1 invested in AWM can generate up to USD 4 in economic returns. The report also calls for a shift away from fragmented, investment-centric approaches and overdependence on public funding toward stronger performance accountability and long-term sustainability in water policy and financing.