SDG Target

• By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality

Context

Agriculture uses the most water. High water withdrawals may be required for crop irrigation, diverting water from the ecosystem and other users. Agricultural run-off may be a significant source of pollution for nearby water resources that affect those downstream or within the same groundwater basin.

Sustainable agriculture practice through on-farm practices that increase water efficiency and improve run-off and wastewater management can contribute to improved water quality and, in some cases, conserve water that may be available for additional uses. Adapting irrigation methods and technologies to improve efficiency, evaluating crop choices based on climate and water availability, or instituting techniques or technologies to limit or improve water quality runoff.