Picture Courtesy: The Gray Matter

As we mark World Food Day under the compelling theme, “WATER IS LIFE, WATER IS FOOD. LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND,” it’s imperative that we reflect on the profound role that water plays in shaping our lives, economies, and ecosystems.

Dr. Roshni Vakilna serves as the Technical Lead for Project Vruddhi at Action Against Hunger in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Her dedication and expertise are driving innovative solutions to combat hunger and create a brighter, more sustainable future for communities in need. Dr. Vakilna, a brilliant mind is a passionate advocate for positive change.

Water is the lifeblood of our planet, an indispensable element that not only sustains us but also underpins the very foundation of our global food systems. As we mark World Food Day under the compelling theme, “WATER IS LIFE, WATER IS FOOD. LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND”, we must reflect on the profound role that water plays in shaping our lives, economies, and ecosystems.

With over 50% of our bodies composed of it and 71% of the Earth’s surface covered by it, water’s significance is undeniable. However, the troubling reality is that while only 2.5% of water is fresh and suitable for essential purposes like drinking and agriculture, we are facing an unprecedented challenge. Rapid population growth, urbanization, economic development, and the relentless impacts of climate change are straining our precious water resources, pushing them to the brink.

As fresh water becomes scarcer, it’s often the world’s most vulnerable communities, including smallholder farmers, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, and refugees, who bear the brunt of this crisis, sparking competition and conflicts over access to this life-sustaining source. In this pressing context, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard this invaluable resource and ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future.

In rural India, the struggle for access to clean and sufficient water is an ongoing crisis that refuses to relent. Recent data underscores the severity of the issue, with nearly one-fifth of rural habitations falling short of the minimum entitled water quantity of 40 liters per capita per day, equivalent to just two buckets a day. This water scarcity intensifies during the dry season, ushering in a period of dire need. With the onset of summer, media reports flood in from various corners of the country, highlighting the escalating drinking water crisis. For weeks, if not months, a significant portion of India’s population—especially those in rural areas—grapples with the harsh reality of water scarcity. During this time, millions of rural residents, along with their livestock, embark on a relentless battle for survival. It’s a recurring nightmare, exacerbated by insufficient rainfall and drought-like conditions in various parts of the nation. Reports indicate plummeting groundwater levels, dwindling lakes, drying wells, reservoirs, and rapidly vanishing dams.

As the mercury soars and heatwaves become increasingly severe, several regions in Gujarat face an alarming water crisis, particularly affecting Saurashtra, Kutch, North Gujarat, and parts of tribal areas in central and South Gujarat. Over 20 districts suffer from severe water scarcity, with towns and villages receiving water only twice a week. In more than 500 villages across 14 districts, drinking water is delivered via tankers, a number expected to rise.

The crisis manifests differently in rural and urban contexts, influenced by various factors such as water supply systems, institutional accountability, socio-economic conditions, and reliance on different water sources.

Historically, rural areas have leaned on community-managed water sources, like wells and ponds, accessible to specific communities. Public or common property sources, including lakes and rivers, were also used for drinking. A minority of affluent households had exclusive water sources. This reliance on community water sources introduced its own set of challenges, including laborious water collection processes, poor water quality, seasonal shortages, and a lack of maintenance. Additionally, certain social groups were excluded from specific water sources. In response to these challenges, individual and household-level piped water supply systems were introduced to complement community sources. Access to piped water at the household level came to be seen as an indicator of an improved standard of living, particularly in urban areas. This concept gradually extended to rural India in the era of local governance. Since Independence, numerous programs have aimed to provide rural households with individual water connections, a goal that remains central to all drinking water schemes today. However, despite decades of effort, progress in this area remains limited and unsatisfactory. Recent statistics reveal that only 18% of rural households have piped water supplied to their dwellings. Over half of rural households still rely on public or common water sources. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) noted that despite an expenditure of Rs 81,168 crores, the coverage of rural habitations only increased by 8% at 40 liters per capita per day during 2012-17. More than half of rural households (51%) rely on sources like tubewells, handpumps, or borewells for their water needs, sources that often run dry during the summer as groundwater levels decline.

The decline in community and common property water resources, along with neglect and privatization by dominant rural sections, has led to their progressive disappearance from the rural landscape. Government water supply programs have fallen short in establishing sustainable water supply mechanisms. These programs often prioritize achieving numerical targets rather than ensuring the sustained availability of water. Consequently, there are few efforts to introduce techniques that can preserve local sources, preventing scarcity and fluctuations in drinking water availability. It’s crucial to preserve, conserve, and revive traditional and common water sources with public and state intervention as part of water supply programs. Simultaneously, access to common resources should not replace the provision of household-level piped water connections. These approaches must complement each other, adapting to local needs and conditions. Such efforts are especially critical in drought-prone regions to ensure access to clean, reliable water throughout the year.

It’s the moment to embark on a journey of prudent water management! What steps should YOU take?

1. 1. Rethink Our Relationship with Water: It’s crucial for all of us to recognize the value of water and cease taking it for granted.
   2. Mindful Food Choices: Our food choices have a significant impact on water resources. Opt for locally sourced, seasonal, and fresh foods to reduce water consumption in food production.
   3. Minimize Food Waste: Cutting down on food wastage is another way to conserve water. Be mindful of how much food you buy and consume and find creative ways to use leftovers.
   4. Safe Reuse Practices: Embrace safe methods of reusing water while being vigilant about preventing water pollution.
   5. Collaborative Action: Together, as a collective, we can take meaningful steps towards securing a sustainable water future for food, people, and our planet.

“Originally written and edited for The Gray Matter”

Comprehending Climate change

Climate change refers to long-term fluctuations in temperature and weather patterns. Variations in the solar cycle are generally responsible for such fluctuations. But, since the 1800s human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and coal have been the drivers for such changes. (1)

When fossil fuels are burned, it causes combustion which increases the heat and light leading to rise in the temperature of the earth, also known as Greenhouse effect. For Eg: Deforestation is one of the major reasons for increased emission of Carbon-Dioxide, Garbage landfills are primary source for methane emissions and if we look around the waste production has tremendously increased over the years. Also, Industrialization, fuel-based transportation and rampant construction are other major contributors for increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Alarming Numbers

Greenhouse gas concentrations are at their highest levels in 2 million years. Emissions are continuing to rise. As a result, the Earth is presently around 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer than it was in the late 1800s. The most recent decade (2011-2020) has been the warmest on record. 

It is perceived that climate change mainly entails higher temperatures. However, the temperature rise is merely the beginning of the narrative. As everything is interconnected in the ecosystem. Thus, shifts in one aspect will equally impact others. Research has shown that, If the global average surface temperatures rise between 1.5-2 degrees, then world’s wealthiest countries will experience fewer changes in their local climate as well as crop yields due to well-built information systems in place whereas low income or less developed countries will suffer more in terms of food security and food safety due to climate change and lesser resilient crop infrastructure.

Recently released “Vulnerability assessment report” by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR reveals that out of 573 rural districts (excluding Andaman and Nicobar Islands) 109 districts are very high-risk districts and 201 districts are risk districts. Considering the current situation of climate change in India integrated modeling simulation studies indicated that by 2049 the mean temperature of these districts will increase by a minimum of 1.3 degrees. For a tropical country like India, Rise in temperature may affect the various crop yields affecting the production and consumption pattern of food across the year.

The Consequences of Climate Change on Food and Nutrition security

One hand increase in CO2 concentrations are good for crop growth but on the contrary CO2 emissions are resulting in frequent climatic fluctuations like intense heat, severe weather and droughts which are huge threat to In-demand crops like wheat and maize. (2)

According to some projections, in the absence of successful adaptation, worldwide yields could fall by up to 30% by 2050. 

Countries already dealing with violence, pollution, deforestation, and other issues are likely to bear the brunt of these consequences. The 2 billion people who already lack adequate food, particularly smallholder farmers and other individuals living in poverty, will be struck the hardest. Despite decades of global commitment, hunger and food insecurity continue at alarming rates.

According to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, approximately 750 million people experienced extreme food insecurity in 2019. 

The number of undernourished people or food insecurity is increasing, with climate shocks playing a significant role. Climate change will raise food prices, reduce food supply, and promote instability and conflict due to competition for water and arable land unless immediate action is taken.

As per a recent report by Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI) “Climate crisis is a child crisis”. With an estimated 850 million children 1-3 worldwide are living in areas where environmental and climatic shocks overlap. Children will suffer more than adults and they require more food and water per unit body weight and have less resilience to hold up against extreme and harsh weather events. Also, Children are more susceptible to toxic chemicals, temperature changes and diseases. (3)

In the last three decades India has witnessed rise in mean temperature and increased frequency of extreme rainfall. According to estimation by National Innovations in climate resilient agriculture rainfed rice yields in India are projected to reduce marginally by <2.5% between 2050-2080, irrigated rice yields by 7%. Further, wheat yield is projected to reduce by 6-25% in 2100 and maize yields by 18-23%. It is predicted that future climatic shifts may benefit chickpea production by 54%. These figures clearly indicate the need for mitigation strategies for food and nutrition sustainability.

On the Brightside – Policy Making, Ecosystem strengthening and Advocacy

In 2021 Secretary-General of UN António Guterres organized the Food Systems Summit to inspire renewed global commitment to resilient and sustainable food systems. The summit convened governments, civil society, and the private sector to generate innovative ideas, build new partnerships, and deliver ambitious cross-sectoral actions to transform food systems to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement emission reduction targets.

Many climate change solutions have the potential to provide economic benefits while also enhancing our lives and safeguarding the environment. Global frameworks and agreements, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Paris Agreement, are also in place to steer progress. There are three basic types of action: reducing emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and financing necessary adjustments.

Switching from fossil fuels to renewables like solar and wind will lower the emissions causing climate change. But we must begin immediately. While a growing coalition of countries has committed to net zero emissions by 2050, around half of the emissions reduction must be implemented by 2030 to keep global warming below 1.5°C. Between 2020 and 2030, fossil fuel production must drop by about 6% yearly. (6)

India’s Approach towards Climate change: Mitigation strategies and preparedness

Placing climate change at the center of its environmental policy, India made bold vows in 2021, with Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring at the critical international climate summit COP 26 that India is the only country delivering on the Paris Agreement commitments in “letter and spirit”. From vowing to become a net carbon emitter by 2070 to generating 500 gigatons of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, India led from the front on environmental problems this year, capturing the attention of people worldwide.

To meet the challenges of sustaining domestic food production in the face of changing climate, The Indian council of agricultural research (ICAR) under ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare, has launched a flagship network project aims to study the impact of climate change on agriculture including crops, livestock ,horticulture and fisheries and to develop and promote climate resilient technologies in agriculture which will address vulnerable areas of the country and the output of the projects will help the districts and regions prone to climatic hazards. ICAR has developed resilient varieties in different crops tolerant to climatic stresses to improve the food grain production in the face of changing climate. Out of 2122, 1752 varieties are climatic stress resilient. Based on vulnerability assessment, climate resilient technologies are being demonstrated on farmer’s fields covering 446 villages. Agromet advisories are reaching the farmers through m-Kisan portal, whatsapp groups and SMS  services etc. To deal with climate change, the government of India is implementing a National action plan on climate change which aims to evolve and implement strategies to make Indian agriculture more resilient to the changing climate and to sustain increase in production. Per drop more crop schemes are being implemented to increase the irrigation area. Similarly, the Rainfed  Area Development (RAD) scheme is being implemented to promote sustainable integrated farming systems.  With the help of technological interventions GOI is preparing effectively to increase the crop produce and decrease the crop loss. (5)

How Action Against Hunger is making efforts to deal with climate crisis

Our primary goal as the world’s hunger specialist is to find a better solution to cope with hunger. For more than 40 years, we have led the global fight to end life-threatening hunger once and for all. In more than 45 countries, our professionals have been on the front lines, treating and preventing malnutrition.

We save children and their families’ lives. We are there for them both before and after a crisis occurs. We make it possible for people to provide for themselves, for their children to grow up strong, and for entire communities to thrive. We are continuously looking for more effective solutions while also sharing our knowledge and skills with the rest of the world. 

Food security and livelihoods programmes at Action Against Hunger address the core causes of hunger by addressing issues of production, access, and income. Our programmes, which include a wide range of activities tailored to a community’s specific needs, are intended to boost

agricultural production, kickstart local market activity, support micro-enterprise initiatives, and improve a vulnerable community’s access to sustainable sources of food and income.

Click here  to learn more about our work.

References:

1. What is climate change:  What Is Climate Change? | United Nations
2. Journal article, Influence of climate change on food production and safety: The influence of climate change on food production and food safety – ScienceDirect 
3. UNICEF ,Press Release: One billion children at ‘extremely high risk’ of the impacts of the climate crisis – UNICEF 
4. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare, Press Release: :https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1696468 
5. Impact of climate change on agriculture:  https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1884236 
6. Intergovernmental panel for climate change, Newsroom Post: The evidence is clear: the time for action is now. We can halve emissions by 2030. — IPCC

Annexure

The combustion of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gas emissions, which behave like a blanket wrapped over the Earth, trapping heat from the sun and rising temperatures.

Carbon dioxide and methane are two examples of greenhouse gas emissions affecting climate change. These are caused by using fuel to drive a car or coal to heat a building, for example, clearing land and forests can also result in the release of carbon dioxide. Garbage landfills are a primary source of methane emissions. Among the significant emitters are energy, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture, and land use.

.will create difference in other as well and thus Because the Earth is a system in which everything is interconnected, changes in one region might impact all others.

Research shows that the world’s wealthiest countries will experience fewer changes in their local climate than the poorest regions if global average surface temperatures rise between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius.

One of the core areas that climate change threatens is food production. Wheat, maize, and other crop yields have been dropping in several nations due to intense heat, severe weather, and droughts. 

Under NICRA project, wheat germplasm comprising of advanced breeding lines and land races have been screened for heat/drought tolerance. To combat climate change Indian agricultural research institute (IARI) has released the high yielding varieties of wheat such as HD 2967 and HD 3086 which are being grown in large areas of North west and North India.

In India action against hunger is working at various peri urban, rural and tribal geographies to strengthen the communities to combat malnutrition by eco-system strengthening through infrastructure and capacity building of frontline workers and caregivers. Our unique concepts like nutri gardens are preparing communities to become self resilient. Also, we are promoting and advocating the consumption of millets in remotest of geographies to build and  maintain the Food and nutrition security of marginalized communities.