Work continues at two sites in China, the Zhanghe irrigation system (ZIS) in Hubei and the Liuyuankuo irrigation system (LIS) in Henan, and at the Murrumbidgee irrigation area (MIA) in Australia. Progress this year is reported by subproject. However, as we move into the modeling phase of the study, a major focus this coming year will be on integrating activities between subprojects.
The project is a follow-on to Impact of Water Saving Techniques in China (LWRl/98/66) that focused on the Zhanghe Irrigation System (ZIS) in Hubei Province and it has been expanded to include a second site in the drier Yellow river basin, the Liuyuankou Irrigation System (LIS) in Henan Province, and the Lower Murrumbidgee Catchment in Australia. An Australian partner, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) was added to the team comprising the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Wuhan University (WHU) to strengthen our modeling and analytical capacity.
This volume is an analytical summary and a critical synthesis of research at the International Water Management Institute over the past decade under its evolving research paradigm known popularly as 'more crop per drop'. The research synthesized here covers the full range of issues falling in the larger canvas of water-food-health-environment interface. Besides its immediate role in sharing knowledge with the research, donor, and policy communities, this volume also has a larger purpose of promoting a new way of looking at the water issues within the broader development context of food, livelihood, health and environmental challenges. More crop per drop: Revisiting a research paradigm contrasts the acquired wisdom and fresh thinking on some of the most challenging water issues of our times. It describes new tools, approaches, and methodologies and also illustrates them with practical application both from a global perspective and within the local and regional contexts of Asia and Africa. Since this volume brings together all major research works of IWMI, including an almost exhaustive list of citations, in one single set of pages, it is very valuable not only as a reference material for researchers and students but also as a policy tool for decision-makers and development agencies.
First title in a major new seriesAddresses improving water productivity to relieve problems of scarcity and competition to provide for food and environmental securityDraws from scientists having a multitude of disciplines to approach this important problemIn a large number of developing countries, policy makers and researchers are increasingly aware of the conflicting demands on water, and look at agriculture to be more effective in its use of water. Focusing on both irrigated and rain-fed agriculture, this book gives a state of the art review of the limits and opportunities for improving water productivity in crop production. It demonstrates how efficiency of water use can be enhanced to maximize yields. The book represents the first in a new series of volumes resulting from the Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture, a research program conducted by the CGIAR's Future Harvest Centres, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and partners worldwide. It will be of significant interest to those working in areas of soil and crop science, water management, irrigation, and development studies.
This fourth edition of the Rice Almanac continues the tradition of the first three editions by showcasing rice as the most important staple food in the world and all that is involved in maintaining rice production. It also breaks new ground in its coverage of issues related to rice production, both environmental--including climate change--and its importance for food security and the global economy. It also further expands coverage of the world’s rice production area by featuring 80 rice-producing countries around the world.
