Sharing water fairly for food and water security: The Global Dialogue on Water Tenure

Agriculture accounts for 72% of global water withdrawals. With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050 and with climate change accelerating, agricultural production in low- and middle-income countries must increase by over 50% to meet food demand. Without urgent action to facilitate more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable water allocation, competing freshwater demands will worsen poverty, inequality, food insecurity, health risks and water conflicts. Many smallholders, pastoralists, and fishers rely on traditional water access rules that often do not have formal legal recognition, threatening their livelihoods and food security. Similarly, legal protections for the water needs of ecosystems –critical to agriculture – are often weak.

To address these challenges, FAO launched the Global Dialogue on Water Tenure, a platform for state and non-state actors to discuss responsible water governance principles. This initiative is supported by the German Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). Water tenure approaches offer practical guidance to protect all water users’ rights, especially those of vulnerable groups.

This panel presents global, national, and local perspectives on water tenure assessment and application, as well as stakeholder involvement in the Global Dialogue, in an interactive format.