WHAT CAN WE DO TO OVERCOME THE WATER CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY? FOOD FOR THOUGHT ABOUT SDG 2: ZERO HUNGER

Climate change and environmental degradation are driving the water challenges faced around the world. Global water demand is projected to increase by 20 to 30% over the next 30 years. 72% of all water withdrawals are used by agriculture, yet over 800 million people are battling hunger every day.

SDG 2.1 and 2.2 address the need to look after people in the most vulnerable situations. If done right, agriculture can provide a decent income as well as nutritious food, the production of which must increase if we are to nourish the additional 2 billion people expected by 2050.
To achieve this, a profound change is needed (as outlined by SDG 2.3) in the form of secure and equal access to land, productive resources, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and employment.

In the face of the Covid-19 crisis, governments should focus on building a recovery plan based on changing consumption and production patterns to aid our journey toward a more sustainable future. Through sustainable initiatives, we have an opportunity to transition to a greener and fairer economy, eliminate poverty, increase water efficiency and rethink how food is grown and produced – all of which are crucial to us at IntelliDigest.

Rising competition for our freshwater resources is fuelling conflict among stakeholders, thereby intensifying inequalities in access to water, especially for vulnerable populations. SDG 2.4 is focused on implementing resilient agricultural practices to increase productivity and strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change and extreme conditions. IntelliDigest is working on combining years of extensive research with new technologies, aiming to evolve to a more resilient and less water-intensive food system.

SDG 2.5 highlights the need to maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, plants, and animals; and promotes access to equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of resources and associated knowledge. Working with partners from across the entire food supply chain from farm to fork allows us to develop consulting and training programmes focused on helping organisations manage food waste effectively and learn about sustainable food production, food safety and security, the use of data and technology within the food system, and so much more.