Water and Food Security in South Asia

This paper discusses food security issues in South Asia, which has the largest share of poor people in the world. It reviews demographic and demand perspectives in the context of the overall economies of the region, but the main emphasis is on water institutions and policies. As compared with the 1980s, these economies are now growing faster. Agricultural demand is growing but available new land is limited. Intensification of land use and higher yields will depend on water availability and use efficiency. Development projects and policies for more effective use of water will have to be interlinked. Water harvesting will require newer organizational rules and incentive systems. Best practice cases of small projects are discussed and lessons drawn. Water-use efficiency must be improved for large projects.