Impacts of and solutions to urbanization on agricultural water resources
Date
2000-06
Authors
Feng, Guozhang, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
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Abstract
Cross-boundary issues in water resources development and management are very popular throughout the world. One of the most notable cross-boundary issues facing irrigation is water resources allocation between urban and rural areas, and typically industrial and agricultural uses. In many areas in the world, agricultural water resources (typically irrigation) is severely impacted by urbanization, which has been one of the crucial restricting factors to sustainable agriculture of the world, especially that of developing countries. This paper presents the impact of urbanization on agricultural water resources. The general impact in China is briefly described. Some special solutions to the impact are recommended which include raising the design standards of irrigation projects, bestowing priority on farmland irrigation, and stipulating an upper limit to the water available per capita. More attention should be paid to the comprehensive solutions: to set up a water-saving society, to strengthen water pollution prevention and water resources protection, and to speed up capacity building. A strategic framework for sustainable water resources development and management for the new millennium is proposed for central Shaanxi, one of China's typical regions suffering from severe water shortage. Based on the analysis of basic demand for sustainable development and probable water resources available, an amount of 500 cubic meters of water per capita per year on average might be an upper limit to this region. A rough allocation of the water to agricultural, industrial, residential and environmental for the year 2020 is suggested based on the objective of self-sufficient food supply, continuous development of industry, persistent improvement of life quality, and safe environment. These solutions may also be appropriate for most developing countries and other countries with similar issues.
Description
Presented at the 2000 USCID international conference, Challenges facing irrigation and drainage in the new millennium on June 20-24 in Fort Collins, Colorado.