The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) has strongly shown that global water policy should place agriculture at the center of their attention. Held in Berlin, this forum brought together various types of people. Agriculture ministers and policymakers, along with international organizations, talk about multiple topics. Water shortages, climate change, and the increase in demand for food are the main topics they covered when it comes to their effect on agriculture throughout the entire world. One of the main outcomes was the recognition of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for its leading role in connecting water management together with sustainable farming and food security.
We can easily identify that water is one of the most important resources when it comes to agriculture, accounting for most of the global freshwater use. While populations continue to grow and climate pressures also increase, competition for water between agriculture, industry, and urban areas has also risen. The GFFA strongly connected that without strong, integrated water policies that fully include agriculture, the actions taken to make sure food security and rural development will most surely fall short. Ministers agreed that water and food security are deeply connected and that agriculture must be treated not as a separate sector but as a central pillar of water governance.
During the forum, participants highlighted that many existing water policies have exploded, mostly developed in isolation from agricultural planning. This lack of coordination can lead to inefficiency, environmental damage, and even unequal access to water, particularly for farmers who are smallholders. And by keeping agriculture as the main point regarding water policy, the GFFA requested a more logical as well as more hands-on approach that balances competing water needs all the while protecting ecosystems as well as livelihoods. Integrated water resource management, improved irrigation efficiency, and better governance frameworks were identified as tools that are critical for achieving these goals.
FAO’s role was strongly acknowledged throughout the discussions. The organization has always supported countries when it came to developing policies that connect water management with agrifood systems, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Through technical guidance, data collection, and policy support, FAO has helped governments translate global commitments into practical actions at national and local levels. Its strategic framework places emphasis on sustainable water use, resilient food systems, and inclusive institutions, aligning closely with the priorities highlighted at the GFFA.
One could see how the forum also addressed the broader implications of water policy for rural communities and global development. Water scarcity disproportionately affects farmers, particularly in developing regions, where agriculture is both a primary livelihood and a foundation of food security. By strengthening water governance and ensuring fair access, countries can support rural economies, reduce poverty, and improve nutrition outcomes. The discussions further underlined the importance of innovation, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation in responding to water-related challenges.
Another focus was the need to prepare for future global discussions on water, including future international conferences. The outcomes of the GFFA were shown as a contribution to ongoing global efforts to elevate water on the political agenda, with agriculture clearly recognized as a main concern. Participants stressed that sustainable solutions would require long-term commitment, cross-sector collaboration, and strong international partnerships.
Through all of this, one can clearly see how the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture showed a very strong message: agriculture cannot be separated from water policy if the world is to meet future food demands sustainably. By recognizing FAO’s leadership and calling for integrated approaches, the forum strongly showed the idea that water, food security, and sustainable development are inseparable. As water pressures continue to grow, placing agriculture at the main center of water governance will be the most important for building resilient food systems and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
