Water for Food, Water for Life

** Tackles one of the most pressing challenges of our time'how to manage finite water resources to feed two billion extra people, eliminate poverty and reverse ecosystem degradation ** Brings together the work of over 700 researchers into the most comprehensive and authoritative assessment of water resources ever written ** Covers all aspects of water management in agriculture, poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity, irrigation, groundwater, river basins, inland fisheries, rice production and much more ** Hundreds of full-color figures, tables, and graphs present key information in easy-to-read format--a must-have reference for all professionals This comprehensive assessment of the world's water, written by experts with research from over 700 leading specialists, critically evaluates current thinking on water and its interplay with agriculture, charting the way forward with concrete actions from management to policy level across all countries and territories. After framing the main issues and providing a comprehensive examination of trends and scenarios in world water management, the book critically examines the cross-cutting issues of reducing poverty, reforming institutions for sustainable water management, avoiding or mitigating ecosystem impacts, and improving water productivity. Thematic chapters follow, covering such key issues in water management as irrigation, groundwater use, inland fisheries, rice cultivation, land conservation, and river basin management and development.