Uncertainties related to the impacts of COVID-19 on daily life are increasingly growing. Inherent effects have grown beyond the well-defined sphere of health risks and have shocked the livelihood and food security in several countries. Particularly in the poorest countries, the impact is more devastating due to the limited availability of resources to slow down the spread of the disease. These countries require immediate actions to safeguard food security and human health. Irrigation has a great role in improving crop productivity and ensuring food security. However, expanding irrigation could impact the availability of water for sanitation and hygiene which has a central role in slowing down the spread of the disease. It is, thus, clearer that irrigation development should also comply with the requirement of extended need of water for sanitation and hygiene. Developing multiple water use would certainly allow to fight the pandemic while ensuring the basic needs of food security in rural communities. To support the concept of multiple water use, a new initiative called SMART irrigation – SMART WASH is proposed for corporate solutions to enhance irrigation and provide WASH facilities to vulnerable communities, thus, responding to the critical needs in times of pandemic crisis.

The global consequences of climate change cannot be ignored. The agriculture industry, in particular, has been harmed, resulting in poor production as a result of floods and droughts. One in every three people in the world,Äôs arid and semi-arid regions lacks access to healthy food and safe drinking water. Despite the fact that irrigation development is increasing in most developing nations, it still falls short of meeting current food demand, much alone predicted need by 2050. To feed the future population while combating climate change, agricultural practices must be precise. Scarce resources such as water, land, and energy will need to be exploited more efficiently in order to produce more with less. Smart irrigation is shaping up to bring answers to these twenty-first-century concerns. This chapter discusses improvements in smart irrigation monitoring and management systems that may be used to address climate, food, and population issues. It includes an overview of smart irrigation, smart irrigation monitoring, and smart irrigation management, as well as challenges and prospects related to climate change and food security. Smart irrigation may boost water savings and agricultural production, thereby improving food security.

This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2020 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition.

Water is a finite and non-substitutable resource. As the foundation of life, societies and economies, it carries multiple values and benefits. But unlike most other natural resources, it has proven extremely difficult to determine its true 'value'. The 2021 edition of the United Nations World Water Development Report, titled "Valuing Water" assesses the current status of and challenges to the valuation of water across different sectors and perspectives and identifies ways in which valuation can be promoted as a tool to help improve its management and achieve global sustainable development.

Urban and Industrial Water Conservation Methods provides comprehensive and practical information regarding water use for various different sectors and describes the most suitable conservation devices and techniques to reduce water consumption in urban environments. It demonstrates how these conservation devices and best practices can greatly and quickly increase the efficiency of water use in both new and existing buildings. Features: Examines conservation devices and techniques across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. Provides practical advice on implementing water conservation methods for users across various industries. Explains how to quickly improve water efficiency by using cost-effective water-saving devices and techniques. Includes relevant international case studies to reinforce the content. Written by practicing water conservation consultants for a wide audience, including municipality authorities and decision-makers, researchers, and students alike, Urban and Industrial Water Conservation Methods applies to residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial end users.