China: agricultural production and groundwater
As in many parts of the People’s Republic of China, Shanxi Province is experiencing reduced water security for the agriculture sector. Changing climate conditions, including reduced rainfall, are increasing reliance on groundwater resources in the province. Unsustainable groundwater use for food production intensifies the impacts of climate change, and cost-effective adaptation responses are needed to better equip vulnerable agricultural regions.
Groundwater is the main source of water supply for many farmers in the Province, often using inefficient and outdated irrigation techniques. However, most traditional farmers are eager to improve and modernize their crop production and adopt more sustainable agricultural methods. Following increasing agricultural and industrial water use, Shanxi Province’s groundwater levels have been declining since 1956, affecting roughly a quarter of the province’s land area — especially the fertile valleys.
In 2009 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the Shanxi Integrated Agricultural Development Project to strengthen agricultural production in 26 counties. Complementing the project was a $500,000 grant from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund under the Water Financing Partnership Facility to support climate change adaptation through groundwater management.The grant supported farmers to introduce water conservation and energy-efficient water use practices to halt declining groundwater levels
Customer comments
No comments were found for China: agricultural production and groundwater. Be the first to comment!