

Many nations lack quantitative datasets on water for assessments and analysis. At international level, the data provide the basis for studying the evolution of water resources development, relative levels of water scarcity, potentials and trends. Harmonised national-level data lets a country compare its situation and achievements with other countries.

The lack of quality and reliability of physical data in a country makes water-related investment decisions inherently more complex, investments more risky for investors, and the investment less effective if it is not suitably targeted.Īs pressure grows on water resources, how can a national government decide how much water to allocate to agriculture, industrial and domestic purposes if it does not have data on both the water resources available and the water used by each? Karen Frenken We know that it increased 1.7 times faster than population.Īnd we know through AQUASTAT that currently the agricultural sector accounts for about 70% of the world’s water withdrawals for agricultural, industrial and municipal purposes, mostly to grow the food we need.ĭata is a vital input to water management and investment in water-related infrastructure and projects. K aren Frenken:Through AQUASTAT, we know that globally water withdrawal increased more than 7 times over the last century. Marisha Wojciechowska-Shibuya: What key insights and lessons have emerged through the AQUASTAT programme over 20 years? In the first of five segments, Marisha Wojciechowska-Shibuya interviews programme manager Karen Frenken about the challenges surrounding global data collection, and how to monitor of the SDGs: Marisha Wojciechowska-Shibuya

To answer that question, The Source turned to the people behind the numbers at FAO-AQUASTAT, which for two decades has been collecting, analyzing and disseminating 180+ variables on water resources, water uses and agricultural management for 200+ countries. *First interview in Aqua-Statisticians: A five part series
