Harnessing Digital Technologies for Smarter Water Management in Agriculture 2025

Successfully implementing these measures at scale demands a multi-stakeholder approach, where each participant plays a vital role by taking the following actions. Government agencies –Create water management policies that promote precision irrigation, AI-based forecasting and digital water monitoring in the agricultural sector. –Support the expansion of broadband and IoT connectivity in rural regions to enhance the implementation of data-driven agricultural practices. –Enable access to agricultural and hydrological databases and standardize digital tools for water reporting. Agribusinesses and technology providers –Scale up IoT-based irrigation systems, AI- powered agricultural analytics and remote sensing technologies to enhance water efficiency on farms. –Offer cost-effective and scalable digital solutions for smallholder farmers via pay-as-you-go options, water credit initiatives, or technology- driven cooperatives. –Partner with governmental bodies and financial organizations to create sustainable business frameworks that promote the adoption of digital water solutions.Farmers and cooperatives –Utilize precision irrigation techniques, soil moisture monitoring and digital advisory platforms to improve water efficiency and crop management. –Join data-sharing networks and participate in knowledge exchange programmes to strengthen resilience to drought conditions. –Engage in farming networks to gain access to shared digital resources, funding opportunities and educational materials. NGOs and multilateral organizations –Implement capacity-building initiatives that equip farmers with training in digital literacy and strategies for adapting to climate change. –Promote the establishment of regional benchmarks for water usage and regulatory frameworks to enhance digital water governance. Water scarcity is a growing global emergency that extends beyond borders and sectors. It requires urgent, collective action before its effects become manifest. This report calls for a systemic transformation in how we manage water in agriculture, through engaging governments, private sector and civil society organizations to craft sustainable water policies. By tackling the challenges head-on and applying strategies to effectively manage water resources, the impacts of drought can be mitigated and a more sustainable future can be secured.