Publication

Abstract : Degradation and over exploitation of water sources leading to water scarcity, coupled with unpredictability of climate, have placed gigantic pressure on the water management systems regionally across the Asia–Pacific region. Enhancing water use efficiency (WUE) has emerged as a critical research and policy focus area to ensure sustainable water resources for livelihoods, food security and ecosystem health. This chapter provides empirically grounded success stories from selected countries in the Asia–Pacific, such as China, India, Vietnam, Australia and select Pacific Island nations, where ground-breaking strategies have led to noticeable developments in WUE. The emphasis is on rejuvenation and restoration of lost water sources, precision irrigation systems like sprinkler and drip systems, assisted sensor systems, decision support tools, water saving techniques, community-based management, improving water use efficiency in agriculture by addressing thirsty crops, and adaptive frameworks across various agroecological zones and practices. The case studies will provide details on how the combination of stakeholder involvement, indigenous knowledge, governance, and modern technology can lead to enhanced water productivity across the Asia–Pacific. The role of public–private partnerships and institutional frameworks in capacity building for the successful scaling up of models from international, national, and local grassroots-level initiatives to achieve the ultimate goal of water sustainability is also elaborated. This could serve as a resource for the research community and policymakers in the area of WUE strategies, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating resilient and data-driven water management solutions throughout the Asia–Pacific region by synthesizing cross-country evidence.