FAO: New WaPOR applications catalogue available for water data users

The new WaPOR applications catalogue compiles case studies and resources in the domain of water productivity, including a wide range of applications of WaPOR data, and the varying contexts in which it is used.

WaPOR is FAO's publicly accessible data portal for monitoring water productivity in agriculture, a crucial sector to direct our attention towards in regards to water savings, especially in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and Africa region which the data presently covers. In fact, population growth worldwide is invariably accompanied by an expanding need for resources such as water and land. Water use around the world has been growing at twice the rate that population has, and this puts unprecedented pressure on our limited freshwater resources. Agricultural water accounts for, on average, 70 percent of the freshwater withdrawn globally and in many parts of the world it is in direct conflict with other essential water uses, such as domestic and environmental. In tackling the challenge of food security, thinking about producing more food with less water, that is increasing water productivity, is necessary and urgent.

The new catalogue, which is now available on the WaPOR website, acts as a compendium of the multitude of ways in which the community of users puts WaPOR data to use from case studies to resources, including products that evaluate the data's accuracy and suitability. It serves as a reference for the different contexts in which the idea of producing more with less water is inscribed: expansion vs. intensification, policy implications, social considerations, stakeholder engagement and communication, etc.

Catalogue users can search entries using a few criteria including geographic location and application. One of the criteria also allows the users to filter results that fall under the umbrella of the WaterPIP project (Water Productivity Improvement in Practice) that centres WaPOR data in its aim to guide development projects in achieving their goal of improving water productivity. The WaPOR data applications range from the assessment and monitoring of water productivity, water resources or the water consumption of crops, to the provision of advisory services to farmers. Additionally, the data can be used by farmers and irrigation managers to monitor irrigation and support decisions to improve the efficiency of irrigation systems and schemes. WaPOR data has also been used to assess and monitor the impact of stressors on agriculture, such as drought and conflicts, as well as for water accounting.  

Head here to access the WaPOR applications catalogue