A Review of Existing Knowledge on Water Use and Nutritional Water Productivity in South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa, while the nation is food secure at the national level, a substantial portion of the population lives in poverty and faces food insecurity, particularly in rural areas. The country’s water scarcity, variable rainfall patterns, and unequal distribution of irrigation resources further complicate the issue. Agriculture, which relies heavily on irrigation, is a major water consumer and contributor to food production. Efforts to address these challenges include exploring strategies like rainwater harvesting and improving water productivity in agriculture. The Water Research Commission (WRC) has played a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions to enhance water productivity, focussing on environmentally sensitive approaches and the water–energy–food nexus. Achieving food security in water-scarce regions like South Africa necessitates dynamic institutions, improved water productivity, and sustainable agricultural practices. This chapter emphasises the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure a healthier and more productive life for rural communities while promoting sustainable development and water-based agriculture.