Water-food connections

Beautiful Terraced rice field with rural houses in Bhutan

About this expertise

In short
  • Transforming food systems
  • Reducing water and fertilizer pressure
  • Innovations for efficient water use
  • Enhancing soil and crop management
  • Strategies for climate-resilient food production
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Introduction

Making water pivotal in food systems ensures sustainable agriculture, equitable nutrition, and resilient food production.

At Wageningen University & Research, we focus on transforming food systems to reduce unsustainable water use in agriculture. Current practices often rely heavily on water and nitrogen-based fertilizers, putting pressure on ecosystems and threatening global food security.

Our research explores innovative solutions to optimize water use, enhance soil fertility, and improve crop management, while ensuring fair access to nutritious food. By connecting water management with sustainable agricultural practices, we help policymakers, agribusinesses, and food system stakeholders implement strategies that make water a central element in resilient, efficient, and climate-smart food production.

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Impact

Drainage in Agriculture: controlling water and salt levels in the soil

Melting glaciers are going to affect food security

ir. JA (Arjan) Budding, Programme Leader Sustainable Water Management,

prof.dr. H (Hester) Biemans, Externe medewerker / Researcher Water and Food Security

The relationship between meltwater and food security

Trawler boat fishing at sea.

Meeting sustainability goals in every agri-food sector

Female farmer monitoring hydroponic cucumbers with a digital tablet in a greenhouse tunnel

Agri-food sector needs to work on Due Diligence, dashboard helps

M (Miriam) Vreman, MSc, Project Lead and Researcher on Human Rights and Social Sustainability

Drainage in Agriculture: controlling water and salt levels in the soil

Melting glaciers are going to affect food security

ir. JA (Arjan) Budding, Programme Leader Sustainable Water Management,

prof.dr. H (Hester) Biemans, Externe medewerker / Researcher Water and Food Security

The relationship between meltwater and food security

Trawler boat fishing at sea.

Meeting sustainability goals in every agri-food sector

Female farmer monitoring hydroponic cucumbers with a digital tablet in a greenhouse tunnel

Agri-food sector needs to work on Due Diligence, dashboard helps

M (Miriam) Vreman, MSc, Project Lead and Researcher on Human Rights and Social Sustainability

Related products and services (2)

Related products and services
Product

WOFOST - WOrld FOod STudies

WOFOST helps businesses get valuable insights in the growth and production of annual field crops, based on underlying processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and how these processes are influenced by environmental conditions.

Facility

ACRRES - Aquatic biomass facility

The ACRRES aquatic biomass facility focuses on developing new technologies and applications involving algae, aquatic plants and other aquatic organisms. By cultivating these organisms on residual streams, we turn waste into valuable, high-quality products and contribute to a circular bioeconomy.

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Contact

Get in touch with our experts to collaborate on water-food connections

ir. A (Annemarie) Klaasse

WR Onderzoeker