On 19 November, Tamisha Lee, President of the Jamaica Network of Rural Women Producers (JNRWP), represented the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) in the webinar titled “Water Matters: The Essential Role of Water in Food Systems.” This event was part of the Food Systems Solutions Webinars (FSS Webinars) series, organised by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub since 2022 to foster peer learning on food systems transformation and enhancing science-policy interfaces.
The session focused on the essential role of water in transforming food systems, exploring the connections between water and food systems and actionable measures for ensuring water and food security. It also highlighted ongoing global initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationships between water and food systems.
During the session, the WFO representative emphasised that water is life. She explained how water powers food production, nourishes crops and livestock, sustains ecosystems, and ensures food safety and quality. Highlighting the critical role of water in the water-food-energy-waste nexus, she reminded attendees that without water, there is no food. Water, interacting with sunlight energy, is fundamental to all food production.
She also addressed the importance of drought resilience, noting how water can often be taken for granted until the next drought strikes. Without sufficient water, food production systems collapse, threatening food security and livelihoods worldwide.
Tamisha Lee stressed the need for practical actions to strengthen the link between water and food systems, including:
- Developing integrated water management policies to improve drought resilience.
- Improving irrigation systems to ensure water efficiency and production gains.
- Protecting water quality in rivers, lakes, and oceans by preventing pollution and chemical emissions.
- Managing stormwater effectively and enhancing water treatment, storage, and distribution systems.
- Promoting circular practices, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient reuse technologies, to conserve resources.
- Building capacity for efficient water use by empowering communities with knowledge and advanced technologies.
She also highlighted the critical role of healthy water systems in maintaining food safety standards and supporting long-term agricultural productivity. These interconnected systems, she explained, are key to ensuring sustainable development.
The WFO representative concluded by stating that “Water is not just a resource—it is the lifeblood of food systems, the foundation of ecosystems, and the cornerstone of resilience in agriculture. Addressing the water-food nexus is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration, innovation, and decisive action at all levels.”