A new tool to measure agricultural water insecurity

By Mou Rani Sarker, Deepa Joshi and Sera L. Young

Climate change, coupled with increasing population and urbanization, is putting immense pressure on our planet’s water resources. This is particularly true for agricultural communities, where water scarcity can have devastating consequences. To better understand and address this issue, researchers have developed a new tool called the Agricultural Water Insecurity Experience (AgWISE) module.

The AgWISE module is a questionnaire designed to assess the severity and impact of water-related problems on agricultural production. By asking a series of 13 questions, the module helps researchers gauge adequacy, reliability, accessibility, and safety of water related to agriculture. Respondents are asked to rate the frequency of water-related challenges they have faced over the past 12 months, such as worries about water availability, interruptions to water supply, forced changes in farming practices, difficult decisions related to water use, food shortages, and stress and anxiety.

By analyzing these responses, researchers can gain valuable insights into the social, economic, and psychological impacts of water insecurity. The AgWISE module offers several benefits. It considers the interconnectedness of different aspects of water insecurity, including crop production, livestock, and household water use. It recognizes that water insecurity affects different groups of people in different ways, taking into account factors like gender, age, and socioeconomic status. It can be used by researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to inform evidence-based interventions and develop strategies to improve water management and agricultural resilience.

By empowering communities to assess their own water security challenges, the AgWISE module can help us build a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture.

More on Measuring Agricultural Water Insecurity Experiences (AgWISE) Module and User Guide