This note, part of the RAI Knowledge into Action Notes series, provides guidance on how to
ensure that the impact of agricultural investments on water
resources is effectively measured, monitored, and regulated.
Water is essential to agricultural production and
processing, and has been a driving factor in private and
public decisions on where to locate investments. Despite
global concerns about water scarcity and pollution, the
water use of agricultural investments is in many cases not
rigorously measured, monitored, or regulated. Where
regulations exist, enforcement is often weak. Some investors
improve local water access with community development
programs, but such schemes require consultation and careful management.