Scope

The strategic focus in this KSA is on increasing the efficient use of water for production of food, fibre, fuelwood and timber; ensuring sustainable water resource use; reducing poverty and increasing wealth of people dependent on water-based agriculture. The needs and requirements of present and future generations of subsistence, emergent and commercial farmers will be addressed through creation and application of water-efficient production technologies, models and information systems within the following interrelated subsectors of agriculture, namely:

• Irrigated agriculture
• Dryland agriculture
• Woodlands and forestry
• Grasslands and livestock watering
• Aquaculture

The challenge for applied research and knowledge dissemination is to provide solutions to practical problems which are experienced in the process of utilisation, development and protection of water resources, thereby contributing to productivity growth in agriculture.

Objectives

The primary objective is to increase national food security, improve the livelihoods of people and to increase efficient growth and equitable distribution of wealth on a farming, community and regional level through efficient and sustainable utilisation and development of water resources in agriculture.

The secondary objectives are to:

• Increase biological, technical and economic efficiency of water use
• Reduce poverty through water-based agricultural activities
• Increase profitability of water-based farming systems
• Ensure sustainable water resource use through protection and reclamation practices.

Budget Allocation

The consolidated budget (subject to revised budget approval) for the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 research portfolios are presented below:

Project Portfolio for 2008/2009

The projects contributing to each strategic thrust are grouped according to specific programmes:

• Thrust 1: Water Utilisation for Food and Fibre Production
  • Programme 1: Water-efficient production methods in relation to soils, crops and technology in rain-fed and irrigated agriculture
  • Programme 2: Fitness-for-use of water for crop production, livestock watering and aquaculture


• Thrust 2: Water Utilisation for Fuel-Wood and Timber Production
  • Programme 1: Water-efficient production methods and systems in agro-forestry, woodlands and forestry plantations


• Thrust 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture
  • Programme 1: Sustainable water-based agricultural activities in rural communities
  • Programme 2: Integrated water management for profitable farming systems


• Thrust 4: Water Resource Protection and Reclamation in Agriculture
  • Programme 1: Sustainable water resource use on irrigation schemes and within river catchments
  • Programme 2: Impact assessment and environmental management of agricultural production