Water, Food and the Economy

ISSN： 1752-7023

Source： Environment and History, Vol.16, Iss.2, 2010-05, pp. : 195-212

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Abstract

Water and the economy have always been engaged in a two-way interaction. Almost all the great civilisations in the world formed around water, which has been essential not only for supplying drinking water but also for sustaining agriculture, energy production, trade and transport - the foundations of economically and culturally thriving societies. This article presents and discusses the papers presented at the 5th IWHA Conference under the theme 'Water, Food and the Economy'. The papers and presentations were specific to food security; land and water resources management and policy; the economic significance of watercourses in energy production, transport and economic development; the intertwined nature of water infrastructure projects and politics; and the management of extreme weather phenomena. The article closes with a few remarks regarding the theme papers and topics within this area that should receive greater attention in future efforts.