2019 Water for Food Global Conference

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The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska (DWFI) hosted the 2019 Water for Food Global Conference, April 29-30, at Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. We explored the cutting-edge work being done to address one of the most urgent global issues of our time – ensuring we have enough nutritious food and clean water to sustainably support nearly 10 billion people in the next 30 years.

The conference will convene leading international experts and organizations to discuss “Water for a Hungry World: Innovation in Water and Food Security,” focusing on the next generation of research, smart technology, policy development and best practices that are achieving breakthroughs in this vitally important mission. The conference headlines a week of water and food security-related presentations, side events, networking opportunities and tours.

To build more resilient and productive agricultural and food systems, we need to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of farmers, scientists, companies, philanthropists, investors, government agencies and nonprofit organizations that are at the forefront of change. The 2019 Water for Food Global Conference will spur conversations that bring together a spectrum of stakeholders who understand that feeding our growing world population requires new approaches to overcome a host of interconnected challenges, such as climate change, water scarcity and pollution, economic disparity, shifting food preferences, food waste, soil degradation, ecosystem threats and competing demands for resources. We need a focused commitment to developing sustainable solutions for water and food security, leveraging the skills and experience of a diverse and talented network of stakeholders. Collaboration ignites innovation.

Conference topics include:

Research and Technology

Using satellite imagery to identify regions throughout the world with high potential for improving agricultural productivity
Advancing drought management, including new technology to detect and predict drought and other climate extremes
Sharing innovative technology to detect and analyze soil and water contaminants

Policies and Best Practices

Determining the value of water in agriculture and other sectors
Developing water markets and other governance approaches to better manage competing demands for and access to water resources
Transforming water policy to develop sustainable and equitable water management practices

Entrepreneurship and Business

Supporting farmer-led initiatives to improve resilient production in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and underserved areas of Asia
Engaging women and youth in water and agriculture sectors
Exploring business models for improving sustainable agricultural production

Public Health and the Environment

Protecting freshwater and agricultural ecosystems and public health through education, tools and governance
Examining the effects of climate change on agriculture and public health
Protecting soil health, preventing soil degradation and mitigating soil and groundwater contaminants

The 2019 Water for Food Global Conference will also feature special events to encourage interdisciplinary discussions and learning among participants, including a student poster competition; welcome reception; entrepreneurship cafe; educational exhibit booths; and side events.

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