LINCOLN, Neb. – Water and food security are two of the most pressing issues facing our world today. With a growing population, growing demand for resources and increasing disruptions to water and food systems, it is vital to find sustainable and practical ways to overcome these challenges.
The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) is uniquely positioned to advance water management for greater food security. By leveraging the world-class research at the University of Nebraska; the state’s expertise in agricultural and water resource management; and private sector partnerships, DWFI is making real progress on a more water- and food-secure future.
In its recent annual report, DWFI demonstrates the impact this effective combination has achieved in the state of Nebraska and around the world.
This past year, DWFI is proud to have worked with both local and global partners to:
- Find sustainable ways to retain crop yields amid an ever-changing climate and water scarcity
- Explore the best solutions for smallholder farmer irrigation and entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa
- Reach local communities in Nebraska with research that could affect their health through the Water, Climate and Health Program
- Develop a new decision-support tool for farmers that is easy to use and provides both long- and short-range guidance for water and nutrient application to crops
- Assist water managers in meeting local water needs
- Help the U.S. Department of Energy validate carbon credits of growers for future carbon markets
- Host nearly 450 in-person attendees at the tenth Water for Food Global Conference, in addition to many others joining virtually. Speakers included Land O’Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford, World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon and International Water Management Institute Director General Mark Smith.
Additionally, DWFI is proud to have been re-elected to the World Water Council for another 5-year term, furthering the institute’s opportunity to ensure that food and water security have a presence on the global stage.
“Now well into our second decade as an institute, DWFI’s mission is more important than ever,” said Peter G. McCornick, executive director of DWFI.
“We are dedicated to finding innovative solutions to water and food security by leveraging our collaborative projects, convening partners in a meaningful way and expanding our research and outreach activities. In the past year, we have seen marked progress toward our impact and by continuing to work together, we can create a more sustainable future.”
DWFI’s 2022-2023 annual report can be found online at go.unl.edu/annualreport.
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About the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute
The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska was founded in 2010 to address the global challenge of achieving food security with less stress on water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the results to inform and advise policymakers, and educating future water for food leaders. It was recently selected by the US Agency for International Development to lead the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Irrigation and Mechanization Systems over the next five years. Learn more at waterforfood.nebraska.edu.
