In July 2024, an international delegation visited the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) to learn about strategies for drought preparedness and resilience. The visit was part of a broader initiative through the International Visitor Leadership Program and hosted by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education, aimed at fostering global cooperation on drought-related challenges.
The delegation, composed of water, agriculture and infrastructure professionals from 20 countries, spent seven days of their three-week visit to the United States in Lincoln, Nebraska. They engaged with DWFI experts on topics such as small-scale farming, water governance, water quality, human health, precision irrigation, and crop water use efficiency within the context of drought. Additionally, the delegation met with other organizations in Lincoln focused on drought mitigation and water management, including the National Drought Mitigation Center, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, Valmont Industries, and the Groundwater Foundation. Other locations visited by the delegation include Washington, DC; El Paso, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Los Angeles, California.
The project, developed in collaboration with the Bureau of Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, emphasizes long-term strategic planning for drought preparedness and resilience. Participants are exposed to sustainable agricultural practices that protect soil health and enhance food and livestock resilience during drought periods. The project also highlights the importance of sustainable water use policies and infrastructure, as well as the utilization of drought forecasting tools.
Aligning with the State Department's food security objectives, the project promotes policies that reduce hunger and malnutrition while fostering resilient and inclusive food systems. It underscores the significance of good governance in building political will and securing buy-in from diverse stakeholders, including the private sector, indigenous communities, and women. The project further aims to explore U.S. frameworks for assessing water availability and developing integrated drought management plans. It also investigates innovative models and forecasting tools to enhance water management and irrigation infrastructure.
DWFI, as part of its mission to ensure global water and food security, regularly hosts international visitors to share research findings and explore collaborative initiatives. Recognizing the critical need to improve water management in agricultural and food systems worldwide, DWFI emphasizes the importance of such efforts in the face of population growth, income disparities, climate change, and increasing demand for scarce water resources.