It has been an exciting year for the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI). We’ve seen projects move forward and make an impact, we’ve formed new partnerships and enhanced existing connections and we’ve spent time tackling difficult challenges with colleagues and friends through conferences and events.
As evidenced through the excitement surrounding our recent work, 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 ways to overcome these challenges.
Throughout this annual report, you’ll find powerful stories of collaboration as we work toward a more water and food secure world, including these specific highlights:
- Working with global partners to find sustainable ways to retain crop yields in the midst of an ever-changing climate and water scarcity;
- Exploring the best solutions for smallholder farmers when it comes to irrigation and entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa;
- Making an impact locally through the Water, Climate and Health Program, a collaboration between the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and DWFI;
- Collaborating with partners to create 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 fields;
- Assisting water managers in meeting local water needs by sharing success stories of groundwater transfers in Nebraska;
- Assisting the U.S. Department of Energy in validating carbon credits of growers for future carbon markets; and
- Reelection of DWFI representatives to the World Water Council for another 3-year term, furthering our opportunity to ensure that food and water security have a presence on the global stage
In addition to these notable accomplishments, we also welcomed nine new members to our Faculty Fellow cohort this year, for a total of more than 130 University of Nebraska faculty of whom we support and work jointly. We also funded eight new students working on mission-related research, in addition to the 24 returning students who continued their research with the help of DWFI funding. During our most recent round of student support, we approved 11 more for the upcoming year and plan to have more than 30 active student support awards among all four University campuses in FY24.
A high point of the year was gathering nearly 450 participants from all parts of the world at our tenth Water for Food Global Conference in May. The 2023 conference was our largest ever held in Lincoln, Neb. and was a partner event for the 10th World Water Forum to be held in May 2024. We had the honor of hosting Land O’Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford, World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon and more than 120 other distinguished speakers, including producers from Nebraska and students. The vibrant event was complemented by several on-site tours and networking events.
Now well into our second decade as an institute, our purpose is more important than ever. And we aren't able to fulfill our mission without the support and expertise of our partners who amplify and accelerate our work.
DWFI is dedicated to finding innovative solutions and by working together, we can create a more sustainable future. There are exciting things ahead for DWFI and we look forward to sharing the journey with you as we continue to ensure water and food security for all.
Regards,
Peter G. McCornick
Executive Director
Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute