Water and Agriculture | Implications for Development and Growth

Conference Objectives

The conference will convene international leaders—from government, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, and academia—to share their expertise in realms of water, agriculture and global development. Discussions will focus on the impact of these global resource trends on smallholder farmers, assessing strategies to increase both financial incomes and health outcomes in an effort to reduce poverty and improve smallholder farmer livelihood. Ultimately, the event will build awareness about agricultural and water issues, suggest key research initiatives relevant to future policy, and contribute to the ongoing debate about the nature and structure of U.S. development policy and U.S. international water policy.

Welcoming Remarks: Jessica Einhorn, Dean of SAIS

Keynote 1: (9:15 - 10:00 AM) John Briscoe, Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of
Environmental Engineering at Harvard University, speaking on "Availability, Distribution, and Control of Water for Agriculture"

Panel 1: (10:15 - 11:30 AM) Political Economy of Water and Agriculture
Panelists will explore the linkages between water and agriculture, including the discrepancies between (a) urban and rural water access and (b) industrial and agricultural water use for economic development. The discussion will also cover key variables, like energy and global warming as well as the impact of these trends on smallholder farmers.

Working Lunch: (11:30 - 12:30) Water and Agriculture in U.S. Foreign Assistance
Panelists from the U.S. government will participate in a moderated discussion of water and irrigation projects aimed at reducing rural poverty in developing countries.

Panel 2: (12:30 - 1:45) Water and Agricultural Competitiveness
This panel discussion will examine a number of competitiveness issues relating to water and agriculture and their impacts on smallholder farmers, including natural efficiencies; effects of subsidies; trade patterns; and technological innovation and distribution.

Panel 3: (2:00 - 3:15) Technology in Water and Agriculture
Panelists—from a range of countries—will focus on the challenges and opportunities related to water and agricultural technologies, including subsistence technology for the poor; commercial technologies; sustainability issues; and emerging technologies.

Keynote 2: (3:15 - 4:00) Ger Bergkamp, Director General, World Water Council, speaking on “The Future of Water and Agriculture”

Closing Session: (4:00- 4:30)
Discussants will connect the themes of the various presentations and answer outstanding questions. The discussants will highlight areas for future research; develop concrete solutions; and identify ways to strengthen future partnerships on water and agricultural issues, particularly as they relate to smallholder farmers.