The World Bank Group has projected that smarter management of water resources in agriculture could generate nearly 245 million long-term jobs globally while helping feed a population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050.
This was disclosed in a new report titled Nourish and Flourish: Water Solutions to Feed 10 Billion People on a Livable Planet, which highlights the urgent need to reform how water is used across the global food system.
Water management key to food security
According to the report, current agricultural water management practices are inefficient and unsustainable, with some regions overusing water while others underutilise available resources.
Under existing systems, global agriculture can only reliably support food production for less than half of the world’s population.
The World Bank said rebalancing water allocation, improving crop placement and strengthening global trade systems could significantly increase food production while protecting ecosystems.
Economic growth and job creation potential
Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, said water management decisions will have far-reaching implications for economic growth and livelihoods.
“The way we manage water for food will have profound implications for jobs, livelihoods, and economic growth,” he said.
He added that better decisions on crop location, water distribution and trade systems can improve resilience and unlock new economic opportunities, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
Framework for smarter agriculture
The report introduces a new framework that links water availability with food production and international trade.
Countries are categorised based on water stress levels and whether they are net food importers or exporters.
This approach helps policymakers identify where rainfed agriculture can be expanded, where irrigation investments are most needed, and where trade offers a more sustainable solution.
Investment needs and funding gap
The World Bank estimates that expanding irrigation and modernising water systems could require between $24 billion and $70 billion annually through 2050.
Currently, governments spend about $490 billion each year on agricultural support, mostly through subsidies.
Redirecting part of this funding towards sustainable water management could accelerate progress and improve outcomes.
However, the institution emphasised that public funding alone will not be sufficient.
Private sector participation crucial
The report calls for stronger private sector involvement, supported by effective policies, regulatory frameworks and access to finance.
Farmers, who are the primary users of irrigation systems, are more likely to invest when risks are reduced through better access to markets, digital tools and modern equipment.
Guangzhe Chen said combining infrastructure investment, policy support and private capital can deliver greater impact.
“When investments in infrastructure, policies and private capital come together, the impact can be greater than the sum of their parts,” he said.
Future plans and global impacts
The World Bank said it is already working with countries to implement policy reforms and scale investments in sustainable agriculture.
The institution plans to double its annual agribusiness financing to $9 billion by 2030 and mobilise an additional $5 billion yearly under its AgriConnect initiative.
