Smarter Water Use Could Create 250 Million Jobs Globally

A report launched by the World Bank Group on Thursday indicates that smarter water use could generate nearly 250 million jobs worldwide, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report stresses the importance of rebalancing water use across the global food system to meet the food demands of a projected 10 billion people by 2050.

It notes that current agricultural water management practices are characterized by overuse in some countries and underuse in others, leading to less than half of the global population being adequately fed. The report highlights the necessity of managing water resources effectively to support food production and economic growth.

Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, emphasizes the need for stronger private sector participation alongside public investment. Guangzh Chen, Vice President of the World Bank Group, states that investments in infrastructure and natural resources are crucial for mobilizing private capital.

The report calls for an additional $24-70 billion per year by 2050 to expand irrigation and improve water availability.