Wetlands, agriculture and poverty reduction
Wetlands contribute in diverse ways to the livelihoods of millions of people. They are often inextricably linked to agricultural production
systems. In many places, growing population, in conjunction with efforts to increase food security, is escalating pressure to expand
agriculture within wetlands. The environmental impact of wetland agriculture can have profound social and economic repercussions for people dependent on ecosystem services other than those provided directly by agriculture. If wetlands are not used sustainably, the functions which support agriculture, as well as other food security and ecosystem services, including water-related services, are undermined. Currently This report synthesizes findings from multidisciplinary studies conducted into sustainable wetland agriculture by IWMI and partners in Africa and Asia. It highlights the value of wetland agriculture for poverty reduction as
well as the need for more systematic planning that takes into account trade-offs in the multiple services that wetlands provide.