During the past several years, biofuels in rich countries have come to be regarded as an important option for reducing consumption of petroleum, which is a main policy goal as a result of recent high oil prices, energy security concerns, and global climate change.

L'accroissement de l'efficience de l'irrigation et de la productivité de l'eau à tous les niveaux de la chaîne de production est une priorité dans un nombre croissant de pays confrontés aux problèmes de la rareté de l'eau. Les techniques d'irrigation sous pression associées à une modernisation de l'agriculture peuvent contribuer à une augmentation substantielle de l'efficience et de la productivité de l'eau en irrigation.

Agriculture is identified as the main cause of wetland degradation and loss. Using a drivers, pressures, state changes, impacts and responses (DPSIR) framework to analyse 90 cases drawn from all parts of the world and all wetland types, this report assesses the character of agriculture - wetlands interactions (AWIs) and their impacts in socio-economic and ecosystem services terms.

Where the land is greener’ looks at soil and water conservation from a global perspective. In total, 42 soil and water conservation technologies and 28 approaches are described – each on four pages with photographs, graphs and line drawings – from more than 20 countries around the world. This unique presentation of case studies is drawn from WOCAT’s extensive database. These and many other experiences deserve to be documented, analysed and used for decision support. The book is, furthermore, a prototype for national and regional compilations of sustainable land management practices.

Increasing the efficiency of water use and enhancing agricultural water productivity at all levels of the production chains are becoming priorities in a growing number of countries. In particular, shifting to modern on-farm irrigation practices can contribute to a substantial increase in both water use efficiency and water productivity. The objective of this handbook is to provide a practical guide on the use of pressurized irrigation techniques to farmers, irrigation technicians, and extension workers in the field.