Indicators for sustainable water resources development

Information on quantity and quality of natural resources is essential for sustainable agricultural development. In particular, information on freshwater resources, their availability and use is becoming increasingly important with the emergence of regional water shortages and the need to improve water use efficiency. This paper discusses the problems met in identifying and computing relevant indicators for sustainable water resources development and presents the current activities of FAO in that field. After a brief review of the main components of the water cycle, the paper focuses mostly on indicators at country level and introduces the relationship between basin and political boundaries as a major issue in computing water resources indicators. A discussion follows about ways to assess water resources and use. A few key indicators are further presented. In conclusion, possible ways to improve future computation of water resources development indicators are discussed.