Can integrated aquaculture-agriculture (IAA) produce “more crop per drop”?

• DOI: 10.1007/s12571-014-0394-9
• Publication Date: 2014-10-20T07:17:15Z
• Authors: Nesar Ahmed; James D. Ward; Christopher P. Saint
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 2. Zero hunger; 03 medical and health sciences; rice-fish farming; 13. Climate action; pond-fish culture; water productivity; food security; 14. Life underwater; 15. Life on land; 6. Clean water; 12. Responsible consumption

The global demand for food production will increase because of rapid population growth and increased competition for land and water. The ever-increasing demand for water in agriculture is one of the key limiting factors for food production. Thus, producing more food for each drop of water is vital to addressing water scarcity and food insecurity. This article provides an overview of integrated aquaculture-agriculture (IAA) that has great potential to increase food productivity and reduce risks associated with water scarcity. The practice of pond-based IAA and rice-fish farming is recognized as an efficient use of water, which increases water productivity and food security. IAA also provides a wide range of social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is, therefore, recognized that IAA produces “more crop per drop”. We suggest that the wider adoption of IAA with efficient use of blue and green water would increase global water productivity and food security.