Water for Food Security and Well-being in Latin America and the Caribbean Social and Environmental Implications for a Globalized Economy Earthscan Studies in Water Resource Management Series

This volume provides an analytical and facts-based overview on the progress achieved in water security in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region over during the last decade, and its links to regional development, food security and human well-being. Although the book takes a regional approach, covering a vast of data pertaining to most of the LAC region, some chapters focus on seven countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru).

A full understanding of LAC?s trends progress requires framing this region in the global context: an ever more globalized world where LAC has an increasing geopolitical power and a growing presence in international food markets. The book?s specific objectives are: (1) exploring the improvements and links between water and food security in LAC countries; (2) assessing the role of the socio-economic ?megatrends? in LAC, identifying feedback processes between the region?s observed pattern of changes regarding key biophysical, economic and social variables linked to water and food security; and (3) reviewing the critical changes that are taking place in the institutional and governance water spheres, including the role of civil society, which may represent a promising means to advancing towards the goal of improving water security in LAC.

The resulting picture shows a region where recent socioeconomic development has led to important advances in the domains of food and water security. Economic growth in LAC and its increasingly important role in international trade are intense in terms of use of natural resources such as land, water and energy. This poses new and important challenges for sustainable development. The reinforcement of national and global governance schemes and their alignment on the improvement of human well-being is and will remain an inescapable prerequisite to the achievement of long-lasting security. Supporting this bold idea with facts and science-based conclusions is the ultimate goal of the book.

Part 1: Introduction 1. Water and Food Security in Latin America and the Caribbean: Regional Opportunities to Cope with Global Challenges Part 2: Setting the Scene 2. Water Resources Assessment 3. Trends in Land Use and Ecosystem Services in Latin America 4. Socio-economic Megatrends for Water and Food Security in Latin America 5. Globalization and Trade 6. Tracking Progress and Links between Water and Food Security in Latin America and the Caribbean Part 3: Water for Food and Non-food 7. Water and Agriculture 8. Water Security and Cities 9. Water, Energy, Bioenergy, Industry and Mining Part 4: Economic, Legal and Institutional Factors for Achieving Water and Food Security 10. Water Efficiency: Status and Trends 11. Reforming Water Governance Structures in LAC 12.. The Role of Stakeholders in Water Management in LAC 13. Economic Instruments for Allocating Water and Financing Services 14. Legal Framework and Economic Incentives for Managing Ecosystem Services 15. Rethinking Integrated Water Resources Management: Towards Water and Food Security through Adaptive Management

Bárbara A. Willaarts is a Researcher at the Water Observatory – Botín Foundation and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks (CEIGRAM), Technical University of Madrid, Spain.

Alberto Garrido is a Professor in Agricultural Economics, Technical University of Madrid, Director of the Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks (CEIGRAM) and Deputy Director of the Water Observatory – Botín Foundation, Madrid, Spain.

M. Ramón Llamas is the Director of the Water Observatory – Botín Foundation and Emeritus Professor at Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.