Water for Food Security and Well-Being in Latin America and the Caribbean ─ Social and Environmental Implications for a Globalized Economy

This volume addresses fundamental issues surrounding water management and food security in the rapidly developing Latin American region. It focuses on four key themes: setting out the background to water, nature and food in the region; drivers of changing conditions; pressures and challenges; and responses and enabling conditions.

Although the main emphasis is on seven Latin America countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru), many chapters take a regional approach, covering a vast domain of data and variables pertaining to Latin America and the Caribbean. The authors provide an analytical and factual view of the challenges that globalisation, water use in various sectors and the enhancement of well-being and livelihoods of the poorest, represent in the region. They also explore current policy responses and the participation of civil society. They provide arguments that Latin America can indeed become a food basket for the world. However, to keep drivers and enabling factors within safe operating boundaries, a close and delicate balance will be needed to protect the region's valuable ecosystems and the poorest households.

Barbara Willaarts is a Post-doctoral Researcher at the Water Observatory-Botin Foundation & Senior Eesearcher at the Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks (CEIGRAM), Madrid, Spain.

Alberto Garrido is 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-Botin Foundation, Madrid, Spain.

Ramon LLamas is Emeritus Professor, Complutense University and Director of the Water Observatory-Botin Foundation, Madrid, Spain.