The right to water for food and agriculture

Abstract

This study argues that, while the right to water is generally focused on access to water for drinking, sanitation and other personal and domestic use, it extends to water for food and agricultural production in its interactions with other human rights. Recognizing a human right to water, for drinking and household needs as well as for growing food, has implications for water allocation and sets limits to the extent that water can be allocated for other uses. In addition, it entails the respect for procedural rights and attention to important principles, such as the principle of non-discrimination and the rights of indigenous peoples. The right to water emerged in the 2000s, primarily as the right to domestic water for drinking, washing and cooking, and was closely related to the right to sanitation, both of which are seen as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living.