Foresight on agricultural water needs in the Seine-Normandy basin, in France, by 2050

Analysis notes present, in four pages, the key reflections on a topical issue within the remit of the French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood and Food Sovereignty. Depending on the issue, they adopt a forward-looking, strategic or evaluative approach.

Foresight on agricultural water needs in the Seine-Normandy basin, in France, by 2050

Agriculture in the Seine-Normandy river basin is already severely affected by climate change. Against this backdrop, the Regional and Interdepartmental Directorate for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (DRIAAF) of the Île-de-France region commissioned a foresight study to better identify and prioritise future challenges. Conducted by SCE and Auxilia1, the study explored likely trajectories for agriculture in the area and assessed their implications for water withdrawals for crop irrigation and livestock watering. Under every scenario considered, agricultural water needs in the river basin are expected to raise. To contain this increase, agroecological practices could be developed, alongside more efficient irrigation governed more effectively through local water management arrangements.

The Seine-Normandy basin in France faces water resource management challenges arising from climate change and agricultural demand, which competes with other uses. Agriculture accounted for 3-8% of total water withdrawals2 in the basin over 2012–2020. Projections3 indicate that irrigation needs will continue to increase, while water availability will become more uncertain.