Greater goals for sustainability with limited water supply

Usually when I talk with someone about sustainability, big issues always come up; for example, caring for the environment, farmer livelihood, and efficient water use. In this article, I want to put into context two important topics that are vital: achieving UN sustainable development goals and regenerative agriculture.  

First, are the goals to achieve sustainability. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, serve as a comprehensive framework for achieving global prosperity while safeguarding the planet. Agriculture, particularly in irrigated regions, plays a critical role in meeting several of these goals, especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). In Mexico, the challenges and opportunities associated with agricultural sustainability in irrigated areas are pressing. Regenerative agriculture has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges by restoring ecosystems, improving soil health, and enhancing water use efficiency.

This year, we are suffering a severe drought in the northern part of Mexico. Our country has a diverse agricultural sector that ranges from industrial-scale farming to smallholder agriculture. A significant portion of Mexico’s agriculture depends on irrigation, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, such as the northwestern states (Sonora, Sinaloa, Baja California) and the central plateau. According to CONAGUA, Mexico’s national water commission, agriculture accounts for nearly 77% of total water withdrawals, making irrigation efficiency a vital concern.

Despite the economic importance of irrigated agriculture, the sector faces multiple sustainability challenges. These include over-extraction of water resources, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and vulnerability to climate change. Traditional farming methods often exacerbate these problems, making it harder for rural communities to achieve long-term resilience and productivity. 

As previously mentioned, regenerative agriculture offers a holistic response to the challenges of irrigated agriculture. Unlike conventional practices that often deplete natural resources, regenerative methods aim to restore soil fertility, increase biodiversity, and improve the water cycle. Techniques include cover cropping, crop rotation, minimal tillage, compost application, agroforestry, and managed grazing.

In irrigated systems, regenerative agriculture can improve water retention in soils, reducing dependency on external water sources. Healthy soils with higher organic matter content hold more moisture, reducing runoff and enhancing drought resilience. Moreover, regenerative practices reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which often contaminate water bodies and degrade ecosystems.

Government initiatives in Mexico show some alignment with the SDGs. Programs such as Sembrando Vida (Sowing Life) aim to support rural development and reforestation, indirectly promoting sustainable agricultural practices; however, critics argue that such programs need clearer frameworks and stronger monitoring to be effective.

The use of regenerative agriculture in irrigated areas also faces technical and economic barriers. Transitioning from conventional to regenerative systems requires time, training, and upfront investment, which many farmers, especially smallholders, may struggle to afford. Additionally, existing irrigation infrastructure in Mexico is often outdated, leading to inefficiencies that undermine sustainability goals.

Achieving the SDGs in agriculture requires coherent policies and investment in technology. Drip irrigation, for example, is far more water-efficient than traditional flood irrigation and can be combined with regenerative practices to further enhance sustainability. Closer to home, the rhetoric of the Mexican government is to invest in these technologies and provide ample training for farmers, but not earlier than 2026, and provided they are granted funds from the federal budget.

International cooperation, including partnerships with UN agencies like FAO and UNDP, can help scale up successful models. Data collection and transparent monitoring are also vital to track progress toward the SDGs and identify areas needing urgent attention.

The intersection of the UN Sustainable Development Goals with agriculture in irrigated lands presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Regenerative agriculture stands out as a viable path to achieving multiple sustainability objectives by improving soil and water health, increasing resilience to climate change, and ensuring food security. To realize its full potential, however, requires coordinated efforts across government, civil society, and the private sector. By aligning local practices with global goals, Mexico can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and equitable agricultural future.

Always happy to hear from you, please feel free to reach me at paco_salas@yahoo.com