The conversion of wetlands to agriculture through drainage and flooding, and the burning of wetland areas for agriculture have important implications for greenhouse gas (GHG) production and changing carbon stocks. However, the estimation of net GHG changes from mitigation practices in agricultural wetlands is complex compared to dryland crops. Agricultural wetlands have more complicated carbon and nitrogen cycles with both above- and below-ground processes and export of carbon via vertical and horizontal movement of water through the wetland.

This paper describes the challenges surrounding current and future water use in the tropical Andes by first reviewing the modern and future projected hydrological cycle and anticipated impacts on environmental services provided by glaciers and wetland vegetation. The discussion then elaborates on the current tensions and conflicts surrounding water use from a social and economic perspective and ends by focusing on the challenges ahead and looking at possible solutions for more sustainable and equitable future water use in the region.

According to this video, the areas around the Himalayas are most affected by melting glaciers, a product of climate change. This video tells the story of the Jhelum Basin experiences in adapting to climate change in the Himalayas. Made by Wetlands International South Asia programme, it explains the issues around and the role of wetlands in these mountain areas in regulating water flows and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

This article analyses factors that contribute to the livelihood of smallholder farmers living near the Cyabayaga and Rugeramigoziwetlands. Three tools were used: focus group discussion, formal surveys and Monitoring for Quality Improvement (MONQI). Farming systems in wetlands and on hillsides differ. Level of education, resource availability, land ownership and location have important impacts on the location and type of farming systems practised by households. The dependency of households on wetlands varies between sites.

According to this report, peatlands are the largest carbon store in the terrestrial biosphere, containing twice as much carbon as all the world"s forests combined. There are an estimated 25 million hectares of peatland in the South-East Asian region, making it the most dominant wetland forest type. The objectives of this report are to review and develop potential financing and economic incentive options at the regional or country level to support the protection and sustainable management of peatlands, particularly in South-East Asia.

This paper provides an overview of innovative options for developing and using water for food production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in light of the growing scarcity and competition for water resources. These options include rainwater harvesting, selective development of wetlands for agriculture, exploitation of shallow groundwater and recycling urban waste. The options are largely based on low-cost individualised technologies, which lend themselves to private-sector promotion. Water-demand management approaches are also discussed.

The interfaces between high-altitude rangelands and other ecosystems in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region such as forests, wetlands, and agricultural land are suffering from degradation, desertification, and soil erosion, which are further aggravated by climatic and anthropogenic factors. However, more information is needed on the ecological role of high-altitude rangelands and their interfaces as a basis for developing and implementing plans for conservation and sustainable management of these fragile ecosystems.

This report identifies and assesses climate-smart agricultural practices through participatory appraisal tools with experts and farmers, as part of FAO’s Mitigation of Climate Change in Agriculture the MICCA pilot project in Kaptumo, Kenya. The aim is to highlight and add climate-smart practices within the ongoing development programme which aims to integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation with improving livelihoods and productivity of the dairy farming system.