How taps, toilets and good hygiene can help sustain agricultural supply chains

1 min read
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Image: WaterAid/ Abir Abdullah

Agriculture is by far the world’s largest water consumer, accounting for 70% of freshwater withdrawals. In the next 30 years, global water demands are expected to increase by 55%; climate change will exacerbate and add to current water stress and accessibility.

Many agricultural supply chains originate in countries where high percentages of people do not have safely managed water and sanitation. Businesses have a huge opportunity to support universal access.

On EthicalCorp.com Ruth Romer explains how businesses can increase both the climate resilience of their supply chains and the health and welfare of workers by making WASH management part of business as usual. Introducing our new booklet Water, sanitation and hygiene: three essential ingredients to resilient agricultural supply chains, co-authored by Alliance for Water Stewardship, Diageo, UN CEO Water Mandate, WaterAid and WASH4Work, Ruth highlights the risks and opportunities companies can manage to ensure long-term economic benefits, and the recommended steps for doing so.