How can d-iap be used?

Understand the potential applications of the tool and its limitations

d-iap limitations

The d-iap leverages cutting-edge water productivity modelling and the latest global databases to address the complex issue of how drought affects crop yields and irrigation water requirements. However, due to the inherent limitations of crop models and the scarcity and quality of relevant global-scale data, d-iap has the following limitations.

The available global database of cropping patterns is at a national-scale resolution, which may result in assessing the impact of drought on crops in agroecological zones within a country where those crops are not typically grown.

In assessing drought impacts, a single cultivar has been considered for each crop, thus differences among various cultivars regarding growth cycle and other characteristics that affect their responses to water stress are ignored.

The database used for soil properties has limitations regarding soil depth, which can affect the rooting depth and, therefore, the soil water balance.

Groundwater, soil and water salinity, and other stresses, such as nutritional, are not considered because of the lack of proper data on a global scale.

d-iap applications

The Drought Impact Assessment Platform (d-iap) has been designed to support policymakers, water authorities and managers, agricultural extension services, and stakeholders involved in drought mitigation and adaptation, offering several key applications. The importance of anticipating drought impacts on agricultural systems encompasses both the productive and economic spheres. Furthermore, it becomes crucial in the context of sustainable water resource management and food security, playing a fundamental role in informed decision-making.

By estimating how water scarcity will affect crop yields, farmers and technicians can adjust cultivation practices and cropping patterns (in herbaceous crops), optimize water use, and ultimately enhance the resilience of their agricultural systems.

From an economic perspective, anticipating drought impacts is essential for efficiently managing financial resources and minimizing economic losses. Farmers, technicians, and policymakers can make informed decisions about investments, agricultural insurance, and support measures, thereby contributing to the economic sustainability of agriculture in drought-prone regions. Insurance companies would also benefit from this information for properly planning and designing drought insurance policies.

Estimates of irrigation demands for each crop under different scenarios, as well as the probability of meeting these demands with a specific water allocation, are key information for stakeholders involved in decision-making related to water management. Based on this information, strategic planning, investment in infrastructure, and water resources management will all contribute to ensuring the sustainable management of water resources, safeguarding agricultural productivity, and maintaining the overall resilience of communities.