This book is based on research undertaken by a team of leading scientists from 10 global organizations. Chapters consider the potential of rainfed agriculture on the basis of case studies for different regions in Asia and Africa with the aim to assess the need of water for achieving food security and reducing poverty. Yield gaps for major rainfed crops are analysed globally and possible ways and means including technological, social and institutional options to bridge the yield gaps are discussed in detail.
1. Rainfed Agriculture - Past Trends and Future Prospects; 2. Zooming in on the Global Hotspots of Rainfed Agriculture in Water Constrained Environments; 3. Water Resource Implications of Upgrading Rainfed Agriculture - Focus on Green and Blue Water Trade-offs; 4. Tectonics-climate Linked Natural Soil Degradation and its Impact in Rainfed Agriculture: Indian Experience; 5. Determinants of Crop Growth and Yield in a Changing Climate; 6. Yield Gap Analysis: Modeling of Achievable Yields at Farm Level; 7. Can Rainfed Agriculture Feed the World? - An Assessment of Potentials and Risk; 8. Opportunities for Improving Crop-water Productivity Through Genetic Enhancement of Dryland Crops; 9. Water Harvesting for Improved Rainfed Agriculture in the Dry Environments; 10. Supplemental Irrigation for Improved Rainfed Agriculture: In WANA Region; 11. Opportunities for Water Harvesting and Supplemental Irrigation for Improving Rainfed Agriculture in Semi-arid Areas; 12. Integrated Farm Management Practices and Up Scaling the Impact for Increased Productivity of Rainfed Systems; 13. Challenges of Adoption and Adaptation of Land and Water Management Options in Smallholder Agriculture: Synthesis of Lessons and Experiences; 14. Scaling-out Community Watershed Management for Multiple Benefits in Rainfed Areas.