Landscape Approaches in Practice: An Example from the Ogallala Aquifer

​Landscape-scale approaches underpinned by collective action among diverse stakeholders are increasingly important for mitigating the growing economic, societal and business risks resulting from natural resource decline. Risks, such as water scarcity, must be addressed at large, system-wide scales and cannot be effectively managed by any single business, farm, or agency.

​This discussion will focus on efforts and enabling factors to advance landscape-scale approaches to water conservation and sustainable agriculture across the Ogallala Aquifer in Kansas. Aquifer depletion poses multi-billion-dollar risks to agricultural supply chains and operations, rural communities, and global food systems. Efforts to address these large scale challenges in Kansas include producer-led innovations in water conservation and sustainable agriculture, robust science and tools, supporting policies, value chain partnerships, and coordinated public and private sector financing and incentives. This session will share progress and collaboration opportunities in Kansas and learnings to support landscape-scale approaches in other geographies.