The Challenge Program on Water and Food undertakes research to maximise water
productivity in several of the world’s major river basins including the Mekong. The
research must be underpinned by information on how much water there is in a basin, where
it goes and how it is used. There should, furthermore, be an understanding of future
constraints (such as the impact of climate change), opportunities (such as increased
diversions for irrigation) and trade-offs (such as changed land use improving dryland
productivity but leaving less water for downstream use).