Tracking Agricultural Transitions in the Colorado River Basin

Urbanization and tribal water settlements in the Colorado River Basin have exacerbated competition for increasingly volatile and diminishing water resources. With irrigated agriculture consuming over half of the basin’s water, pressing questions arise regarding the future of this sector. Similar challenges are observed nationwide, where urban growth encroaches upon croplands and relies heavily on agricultural water. Amidst these shifts, there is a burgeoning discourse on transitioning from technical solutions towards temporary fallowing programs and permanent water reallocations from agriculture to other uses. However, such strategies raise concerns about the viability of rural communities, necessitating careful planning, negotiations, and trade-offs. This review delves into the dynamics of agricultural land and water use changes, their impacts on rural communities, and the ensuing implications for water governance and planning. A shared understanding of these trends is pivotal for fostering equitable governance. This paper underscores critical inquiries regarding the future of agricultural land ownership and proposes an observatory approach to gather, synthesize, and disseminate data for informed policy and practice. By comprehensively examining these issues, stakeholders can collaboratively navigate the complexities of water resource management, ensuring sustainability and equity in the face of evolving urbanization and agricultural landscapes.