Daniel Madariaga Barrilado, a Mexican entrepreneur committed to sustainability, warns that agriculture and food production account for nearly 70% of global water use, at a time of increasingly variable climates and a growing population.
In response to this challenge, he presents six innovative solutions to reduce water consumption in the agricultural sector and confront rising water scarcity.
Daniel Madariaga Barrilado notes that change also depends on consumers
Madariaga explains that water scarcity can result from droughts, lack of infrastructure, or institutional shortcomings, limiting resource availability in the medium and long term.
In this context, he highlights the use of high-tech irrigation systems based on soil moisture sensors, capable of reducing water consumption by up to 30% by allowing farmers to irrigate only when necessary.
For regions with fewer resources, he proposes drip irrigation, an efficient technique that delivers small amounts of water directly to plant roots, minimizing losses due to evaporation.
He also emphasizes the importance of storing rainwater in dry areas, citing examples such as Israel, which reuses nearly 90% of its wastewater for agricultural purposes.
Among other alternatives, the entrepreneur mentions wastewater treatment using advanced technologies such as magnetic nanoparticles, aquaponics — which combines aquaculture and hydroponics and can reduce water use by up to 90% — and regenerative agriculture, focused on restoring soil health and ecosystems.
Finally, Madariaga notes that change also depends on consumers, who can reduce their water footprint by lowering meat consumption and choosing foods with a smaller environmental impact.
Daniel Madariaga’s work reflects his deep commitment to empowering communities, especially in rural and marginalized areas, to take control of their natural resources and engage in sustainable practices. His approach combines academic research with grassroots activism, making him a key figure in the environmental movement.
