Report / Case study

Fresh Insights Number 3. Virtual water trade: A case study of green beans and flowers from Africa

author(s) Orr, S.. - Chapagain, A.
from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
permalink open
themes
regions
  • Northern Europe
  • Europe
  • World
citation

International Institute for Environment and Development, London, UK, 24 pp

Publications and datasets provided via GARDIAN

Abstract

This short study focuses on one particular aspect of global food trade which is somewhat separated from initial debates about virtual water trade and basic food needs. Here we are focusing on two products, green beans and flowers from Africa. Far from basic necessities, these two products are emblematic of a trade and development debate from southern producers to northern markets. The virtual water discussion given here is to give context to the debate and foundations of this concept. A shorter 2-page brief of this paper is available Fresh Perspectives Issue 5. African air-freight of fresh produce: Is transport of 'virtual' water causing drought?

Open original