In a deltaic environment, high dependency on water demands more efficient management of water resources, especially for the agriculture sector. The review study is part of developing a framework for climate-inclusive water accounting (WA) to manage future water availability for the agriculture sector in Bangladesh. The status of WA practice in the country was assessed based on the following eleven critical questions. The study will provide a technical reference or knowledge base for incorporating a comprehensive water accounting system in the water governance process and designing a climate informed water accounting system for the agriculture sector in Bangladesh. The mandate to undertake water accounting rests with the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), to which this report and its recommendations are addressed. However, implementing water accounting will involve and require the active cooperation of other ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MoLGRD&C). Therefore, this report is directed also to MoA, MoLGRD&C, and relevant agencies of MoWR.

The review and assessment conducted in this assignment focused on agricultural water use with sub-sectors of crop, fisheries, and livestock. The agriculture sector accounts for the highest consumption of the country’s annual freshwater withdrawal. Therefore, a well-recognized and scientific technique such as water accounting is essential for efficiently managing water resources and ensuring food security against the growing demand and climate vulnerabilities.