Focusing on the Colorado River Basin in the Southwestern US, strategies were identified to support market-driven solutions that could incentivize producers of water-intensive agriculture to switch crops – called “crop-switching” – or production methods to reduce water consumption. The study evaluated several in-depth opportunities, including conversion of alfalfa to drought-tolerant grain and feed crops. Additionally, challenges on Tribal lands and opportunities for Tribal leadership in agricultural water management were explored.
Market-based solutions identified included investments in mid-tier value chain infrastructure (such as grain milling) and in a stewardship alliance with Tribal partners to support increased adoption of on-farm conservation practices (including regenerative ranching) on Tribal lands.
The study was used to support future philanthropic investment in the region.