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

by Stuart Orr (WWF-UK) and Ashok Chapagain (University of Twente)

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.

The paper can be downloaded below. A shorter 2-page brief of this paper is available as part of the Fresh Perspectives series here