RENOVATING A SIMPLE IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN THE MANXIDAN VILLAGE OF THE MENGHAI AREA. THE FARMERS HAVE BUILT A SMALL DAM TO CONTROL THE WATER. WHEN THEY WANT TO LOWER THE WATER LEVEL ON THE FIELD, THEY DIG A HOLE IN THE BANK AND RELEASE THE WATER BACK INTO THE DAM. IN 2002 AGRICULTURE ACCOUNTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 86% OF TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION IN ASIA. EVEN THOUGH WARMING AS A RESULT OF CLIMATE CHANGE MAY LEAD TO IMPROVED HARVESTS IN SOME AREAS OF CHINA, WATER SHORTAGES COULD CANCEL OUT ANY POSITIVE EFFECT.