Water and Food: The Fragile Balance in Global Agriculture
Water is undoubtedly one of the most important resources on the planet. However, we often forget its central role in an activity we all depend on: agriculture. Despite 70% of available freshwater being dedicated to this sector, climate change, growing demand, and poor management have jeopardized the availability of this resource, directly affecting global food security.
Agriculture cannot exist without water. Every fruit, vegetable, and grain of rice or wheat we consume has required water at some stage of its production. Nevertheless, in many regions, farmers face prolonged droughts or have limited access to water sources, which directly impacts their ability to produce food efficiently. Less water means fewer crops, and fewer crops lead to more food insecurity.
The latest analysis from the World Resources Institute (WRI) shows that a quarter of the world’s crops are grown in areas where water supply is highly stressed, unstable, or both. In fact, rice, wheat, and corn, which provide more than half of the world’s food calories, are particularly vulnerable: 33% of these three staple crops are produced using highly stressed water supplies.
In this context, some countries are already grappling with the tension between food production and water security. In India, nearly 270 million tons (about 24% of the country’s total agricultural output) are grown in watersheds that use more water than can be naturally replenished, leading the country to rely on unsustainable long-term solutions such as pumping non-renewable groundwater and diverting its rivers.
The challenge of feeding 10 billion people
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that by 2050, food demand will increase by 60% due to population growth. Meeting this demand will be one of the greatest challenges we face, as water scarcity will not only affect the most arid regions or developing countries but will have a global impact. International food markets are interdependent, and a decline in food production in one region can destabilize prices and access worldwide.
To meet these needs, global agricultural production must increase by 50%. Thus, it is not only about growing more food but also doing so sustainably, using water efficiently. This is where technological innovations play a key role. Precision agriculture, the expansion of advanced irrigation systems, the adoption of drought-resistant crops, and improving water infrastructure are essential to prevent a global food crisis.
Additionally, reducing food waste is a crucial part of the equation. According to the FAO, one-third of the food produced globally is wasted, which equates to a massive amount of water being unnecessarily used. Adopting more sustainable consumption habits can ease some of the pressure on the water system.
Right to food for a better life and future
World Food Day 2024, celebrated on October 16, focused on the right to nutritious, safe, and accessible food under the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and Future.” This event highlighted the urgent need to transform agri-food systems to address hunger and malnutrition, which affect billions of people worldwide.
In this regard, the FAO’s Rome Water Dialogue on the Global Framework for Water Scarcity in Agriculture has emphasized its commitment to promoting stronger political support (policies, legal and institutional frameworks, and access to financing) and responsible water governance to address water scarcity. It also underscores the importance of global food security by creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems, placing agriculture and water at the center of international climate change debates.
Harvesting responsibly: The balance between water and food
Water scarcity and variability in supply do not automatically mean a crisis. With the right policies addressing the nexus between food production, water management, and conservation, businesses and governments can ensure that granaries remain full.
It is essential to understand that food security depends not only on the amount of arable land but also on the quantity and quality of available water. Every drop counts. While agriculture is the pillar on which our food supply rests, it is water that gives it life. At Almar Water Solutions, we facilitate access to water in regions where it is limited, which is crucial for agricultural production. Our focus on sustainability, innovation, and water efficiency positively impacts food security, economic development, and climate change adaptation, strengthening agricultural communities’ ability to face future challenges.
Addressing the challenge of water scarcity is a collective responsibility, and it starts with recognizing that water, more than just a resource, is the very foundation of our food survival.
References
One-quarter of World’s Crops Threatened by Water Risks. World Resources Institute.