What effect does climate change have on our food security?

Climate change is expected to impact both rainfed and irrigated agriculture, including feed and fodder for livestock, as well as forests and aquaculture. Severe reductions in river runoff and aquifer recharge are expected in the Mediterranean Basin and in the semi-arid areas of the Americas, Australia and Southern Africa, affecting water availability and quality in already stressed regions. High latitude areas will see an increase in their potential, whereas regions near the equator will experience more frequent and severe droughts, excessive rainfall, and floods which can destroy crops and put food production at risk. Populations who live in fragile environments and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods face an immediate and increasing risk of crop failure or loss of livestock.

How does water scarcity affect our food security?

Water scarcity already affects every continent and more than 40 percent of the people on our planet. By 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world’s population could be living under water stressed conditions. The lack of water limits farmers’ ability to produce enough food to eat or earn a living. South Asia, East Asia and the Middle East for example are already close to their resources limits, and their population is still growing.

Kenya and Tanzania: water and food security

Clean, safe water is a treasured commodity in Africa, but for millions across the continent, access to decent water is only a dream. Working with African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the ICRC is running water projects that bring clean and safe water to people who would otherwise go without.

Ensuring water and food security

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines, along with the rest of the world celebrated World Water Day (WWD) Thursday, March 22, by focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

Every year, the celebration of World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. For this year, the global theme is “Water and Food Security,” to draw attention on actions that would ensure food for all by conserving water resources.

How much water is needed to produce our food?

All the food from crop and livestock production, inland fisheries or aquaculture, forest products, requires water. This water comes from rain and moisture stored in soils (green water) or from withdrawals in watercourses, wetlands, lakes and aquifers (blue water).

Why is water a key to food security

Food security exists when all people at all times have both physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life.