It takes a liter of water to produce a calorie of food, or, at least several thousand liters of water for every person, every day. The water required to grow the food we eat is some 70 times greater than the water we need to drink, bathe and wash. Over the next 40 years the global demand for food is expected to double, and that implies that the amount of water used to achieve global food security would also have to double. Already today, a third of the world population is affected by water scarcity. Climate change is expected to worsen water problems by increasing the frequency and severity of floods and droughts.
Water scarcity in southern Africa is a growing concern. Population growth and demands for domestic, agricultural, and industrial consumption are increasing stress on finite water resources and the region's rich biodiversity. Seventy percent of the region's watersheds are shared between two or more countries. The U.S. is working hard to help southern Africa deal with water scarcity. USAID focuses on improving the management of shared river basins, starting with the Okavango River Basin. USAID is strengthening the Okavango River Basin Commission to help it manage the waterway and other natural resources in a fair and sustainable manner. This initiative is now expanding beyond the initial Okavango River Basin to include joint management of other cross-border natural resources in the region.
Managing water to achieve food security for all and a healthy environment will require massive efforts. Adapting to climate change will become a priority everywhere. In industrialized nations, the emphasis will be on curbing water pollution and reviving water ecosystems. In developing nations, food security for all requires a focus on opportunities for the poor, particularly initiatives that help people grow food and generate income while managing scarce water resources. Tackling food security in the 21st century is a global endeavor.
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