Water: The Basis of Life and Food

Water, being the paramount resource for survival, has been a major concern on the global agenda for several decades. In today's changing world, it is of utmost importance to acknowledge the indispensable function that water performs in sustaining life and ensuring food security. Water is not merely a fundamental requirement for our existence, but also a pivotal element of our agricultural frameworks. Agriculture constitutes 72 percent of the total global freshwater withdrawals, but like all natural resources, fresh water is not infinite. In a contemporary world characterized by climate change, urbanization, and population growth, which collectively exert a mounting strain on water resources, it is imperative to judiciously manage and conserve water through innovative and sustainable solutions. This article aims to elucidate the crucial correlation between water, food production, and the holistic welfare of our planet. On the occasion of World Food Day 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is raising awareness about the significance of water in ensuring food security. The theme chosen for this year of World Food Day is “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.”

Water serves as a pivotal catalyst for people, economies, and nature, constituting the bedrock of our sustenance. Its indispensability to life on our planet cannot be overstated, as it comprises more than half of the physical composition of the human body and about 71 percent of the earth’s surface. Regrettably, a mere 2.5 percent of water is deemed fresh, rendering it suitable for drinking, agricultural practices, and most industrial uses. The global water demand is projected to persistently escalate at an annual rate of approximately 1 percent, leading to a surge ranging from 20 to 30 percent by 2050. Access to clean water and adequate food resources is considered a basic human right. However, millions of people across the globe continue to endure the absence of safe drinking water and face the challenges of food insecurity. Agriculture accounts for the largest share of global water usage, with irrigation being the primary consumer, however, changes in the global hydrological cycle and non-judicious use of fresh water have induced significant pressure on freshwater resources from the local to regional levels. Farmers rely on irrigation to cultivate crops and rear livestock, ensuring a steady supply of food. In the absence of adequate access to water resources, agricultural productivity declines, consequently resulting in scarcities of food and instances of malnutrition.