Food insecurity associated with water insecurity

One Tenth of the World's Population is Starving:

Difficulties in accessing water negatively affect the adequate nutrition of people in underdeveloped countries.

According to the latest estimates, about one-tenth of the world's population suffers from hunger, and about one-in-three people face food insecurity. Behind these numbers lurks another threat closely related to food insecurity: water insecurity.

A recent study covering 25 countries found a strong link between water insecurity (lack of access to adequate and safe water) and food insecurity (lack of access to adequate and healthy food – malnutrition). The findings, based on data first collected by Northwestern University and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the Gallup World Survey in 2020, suggest that improving access to water may be key to solving the food problem in a sustainable and effective manner.

The study reveals that people who have frequent problems with access to water are nearly three times more likely to experience food insecurity than those who do not. It also appears that more than two-thirds of water-insecure people in 2020 experience food insecurity at the same time. This demonstrates that reliable access to water is important not only to meet personal water needs, but also to support cooking, hygiene and food production.

"Water insecurity is a major global health issue, and its impact on biological development and social well-being is likely to increase with climate change," said Hilary Bethancourt, a research associate and research team member at Northwestern University. "These data show that we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg in understanding the role of water insecurity on food, nutrition, and well-being in general."

Data from 31 000 people used

Researchers analyzed data from a sample of more than 31,000 people aged 15 and over in 25 low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Overall, about 18% of respondents were classified as water insecure; while this rate is about 15% in Asia, it has increased to over 34% in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the study did not evaluate the causes of food or water insecurity, several factors could explain the link, the researchers said. For those living in poverty, spending money on water can mean less money for food. For farmers, water insecurity means less water is available to grow crops and raise livestock. Traveling too far from home for water supplies or long time spent preparing food can also be considered a problem.

Water insecurity can also affect nutritional quality, a subcategory of food insecurity, as the need for water to cook healthier foods such as grains and beans may lead to a greater preference for ready-made processed foods.

Food insecurity associated with water insecurity

Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that food insecurity and water insecurity should be measured and addressed together. Because water shortages prevent people from adequately using the foods provided by food aid programs and eating appropriately. Therefore, it is argued that efforts to improve access to water could also benefit food security.

“In some cases, the most sustainable way to improve food security may be to improve water security,” some experts say. “For example, providing water to households or production facilities makes it easier for people to engage in income-generating activities so they can buy more or better quality food. Providing irrigation water can improve farmers' ability to produce food and raise livestock. "

The researchers note that their study method allowed them to detect a causal relationship between food insecurity and water insecurity. But they add that more research is needed to understand the factors that influence or exacerbate food insecurity, or the extent to which water insecurity coexists with food insecurity.

Reference:

American Society for Nutrition. "Food insecurity and water insecurity go hand-in-hand, study finds: Study suggests water may be key to addressing hunger in low and middle-income countries." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 June 2022. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220614122614.htm>.