Water is essential for life and human survival. We not only rely on fresh and clean water for drinking and washing, but for agriculture, fisheries, and energy generation. Scientists have warned that unsustainable development has placed an enormous stress on our planet's ability to produce fresh water and billions of people will face serious water shortages by 2050. Kylie Schultz at Ensia created this interesting infographic that examines the amount of water use around the world.
Infographic: Are we on the path to peak water?
About
The Global Food and Agriculture Program aims to inform the development of US policy on global agricultural development and food security by raising awareness and providing resources, information, and policy analysis to the US Administration, Congress, and interested experts and organizations.
The Global Food and Agriculture Program is housed within the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. The Council on Global Affairs convenes leading global voices and conducts independent research to bring clarity and offer solutions to challenges and opportunities across the globe. The Council is committed to engaging the public and raising global awareness of issues that transcend borders and transform how people, business, and governments engage the world.
Support for the Global Food and Agriculture Program is generously provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Blogroll
1,000 Days Blog, 1,000 Days
Africa Can End Poverty, World Bank
Agrilinks Blog
Bread Blog, Bread for the World
Can We Feed the World Blog, Agriculture for Impact
Concern Blogs, Concern Worldwide
Institute Insights, Bread for the World Institute
End Poverty in South Asia, World Bank
Global Development Blog, Center for Global Development
The Global Food Banking Network
Harvest 2050, Global Harvest Initiative
The Hunger and Undernutrition Blog, Humanitas Global Development
International Food Policy Research Institute News, IFPRI
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center Blog, CIMMYT
ONE Blog, ONE Campaign
One Acre Fund Blog, One Acre Fund
Overseas Development Institute Blog, Overseas Development Institute
Oxfam America Blog, Oxfam America
Preventing Postharvest Loss, ADM Institute
Sense & Sustainability Blog, Sense & Sustainability
WFP USA Blog, World Food Program USA
Archive
Agriculture’s Matrix: AI and the Future of Gender (In)equities
If the current state of AI research and technology does not change, the existing inequities between men and women farmers will become starker.
Field Notes - How to Strike the Most Effective Partnerships for Food Security
In today’s hyperconnected world, challenges felt in one region or country almost always have wider if not global repercussions. The International Potato Center, part of the CGIAR system, develops partnerships with the private sector to tackle these challenges more effectively.
Featured Commentary - Hope Through Agriculture: Now More than Ever
In our latest collaboration with Agri-Pulse, Julie Borlaug writes that now is the time for everyone in agriculture to demonstrate how their passion and dedication have found solutions to the major threats we face as a collective human species: food and nutrition security, environmental stability and sustainability.
Field Notes - How do we Understand the Needs of the Rural Poor on a Global Scale? One Family Farm at a Time
The days of top-down, one-size-fits-all “solutions” for poor rural farmers are gone. A team of scientists at the CGIAR, a consortium of international research institutes, set out to change this through a pioneering survey system that has been deployed in over 21 countries.
Guest Commentary - COVID-19 is Causing Short-Term Disruptions with Long-Term Consequences to the Global Food Supply Chain
The COVID-19 outbreak is causing widespread disruptions to global shipping and consumer demand that will have long-term consequences for the world’s food supply chain.
When Hand Washing is a Luxury, a Pandemic's Legacy Lengthens
Handwashing has been trumpeted as one of the most vital ways to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Where does that leave the millions without access to readily available soap and water?
Global Food for Thought: Saving Seeds | Food Trade | Growing Resistance
Our weekly round up of the top stories in food, agriculture, and global development!
Field Notes - Shaping Future-Ready Food Systems, One Crop at a Time
As governments scramble to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one organization uses rice science to disrupt the status quo.
Next Generation - The Impact of COVID-19 on the Future of Food Systems in Africa
COVID-19 will exacerbate issues revealed by the locust swarm in Eastern Africa. In both cases, however, an integrated approach that leverages technology could avert disaster.
Guest Commentary - Reduce Food Loss & Waste, Feed Millions
Studies show that one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted, enough to feed 1.9 billion people-almost the same amount as are experiencing food insecurity. Food banks are uniquely positioned to address the paradox of global hunger and food loss and waste.
Guest Commentary - The Plague You’ve Never Heard About Could be as Destructive as COVID-19: How the Threat from Desert Locusts Shows the Need for Innovations in how Organizations Scale
The international community needs to mobilize to combat the plague of locusts devouring East Africa. At the same time however, we should also consider the long-term investments we must make to build lasting resilience to climate change among smallholder populations.
Next Generation - Could COVID-19 Inform Another Food Price Crisis? The First Warning Just Appeared
Next Generation Alumnus Craig Robinson analyzes the potential for Vietnam's banning of rice exports sparking a global food price spike similar to the 2008 crisis.
Global Food for Thought: Export Bans | Farm Delivery | Locust Resurgence
Our weekly round up of the top stories in food, agriculture, and global development!
Guest Commentary - Reducing Food Loss and Waste by Improving Smallholder Storage
Reducing postharvest losses by half would result in enough food to feed a billion people, increase smallholder income levels and minimize pressure on natural resources. The ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss works with smallholders in Bihar to improve storage and reduce loss.
Global Food for Thought: Distillers | Farm Labor | Predicting Pandemic Impact
Check out the latest stories in food, agriculture, and global development!