Every year on 16 October, nations around the world come together to observe World Food Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and addressing the global issue of food security. In 2023, the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) proudly joins the global community in celebrating World Food Day, focusing on the critical theme: "Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind." This theme emphasises the pivotal role water plays in ensuring food security and calls for united efforts to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable and equitable food systems.
The Significance of Water in Food Production
Water is an essential element for food production, not just as a beverage but also as a critical resource for agriculture, food processing, and distribution. It is crucial to understand that the food we consume relies heavily on water, both directly and indirectly. Agriculture, the backbone of food production, depends on water for irrigation, animal husbandry, and the growth of crops, as well as many other functions.
To underscore the relationship between water and food production, consider the following statistics:
- Water Use in Agriculture: Agriculture accounts for approximately 70% of the world's freshwater withdrawals. In many regions, this figure can be even higher, reaching up to 90%. The cultivation of crops and livestock rearing are heavily reliant on adequate water resources and access to them.
- Irrigation's Role: Irrigation, the controlled application of water to agricultural fields, boosts crop yields. It is estimated that irrigated agriculture produces 40% of the world's food on only 20% of cultivated land, underlining the efficiency of water use in food production.
- Water and Livestock: The production of animal-based food products, such as meat and dairy, is highly water-intensive. It can take as much as 15,000 litres of water to produce just one kilogram of beef, making efficient water use in animal agriculture crucial for food security.
- Water Scarcity: According to the United Nations, around 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services. Inadequate access to clean water resources has dire consequences for food security, as it limits crop cultivation, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Climate Change and Droughts: Climate change exacerbates water-related challenges. Droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, attributed to climate change, disrupt agricultural production, making it difficult to ensure a consistent food supply.
Challenges in Water and Food Security
Food security remains a complex and multifaceted issue, with millions of people still suffering from hunger and malnutrition around the world. Insufficient access to clean water resources exacerbates the problem, as it limits food production and access to safe and nutritious diets.
Additionally, water pollution poses a significant threat to food security. The contamination of water sources by agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and inadequate sanitation can have dire consequences for human health and the environment. Addressing these challenges is central to ensuring that water remains a life-sustaining element and a critical component of our food systems.
The "Leave No One Behind" Pledge
World Food Day underscores the importance of "leaving no one behind" in our efforts to ensure food security. This pledge emphasises the need to include marginalised and vulnerable populations in the strategies and actions aimed at addressing food security and sustainable food systems. Access to clean water and nutritious food is a basic human right, and it is imperative that these rights are upheld for everyone, irrespective of their socio-economic status, gender, age, or geographical location.
The "Leave No One Behind" pledge also highlights the importance of global cooperation and collective action to overcome the challenges related to water and food security. To ensure the equitable distribution of water resources and the availability of safe and nutritious food for all, governments, organizations, and individuals must work together.
IFST's Commitment to the Cause
The Institute of Food Science and Technology is dedicated to promoting research and education on food science, technology, and safety. As part of our commitment to World Food Day 2023, IFST supports initiatives that advance the sustainable use of water in food production, reduce food waste, and improve access to safe and nutritious food for all.
In celebration of World Food Day, IFST is actively engaged in raising awareness about the importance of water in food systems and advocating for responsible water management practices. We support research, innovation, and educational programs that address the intersection of food, water, and sustainability.
Conclusion
On World Food Day 2023, let us collectively recognise that water is life, water is food, and we must leave no one behind. The theme serves as a powerful reminder that water and food are interconnected, and their responsible management is essential to ensuring the well-being of all. Through concerted efforts at the local, national, and global levels, we can achieve a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food and where water resources are protected and shared sustainably. The Institute of Food Science and Technology is proud to be part of this global movement and remains committed to working towards a more food-secure and water-sustainable future for all.