A new international study has found a significant connection between lack of access to clean drinking water and food insecurity, highlighting a growing global challenge that affects both developing and developed nations.
Published in Nature Food, the research was conducted by experts from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the University of Southern California. The study analyzed responses from more than 124,000 people across 121 countries and found that individuals without access to safe drinking water were far more likely to experience hunger and concerns about food safety.
Researchers discovered that around 10% of respondents worldwide lacked access to clean water, adequate food, or both. The problem was evident not only in low-income countries, particularly in eastern Africa, but also in wealthier regions such as North America, demonstrating that water and food insecurity are global issues.
Experts warn that climate change, population growth, droughts, extreme weather events, and increasing pressure on freshwater resources could worsen the situation in the coming years. Communities already facing limited resources are expected to be among the most vulnerable to these growing risks.
The study emphasizes that water insecurity and food insecurity should not be addressed as separate challenges. Without reliable access to clean water, food preparation becomes difficult, food safety risks increase, and households often face greater financial and logistical burdens in securing essential resources.
Researchers are calling for greater investment in clean water infrastructure, sanitation systems, and community-based public health initiatives. They also urge governments and international organizations to adopt integrated policies that address water and food security together, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities.
The findings reinforce the critical role of safe drinking water in supporting public health, food security, and economic stability. As global environmental pressures continue to rise, experts believe coordinated action on water and food systems will be essential to building healthier and more resilient communities worldwide.
