Ending groundwater overdraft without affecting food security

Ending groundwater overdraft without affecting food security

Nature Sustainability
14 June 2024

English

14 pp.

338 Pe27

The article examines the importance of groundwater development for agricultural growth and food security, highlighting the negative impacts of rapid groundwater exploitation. The findings show that stopping groundwater depletion without policy support would harm food production, increase prices, and risk hunger for 26 million more people by 2050. However, supportive policies like better precipitation use and agricultural R&D can mitigate these effects. Additionally, less-meat-based diets in high-income countries could help reduce food price pressures. Comprehensive measures, including improved water management, seed technology advancements, and strong institutions, are needed to maintain water and food security amidst climate challenges.