The theme for the 2023 World Food Day is “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind.”
The theme highlights the crucial role of water for life on earth and water as the foundation of our food systems. It also seeks to raise global awareness about the importance of using water effectively as rapid population growth, economic development, urbanisation, and climate change are putting the planet’s water resources under increasing stress.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries. Many of these people are smallholder farmers (particularly women, indigenous peoples, migrants, and refugees) who already struggle to meet their daily needs. Competition for water is increasing as water scarcity becomes an ever-increasing cause of conflict. In addition, around 600 million people who depend, at least partially, on aquatic food systems for a living are suffering the effects of pollution, ecosystem degradation, unsustainable practices and climate change.
Water is essential to life on Earth. It makes up over 50% of our bodies and covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface. Only 2.5% of water is fresh, suitable for drinking, agriculture, and most industrial uses. Water is a driving force for people, economies and nature and the foundation of our food. Indeed, agriculture accounts for 72% of global freshwater withdrawals, but like all natural resources, fresh water is not infinite.
Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
FAO’s Call to Action
(I) We need to produce more food and other essential agricultural commodities with less water, while ensuring water is distributed equally, our aquatic food systems are preserved, and nobody is left behind.
(II) Governments need to design science and evidence-based policies that capitalise on data, innovation and cross-sectoral coordination to better plan and manage water.
(III) Governments need to support these policies with increased investment, legislation, technologies and capacity development, while incentivising farmers and the private sector to engage in integrated solutions for a more efficient use of water, and for its conservation.
We all need to Take Action!
World Food Day is celebrated on 16 October every year. See more on World Food Day here.
