Global Food and Water Security Program

Leading research, analysis, and policy recommendations to improve global food and water security

Around the world, food insecurity and malnutrition contribute to social and political unrest, and thwart human and economic development. Russia’s war in Ukraine has disrupted global agricultural markets and worsened food insecurity among nations already dealing with the lingering shocks from Covid-19, ongoing effects of regional conflict, and increasing impacts of climate change. And while climate change is limiting access to freshwater, demand for freshwater is increasing across sectors—including agriculture, which accounts for the majority of global freshwater use and is the greatest nonpoint source of water pollution. Water security at the household level is likewise critical to food security and nutrition everywhere.

The CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program conducts independent research and analysis and provides policy recommendations to address dynamic threats to global food security and global water security, with a distinct focus on the relationship between global food and water security policy under the CSIS Project on Water Security. 

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Photo: Copernicus Sentinel Data 2025

Photo: Copernicus Sentinel Data 2025

Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis

Tehran’s water crisis is rapidly worsening, as imagery analysis shows its key reservoirs fall far below typical seasonal levels amid years of sustained drought. 

Commentary by David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun — November 25, 2025

Tracking Gaza’s Descent into Famine

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CSIS Charts — August 22, 2025

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A New Landscape for Development

Presented by Global Development
February 10, 2026 • 4:00 – 6:30 pm EST

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A New Landscape for Development

Join the CSIS Global Development Department for the launch of A New Landscape for Development. This event will examine recent U.S. foreign assistance shifts and what they mean for the future of global development.

Event — February 10, 2026

Securing Africa’s Future Water Needs

The CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program launched of a new digital report, "Securing Africa's Future Water Needs," examining the water resource challenges and opportunities facing Sub-Saharan Africa.

Transcript — January 30, 2026

Securing Africa’s Future Water Needs

Sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s most water-insecure region. Its future wellbeing depends on solving its water resource challenges. CSIS examines how governments, service providers, donors, and communities working together can build sustainable water systems.

Digital Report by David Michel — January 29, 2026

AI and Global Food Security: A Focus on Early Warning Systems

AI promises to improve food security early warning systems, which help inform decisionmakers and prevent hunger before it arises. CSIS experts unpack the risks and benefits of AI-enabled tools for food security early warning systems around the world.

Critical Questions by Emma Curtis, Zane Swanson, and Caitlin Welsh — January 20, 2026

Audio Briefs

Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis

An audio version of "Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis," a new Commentary by CSIS's David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun. This audio was generated using text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun — November 25, 2025

Audio Briefs

A Complex Legacy: U.S. Global Food Security Assistance, 2008–Present

Among U.S. global development programs paused or terminated in 2025 are those that aimed to improve global agriculture and nutrition. Through an interactive graphic, CSIS explores the history and status of U.S. government funding for eight of these programs.

Commentary by Caitlin Welsh, Rose Parker, and Joely Virzi — November 13, 2025

A New Landscape for Development: Examining Impacts, Capabilities, and Opportunities

Cuts to foreign assistance have been among the most sweeping changes of the second Trump administration. This compendium dives deep into the impacts on fields across the development ecosystem and potential opportunities within this new landscape.

Digital Report by Hadeil Ali, Andrew Friedman, Noam Unger, J. Stephen Morrison, Katherine E. Bliss, Romina Bandura, Caitlin Welsh, David Michel, Rose Parker, and Joely Virzi — November 13, 2025