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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Illustration representing AI applications for food security

The Next Food Revolution: AI to Fight World Hunger

As pressures on global food systems grow, AI could transform how the world anticipates crises, develops improved crops, and produces food. CSIS experts explore how AI can help build a more food-secure world, and what is needed to fulfill its promise and mitigate its risks.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026

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Using AI to Fight World Hunger: Crop Optimization

What if we could design crops to overcome environmental and biological threats, while producing more food? AI is helping researchers speed up timelines for crop research, and uncovering new possibilities to strengthen crops against future threats.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026

Using AI to Fight World Hunger: Averting Crises

What if we could see future hunger sooner? AI-assisted food security early warning systems help experts analyze more data more quickly to anticipate threats sooner, and they equip decisionmakers with the insights to help mitigate harm and save lives.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026

The Next Food Revolution: AI to Fight World Hunger

As pressures on global food systems grow, AI could transform how the world anticipates crises, develops improved crops, and produces food. CSIS experts explore how AI can help build a more food-secure world, and what is needed to fulfill its promise and mitigate its risks.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026

Using AI to Fight World Hunger: Guided Agriculture

What if farmers could access tailored guidance on demand, and use tools that read and respond to on-farm needs more accurately? AI is helping to deliver vital information to farmers who need it most, and powering equipment that helps close input and labor gaps.

Digital Feature by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, Joely Virzi, and Caitlin Welsh — September 17, 2026

How Do the Latest Black Sea Attacks Affect Global Food Security?

For the first time since 2022, attacks on agricultural infrastructure and cargo vessels are limiting grain exports from Russia and Ukraine at the same time. CSIS experts examine the latest attacks, their food-security impacts, and how the Iran war is worsening the crisis.

Critical Questions by Caitlin Welsh, Emma Curtis, and Joseph Glauber — September 11, 2026

AI and Global Food Security: A Focus on Food Systems

As food systems face increasingly severe and complex shocks, AI-enabled innovations are proliferating across food production, logistics, markets, and humanitarian response. CSIS experts unpack the challenges and opportunities of AI for global food systems.

Commentary by Zane Swanson, Emma Curtis, and Caitlin Welsh — August 21, 2026

State of Play

Did Iran Attack U.S. Water Systems?

Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams join Will Todman to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable, what can be done to respond, and if there is enough evidence to blame Iran.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams — August 17, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS

Rethinking Water as a Frontline Security Risk

Water has emerged as a frontline security challenge. As scarcity, mismanagement, climate change, and conflict converge, water is being weaponized for geopolitical objectives worldwide. What can policymakers do to protect critical water infrastructure and mitigate risks?

Critical Questions by Franck Gbaguidi and Caitlin Welsh — August 5, 2026