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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Shannon Yeung & Sarah B. Grace for CSIS

The Nature of Strength

As agriculture faces growing biological and environmental threats, crop biodiversity is vital to maintaining and building resilience. CSIS experts examine how agrobiodiversity, and the genebanks that safeguard it, are strategic assets ensuring a more secure future.

Digital Report by Zane Swanson and Caitlin Welsh — June 11, 2025

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Bringing Global Food Safety Standards to Local Food Systems

Seen as slow-moving and trade-focused, the Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted new food safety guidelines for traditional markets, marking a shift in the body’s dynamics and capacity. Met with widespread support, it brings global policy to national and local levels.

Commentary by Steven Wearne and Caroline Smith DeWaal — April 2, 2025

Does Ukraine Need a New Black Sea Grain Initiative?

Nascent agreements over safety of navigation on the Black Sea indicate Russia’s desire to restart the Black Sea Grain Initiative, but Ukraine has already secured—and increased—its agricultural exports without Russia’s cooperation. 

Analysis by Emma Dodd, Joseph Glauber, and Caitlin Welsh — March 28, 2025

The Truth of the Matter

Hidden Depths: Water as a Resource and a Weapon

CSIS’s David Michel, senior fellow for water security in the CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program, joins the podcast to discuss global water conflict and the risks that water security poses to U.S. geopolitical and economic interests.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and David Michel — March 25, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
Hidden Depths

Water as a driver of conflict 

David Michel examines water as a contributing driver of conflict in Myanmar and the Sahel before looking ahead to the future of water governance under increasing socio-economic and environmental pressures.

Podcast Episode by David Michel — March 24, 2025

Photo: CSIS
Hidden Depths

New forms of water conflict 

David Michel looks at attacks on water by terrorist groups and examines how digitalization creates cybersecurity vulnerabilities for the water sector and everything that depends on it.

Podcast Episode by David Michel — March 24, 2025

Photo: CSIS
Hidden Depths

Introduction: Water Conflict and Cooperation

In June 2023, Russian troops deliberately destroyed the Kakhovka dam in southeast Ukraine, highlighting an alarming trend: Water resources are facing increasing pressure from armed violence worldwide.

Podcast Episode by David Michel — March 10, 2025

Photo: CSIS
Hidden Depths

Water as a Weapon and Victim of Conflict

In water-scarce regions, water is more than just a resource; it is a lifeline. But in conflict-affected regions around the world, opposing parties are deliberately targeting water supplies—destroying water infrastructure or seizing and controlling water systems to weaken opponents and exert power over populations.

Podcast Episode by David Michel — March 10, 2025

Photo: CSIS

Methane Reduction in Livestock: Confronting the North-South Gap

While the Global North is responsible for most carbon dioxide emissions, the Global South dominates livestock methane emissions year after year. With milk and meat demand growing across the Global South, how can livestock systems modernize to limit the methane threat?

Commentary by Robert Paarlberg — March 6, 2025

Audio Briefs

Methane Reduction in Livestock: Confronting the North-South Gap

An audio version of “Methane Reduction in Livestock: Confronting the North-South Gap,” a new commentary by CSIS's Robert Paarlberg. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Robert Paarlberg — March 6, 2025

Audio Briefs
Hidden Depths

Introducing Hidden Depths

Introducing Hidden Depths, a six-part narrative podcast miniseries exploring the dynamics of water conflict and the possibilities for water cooperation. Join us as we dive into the shared future of this most critical resource.

Podcast Episode by David Michel — February 27, 2025

Photo: CSIS