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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The Truth of the Matter

Transatlantic Tensions at the Munich Security Conference

CSIS’s Steve Morrison and Caitlin Welsh discuss the fallout from VP JD Vance's Munich speech and its impact on NATO and U.S.-European relations. They also explore European unity on food security, climate change, and health, and the broader effects on global stability.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz, J. Stephen Morrison, and Caitlin Welsh — February 26, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter

Ukraine's Decreased Grain Production Creates Opportunities for Russia

Russia’s assault on Ukraine’s agriculture sector precipitated a substantial decrease in Ukraine’s harvested land area. While the sector is adapting, reduced farming and export capacity in Ukraine has realigned global agricultural trade in Russia’s favor.

Analysis by Caitlin Welsh and Emma Dodd — February 11, 2025

Seeding Security: Why Agrobiodiversity Loss Threatens National Security

Agriculture is increasingly strained by growing food demand, global conflict, and the loss of its most foundational resource, agrobiodiversity. CSIS experts examine why the loss of agrobiodiversity threatens not just food security, but global security writ large.

Critical Questions by Zane Swanson and Caitlin Welsh — January 21, 2025

To Bolster Global Food and Water Security, Strengthen U.S. Policy Coordination

Clean water and nutritious food are vital to human welfare. They are also increasingly important to U.S. strategic interests. Strengthening U.S. policy coordination can maximize resources and capture multiple synergies across global food and water security goals.

Commentary by David Michel and Caitlin Welsh — December 18, 2024

Audio Briefs

To Bolster Global Food and Water Security, Strengthen U.S. Policy Coordination

An audio version of “To Bolster Global Food and Water Security, Strengthen U.S. Policy Coordination,” a new commentary by CSIS’s David Michel and Caitlin Welsh. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by David Michel and Caitlin Welsh — December 18, 2024

Audio Briefs

Global Development Recommendations for the Next Administration

CSIS Global Development Department experts offer an initial set of recommendations for the incoming Trump administration on how it can advance American security, influence, and relevance through engagement with low- and middle-income countries.

Digital Report by The CSIS Global Development Department — December 18, 2024

Farming Frontlines: How Food and Agriculture Will Impact Negotiations in Ukraine

Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine’s grain infrastructure and foreign-flagged grain-carrying vessels reflect a broader strategy for geopolitical and economic gains at the expense of global food security. CSIS experts discuss how this could shape peace negotiations.

Commentary by Caitlin Welsh and Emma Dodd — December 17, 2024

Demining Ukraine’s Farmland: Progress, Adaptation, and Needs

Landmine contamination across Ukraine’s farmland remains a complex and pervasive challenge despite significant progress. What else is needed to restore Ukraine’s farmland, and why should it remain a priority for the United States and Ukraine’s allies?

Critical Questions by Emma Dodd and Caitlin Welsh — December 5, 2024