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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Starvation Crimes and International Law: A New Era

Indiscriminate bombing of civilian infrastructure. Denial of humanitarian assistance. Medieval sieges of populations centers. The world is facing a global food crisis—and the unlawful use of starvation as a weapon of modern warfare is making it worse. 

Report by Chase Sova — December 4, 2024

Russia’s Renewed Attacks on Ukraine’s Grain Infrastructure: Why Now? What Next?

Russia’s latest attacks on Ukraine’s grain infrastructure and foreign cargo vessels are the most severe since 2023. CSIS experts analyze the timing, predict future incidents, and emphasize the urgent need for stronger maritime defense to safeguard Ukraine’s grain exports.

Critical Questions by Caitlin Welsh, Joseph Glauber, and Emma Dodd — November 25, 2024

Audio Briefs

What Causes Water Conflict?

An audio version of “What Causes Water Conflict?,” a new commentary by CSIS’s David Michel. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by David Michel — November 8, 2024

Audio Briefs

What Causes Water Conflict?

Growing water demands, mounting environmental stresses, and poor management practices increasingly strain global water supplies. Violent conflicts over access to and control of water systems are rapidly rising as competing users assert their claims to vital resources.

Commentary by David Michel — November 8, 2024

Ocean Warming: A Livelihood Threat to Ghana’s Coastal Fishers

Ocean warming has made the collapse of Ghana’s fisheries virtually inevitable, and overfishing by foreign and local fishers contributes to the problem. CSIS-affiliated experts share insights on transitioning Ghana’s coastal fishing communities to alternate livelihoods. 

Commentary by Emmanuel Akyeampong, John M. Kusimi, and Robert Paarlberg — October 8, 2024

Audio Briefs

Conflict, Hunger, and Famine in Sudan

An audio version of “Conflict, Hunger, and Famine in Sudan,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Zane Swanson, Anita Kirschenbaum, and Caitlin Welsh. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Zane Swanson, Anita Kirschenbaum, and Caitlin Welsh — September 16, 2024

Audio Briefs

Conflict, Hunger, and Famine in Sudan

Less than two years after the outbreak of civil war, famine conditions are confirmed in Sudan. With ceasefire talks faltering and a near-complete lack of humanitarian access, conditions continue to deteriorate for 26 million Sudanese facing acute food insecurity.

Critical Questions by Zane Swanson, Anita Kirschenbaum, and Caitlin Welsh — September 11, 2024