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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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

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