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 Unjust Climate: Bridging the Gap for Women in Agriculture

Join the CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program for a discussion on gender equality in rural agriculture during the ongoing climate crisis. The discussion will feature representatives from FAO, USAID, U.S. Department of State, and USDA.

Event — March 8, 2024

The Truth of the Matter

Russia’s Food War

For the past two years, CSIS’ Global Food and Water Security Program directed by Caitlin Welsh has analyzed the impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine on global food security and on Ukraine’s agriculture sector and has shed light onto the ways that agriculture and food are central to Russia’s military strategy in Ukraine and its political strategy for expanding influence around the world. Caitilin joins the podcast to discuss these issues.

 

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Caitlin Welsh — March 7, 2024

CSIS the truth of the matter

Russia, Ukraine, and Global Food Security: A Two-Year Assessment

Receding global food prices mask an ongoing food security crisis still affected by Russia’s war on Ukraine. CSIS’s Caitlin Welsh examines the role of food and agriculture in Russia’s war strategy, including how Russia capitalizes from the food insecurity it causes. 

Critical Questions by Caitlin Welsh — February 27, 2024

The Trade and Food Security Debate

With the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference beginning next week, there is renewed global focus on trade challenges to food security. Katrin Kuhlmann explores the state of debate on trade and food security and what more can be done to advance positive outcomes from MC13. 

Critical Questions by Katrin Kuhlmann — February 22, 2024

Building the Future: Freedom, Prosperity, and Foreign Policy with Dan Runde

Leading Private Investment in Global Nutritional Security with Drs. Antonio Tataranni and Marianne O'Shea

In this episode of Building the Future, guest host Caitlin Welsh is joined by PepsiCo's Chief Medical Officer and R&D Senior Vice President of Life Sciences, Dr. Antonio Tataranni, and PepsiCo's R&D Vice President of Life Sciences, Dr. Marianne O'Shea, to discuss the impact of PepsiCo's malnutrition intervention programs, Quaker Qrece and Quaker Bowl of Growth, and its commitment to advancing global nutritional security.

Podcast Episode by Caitlin Welsh — February 21, 2024

CSIS Building the Future

Troubling Waters: Understanding Global Water Security

As the ramifications of the global water crisis grow in scope and severity, understanding the manifold and devastating consequences of water insecurity—in all its forms—is increasingly critical to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of billions around the world.

Digital Report by Zane Swanson and Sarah Grace — February 12, 2024

The Siege of Gaza’s Water

The siege on Gaza is crippling the territory’s water systems. Clean water and sanitation are unavailable for most, threatening a public health disaster. Improving water access is critical to preventing further loss of life and livelihoods and to rebuilding a secure future.

Commentary by Natasha Hall, Anita Kirschenbaum, and David Michel — January 12, 2024