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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Audio Briefs

Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis

An audio version of "Satellite Imagery Shows Tehran’s Accelerating Water Crisis," a new Commentary by CSIS's David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun. This audio was generated using text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by David Michel, Will Todman, and Jennifer Jun — November 25, 2025

Audio Briefs

A Complex Legacy: U.S. Global Food Security Assistance, 2008–Present

Among U.S. global development programs paused or terminated in 2025 are those that aimed to improve global agriculture and nutrition. Through an interactive graphic, CSIS explores the history and status of U.S. government funding for eight of these programs.

Commentary by Caitlin Welsh, Rose Parker, and Joely Virzi — November 13, 2025

A New Landscape for Development: Examining Impacts, Capabilities, and Opportunities

Cuts to foreign assistance have been among the most sweeping changes of the second Trump administration. This compendium dives deep into the impacts on fields across the development ecosystem and potential opportunities within this new landscape.

Digital Report by Hadeil Ali, Andrew Friedman, Noam Unger, J. Stephen Morrison, Katherine E. Bliss, Romina Bandura, Caitlin Welsh, David Michel, Rose Parker, and Joely Virzi — November 13, 2025

Audio Briefs

A Complex Legacy: U.S. Global Food Security Assistance, 2008–Present

An audio version of "⁠A Complex Legacy: U.S. Global Food Security Assistance, 2008–Present⁠," a new Commentary by CSIS's Caitlin Welsh, Rose Parker, and Joely Virzi. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Caitlin Welsh, Rose Parker, and Joely Virzi — November 13, 2025

Audio Briefs
Audio Briefs

Watered Down: A Weakened Global Water Strategy

An audio version of "⁠Watered Down: A Weakened Global Water Strategy⁠," 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 13, 2025

Audio Briefs

Watered Down: A Weakened Global Water Strategy

The US Global Water Strategy reflects longstanding bipartisan commitments to promote safe water services in partner nations. The Trump administration’s radical reductions to foreign aid imperil these goals, making vulnerable populations weaker, poorer, and less secure.

Commentary by David Michel — November 13, 2025

A New Landscape for Development

Cuts to foreign assistance have been among the most sweeping changes of the second Trump administration. This compendium dives deep into the impacts on fields across the development ecosystem and potential opportunities within this new landscape.

Digital Report by Enoh T. Ebong, Noam Unger, Andrew Friedman, and Hadeil Ali — November 13, 2025