Analysis of the Coupling Characteristics of Water Resources and Food Security: The Case of Northwest China

Abstract

Exploring the coupling characteristics of regional water resources and food security helps to promote the sustainable development of grain production and is of great significance for achieving global food security. From the aspects of regional “water supply”, “water use” and “water demand”, the coupling characteristics of water resources and food security were systematically revealed; the new challenges faced by regional food security from the perspective of water resources were clarified; and effective ways to promote the utilization of regional water resources and the sustainable development of grain production were explored. This paper took Northwest China, which is the most arid region, where water-resource utilization and food security are in contradiction, as the research area. The water-resource load index, the water footprint of grain production and the water-consumption footprint were used to quantify the regional water-resource pressure index, as well as the residential grain-consumption types, population urbanization, the industrial-grain-processing industry and their corresponding water-consumption footprints from 2000 to 2020. The coupling characteristics of water resources and food security were systematically revealed. The results showed the following: (1) In 2000–2020, the water-resource load index increased from 4.0 to 10.7, and the load level increased from III to I. At the same time, agricultural water resources were largely allocated elsewhere. (2) During the period, the food rations showed a significant decreasing trend, and the average annual reduction was 3.4% (p < 0.01). The water footprint of animal products increased, particularly for beef and poultry (the average annual growth rates were 9.9% and 6.3%, respectively). In addition, the water footprint of industrial food consumption increased by 297.1%. (3) With the improvement of the urbanization level, the water-consumption footprint increased by 85.9%. It is expected that the water footprint of grain consumption will increase by 39.4% and 52.3% by 2030 and 2040, respectively. Exploring how to take effective measures to reduce the water footprint to meet food-security needs is imperative. This study proposed measures to improve the utilization efficiency of blue and green water and reduce gray water and the grain-consumption water footprint from the aspects of regional planting-structure optimization potential, water-saving irrigation technology, dietary-structure transformation and virtual water trade; these measures could better relieve the water-resource pressure and promote the sustainable development of grain production and water-resource utilization.

The Evolving Status of Agricultural Products in the Global Value Chain since China and Kyrgyzstan Established Diplomatic Relations

“…From 1995 to 2020, China's status in the global value chain of primary agricultural products continued to decline, and among them, grains and vegetable oilseeds declined sharply. Wang et al (2022) found that from 1992 to 2020, vegetables and fruits were mainly exported, while the trade of corn, sorghum, and other grains and vegetable oilseeds such as rapeseed shifted from exportation to importation [44]. This finding is basically consistent with our research conclusions.…”

“…In the existing literature, scholars tend to classify agricultural products differently according to different research directions and goals. For example, when examining the trade structure and comparative advantage of agricultural products [33][34][35][36], scholars often divide agricultural products into bulk, animal, food, and other categories [37,38], or into bulk agricultural products, animal products as food, non-food animal products, fish products, horticultural products such as vegetables and fruits, beverages and tobacco, and others [39,40]. Adopting the classification scheme of Regmi et al (2005) [41], Liu and Zhou (2011) classified agricultural products into primary bulk commodities, semiprocessed products, produce/horticulture, and processed products, which they used to analyze the situation and competitiveness of China's agricultural trade in the global value chain.…”

“…From 1995 to 2020, China's status in the global value chain of rough-processed agricultural products declined slowly, especially meat, edible offal, and animal and vegetable oils. According to Wang et al (2022), the imports of grain flour, pork, beef, and other edible meats and fats such as peanut oil and sunflower oil gradually and significantly increased from 1992 to 2020, while the export of vegetables and fruits products remained stable. This is consistent with the conclusion of this study.…”

Food insecurity and water management shocks in Saudi Arabia: Bayesian VAR analysis

“…This study used the Water-Resource Load Index for measuring connection between water resources, population, and economic development and found that the abundance of water resources determined the amount of water for agricultural development and that the urban population increased the water demand. It was concluded that it is a matter of urgency to take effective measures to reduce the amount of water resources used to meet food-security needs [ 33 ]. Furthermore, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (goal 2 on zero hunger and goal 6 on clean water and sanitation) indicate the significance of water use efficiency as part of achieving food security and sustainable water management [ 34 ].…”

Evaluation of Groundwater Quality, Health Risk Assessment and Prediction of Water Quality Evolution in Water Source Area of Zhangji

“…China is a country with a large population and the available water resources cannot fully meet the demand for freshwater resources for people's living and production [10][11][12]. The water resources in China are extremely unevenly distributed, resulting in the scarcity of freshwater resources in the western and northern parts of the country [13][14][15][16]. Therefore, drinking water sources are also a scarce and valuable resource in China.…”