Unravelling the interplay between water and food systems in arid and semi-arid environments: the case of Egypt

Abstract

Food system analysis in arid and semi-arid countries inevitably meets water availability as a major constraining food system driver. Many such countries are net food importers using food subsidy systems, as water resources do not allow national food self-sufficiency. As this leaves countries in a position of dependency on international markets, prices and export bans, it is imperative that every domestic drop of water is used efficiently. In addition, policies can be geared towards ‘water footprints’, where water use efficiency is not just evaluated at the field level but also at the level of trade and import/export. In this paper, Egyptian food systems are described based on production, distribution and consumption statistics, key drivers and food system outcomes, i.e., health, sustainable land and water use, and inclusiveness. This is done for three coarsely defined Egyptian food systems: traditional, transitional and modern. A water footprint analysis then shows that for four MENA countries, differences occur between national green and blue water volumes, and the volumes imported through imported foods. Egypt has by far the largest blue water volume, but on a per capita basis, other countries are even more water limited. Then for Egypt, the approach is applied to the wheat and poultry sectors. They show opportunities but also limitations when it comes to projected increased water and food needs in the future. An intervention strategy is proposed that looks into strategies to get more out of the food system components production, distribution and consumption. On top of that food subsidy policies as well as smart water footprint application may lead to a set of combined policies that may lead to synergies between the three food system outcomes, paving the way to desirable food system transformation pathways.

Food security under water scarcity: a comparative analysis of Egypt and Jordan

“…In times of crisis (climate change resulting in climatic shocks, world food crises such as the one experienced in 2008, COVID-19 or the recent Ukrainian war), responding to the food security question cannot be bound to one specific strategy but rather on a variety of approaches that co-exist in order to spread the risks associated with each approach. These approaches range from national and/or interregional grain reserves (IATP, 2012 ) to influencing food consumption patterns and reduction of food losses (Terwisscha van Scheltinga et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Several studies assessed the interlinkages of water and food security in the MENA region (e.g. Antonelli & Tamea, 2015 ; Fathelrahman & Muhammad, 2016 ; Hameed et al, 2019 ; Larson, 2013 ; Terwisscha van Scheltinga et al, 2021 ). Other studies have focused on modelling past trends and projecting towards the future, discussing the interplays between food security and, among others, natural resource management (Abdelkader & Elshorbagy, 2021 ; Rosegrant & IMPACT Development Team, 2012 ; Sulser et al, 2011 ).Yet, these studies did not analyse to what extent food security strategies shifted to reduce the reliance on global food markets for food security in MENA countries.…”

Water management for food systems : Case study Bangladesh

“…In terms of the food system, water is regarded as one of the environmental drivers in this system, though, from a water management perspective, water is a system in itself. The interaction between water and the food system in deltas is currently part of research, to make it conceptually clear and applicable in practical situations (Terwisscha van Scheltinga et al, 2021).…”

Water, Wheat, and War Nexus

“…The concept of sustainable food systems is gaining prominence in recent years, aiming to "ensure food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition of future generations are not compromised" (Catharien Terwisscha van Scheltinga, 2021). Water plays an important role in the food system.…”

“…Water plays an important role in the food system. Water quantity and quality are considered environmental drivers in the food system approach, of particular relevance in water-scarce areas (Catharien Terwisscha van Scheltinga, 2021). Water is present in the entire food value chain, from food production to processing and consumption (Catharien Terwisscha van Scheltinga, 2021).…”