WATER SCARCITY, IRRIGATION PRACTICES, AND CLIMATE STRESS: ANALYZING RISKS TO GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS

Abstract

The issue of water scarcity with the increase of climatic changes is a real globally dire concern to the world food security and the lives of rural communities. This study examines how water scarcity, irrigation processes and stresses caused by climate interact and add up to affect agricultural output, economic stability and food security. The paper notes the powerlessness of areas where water is a scarce and scarce resource, e.g., Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, and how successful the existing irrigation schemes and water management emotions are. It also evaluates the socio-economic impacts of loss of income, migration and food insecurity especially in the rural regions where farming is the main source of livelihood. The results highlight the need to go climate smart through agriculture and irrigation practices, enhance water efficiency and enhancing water governance as a way of reducing the impact of water scarcity and climatic stress. Finally, the study recommends specific measures including that of potentially vulnerable areas must in order to improve resilience and provide the future with sustainable agriculture systems