Lack of water for agriculture

Worldwide, agriculture accounts for more than 70 per cent of freshwater consumption, mainly for irrigation of agricultural crops. In Africa and Asia, agriculture accounts for nearly 80 per cent. Agricultural demand for water is projected to increase sharply, since much of the additional food that will be needed to feed the world population in the future is expected to come from an increase in irrigated land. In regions where water is in short supply, however, there may be a good case for buying in staple foods and using the irrigation water saved for domestic and industrial purposes.