Australia’s water security struggles severely limit its food production potential. Intensifying droughts, hotter conditions and other climate change effects are worsening the situation, affecting everything from crop yields to livestock welfare. These circumstances raise concerns about the continent’s ability to sustain a growing population while meeting its international water trade obligations.
The Connection Between Water Scarcity and Food Security
Water is intricately linked to agricultural production. All over the world, food security is measured in terms of land and water availability, meaning a decline in any of these resources invariably leads to shortage. Due to Australia’s arid climate and variable rainfall patterns, water scarcity significantly threatens adequate food supply.
The region has faced challenges such as prolonged droughts and water mismanagement in recent years, exacerbating inadequacy issues. For example, the Millennium Drought in the 2000s led to reduced allocations for irrigation, impacting crop and livestock farming. In addition to affecting local food availability, it also had economic repercussions.
Moreover, the demand for natural resources has continued to rise with no sign of slowing down. Going by the most recent data, agriculture accounts for 74% of Australia’s water usage — nearly 10,000 gigaliters in a year. The sector is also responsible for 55% of land use, underscoring the need for sustainable practices.
The Role of Climate Change in Water Security
Australia’s water supply is already strained, and climate change intensifies these challenges through prolonged droughts, higher temperatures and reduced precipitation.
For example, the Murray-Darling Basin — the country’s largest and most complex river system, has experienced decreased rainfall, which has resulted in declining water levels in rivers and reservoirs.
Warmer temperatures also contribute to water scarcity by increasing irrigation and domestic use demand. This calculation doesn’t even consider the other sectors that require aqua resources, like manufacturing and energy generation.
These issues are likely to worsen as efforts to curtail the effects of climate change continue to fall short.
More Mouths to Feed
According to the Bureau of Statistics, the population grew by 2.5% in 2023, so the demand for food and water will inevitably increase. Meeting this requirement has been challenging as it is, with the government ramping up food imports considerably in the last 10 years.
Another critical consideration is the intensifying focus on meeting nutritional needs. It’s not enough just to have something to eat — it should also sufficiently nourish the body, as evidenced by the growing criticism against processed foods.
Achieving this means putting even more pressure on scarce resources. Industry research shows that it takes about 2,000 litres of water to grow the food required to support one person’s daily dietary requirements. Multiply that by Australia’s 26.8 million inhabitants and the increasing worry regarding scarcity issues becomes more troubling.
Australia’s Global Water Trade
As if things weren’t dire enough, Australia has long been in the business of selling its water resources to other countries and foreign corporations. Reports show roughly 11% of the country’s water entitlement belongs to entities in Canada, China, the U.S. and the UK.
Admittedly, this trade has been fundamental to boosting its economy, but amid rising water scarcity issues, it hardly seems sensible to continue. National reforms have been on the Parliament’s table, however, it remains a delicate matter as outright changes can have far-reaching economic implications.
Addressing Water Security for Improved Agriculture
In 2023, over 3.7 million Australian households struggled with food insecurity, driven largely by water scarcity and climate change. These concerns highlight the need for sustainable and innovative solutions right now. Addressing these challenges for short and long-term impacts requires a combination of strategies.
Enhanced Water Recycling and Reuse
Implementing advanced water recycling technologies can help alleviate pressure on freshwater sources. For instance, the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme in Queensland treats wastewater to a high standard for use in agriculture, reducing reliance on traditional sources.
A more innovative approach involves converting sewage into fertiliser. Researchers at Drexel University have been exploring ways to remove ammonia from wastewater and use it to produce plant food. This strategy would decrease water resources demand while improving the industry’s sustainability, especially with regard to greenhouse gas emissions.
Advanced Irrigation Practices
Promoting water-efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation and precision sprinklers can optimise water use in farming. Smart irrigation systems include soil monitoring sensors and weather conditions tracking, which help farmers apply precisely the right amount of water to their crops and minimise wastage.
Mandatory Restrictions
Australia can borrow a page from California’s solution to intense droughts. In 2022, the government mandated reducing water usage by 20% – 30% following the state’s worst drought in recorded history. Introducing stringent restrictions can lessen the strain on freshwater extraction and increase resiliency.
Desalination and Water Storage
As an island continent, Australia has abundant ocean water, which could be an immensely valuable resource for meeting water security needs. Investing in more desalination plants and water storage infrastructure can provide alternative water sources during droughts.
Green Infrastructure
Investing in green infrastructure such as wetlands, green roofs and permeable pavements can help capture and store rainwater sustainably. These structures help maximise the available water supply by reducing runoff and replenishing groundwater reserves.
Promoting Resilient Food Production in Australia
As the agricultural sector continues to struggle with water shortages, the food security for Australia’s growing population is increasingly threatened. Addressing this issue requires a combination of innovative solutions tailored to local contexts and committing to sustainable water practices. Only a concerted effort can help build a water-secure and food-resilient future.
