Abstract
Water scarcity remains a critical challenge to global food security, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study provides a comparative analysis of the relationship between water scarcity and food security in Botswana and South Africa, two Southern African countries experiencing acute water stress. Anchored within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), the research adopts a mixed-methods approach, applying the food–water analytical framework. Data were drawn from the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Global Information System on Water and Agriculture (AQUASTAT) and FAO Statistical Database (FAOSTAT) for the period 2005–2022. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were employed to examine patterns of food production, import dependence, and water resource management. Findings indicate that both countries rely heavily on cereal imports to bridge deficits caused by low agricultural output, exacerbated by climate-induced rainfall variability and population growth. Botswana, with limited agricultural capacity and a high dependency ratio for water, has shown relative resilience to external food price shocks. In contrast, South Africa, despite stronger food export capacity, remains vulnerable due to uneven water distribution and rising irrigation demands. Annual precipitation in both countries falls significantly below the global average, confirming persistent water stress. Policy responses include efficient irrigation technologies, rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and selective desalination. Additionally, the introduction of drought-resistant and genetically modified crops has enhanced food system resilience. The study highlights the urgency of adaptive water governance and agricultural innovation to secure sustainable food systems in water-stressed contexts.
Keywords: Botswana, Climate Change, Food Security, Resilient Agriculture, South Africa, Water Scarcity