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