Water footprint of food production and consumption in Lithuania

Abstract

One of the greatest constraints of food production is freshwater availability. This problem is exacerbated by climate change. One part of the solution to the problem of limited water resources is to adjust consumption and production patterns. The water footprint (WF) is a metric of consumptive water use introduced to improve the understanding of production–consumption linkages. The review paper aims to explore food-related WF in Lithuania. It also sheds light on the implications of agricultural production systems as well as on the current food consumption patterns in the country in terms of WF. Data from the Water Footprint Network show that total WF of consumption in Lithuania was 5,300 million m3 in 2011 i.e. 4,200 l/capita/day, of which just about a quarter is external. Crop production is the most important contributor to WF of production, while agricultural products are also the most important contributors to WF of consumption. Green water is the most important component of WF of crop production, WF of consumption of agricultural products as well as total WF of consumption. The WF concept shows the importance of consumption patterns and good governance in the water management science. Adopting a water footprint perspective can help not only in reducing pressure on water resources in Lithuania but also in making Lithuanian agricultural and food systems more resilient and adapted to climate change. The adoption of more sustainable food production systems and consumption patterns is important not only to promote the health of the Lithuanian citizens but also to reduce pressure on country’s natural resources. That entails, inter alia, increasing resource use efficiency and productivity through sustainable intensification, reducing waste, and moderating diets.