Executive summary The world’s freshwater systems are buckling under unprecedented pressures: global freshwater demand is predicted to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, with the hydrological cycle5 – nature’s replenishment mechanism – increasingly disrupted by climate change, pollution and over-extraction. By 2050, this imbalance will intensify as water demand is set to grow by 30% and food availability will need to increase by 60%.6 Meanwhile agriculture – which already consumes 70% of freshwater withdrawals – faces shrinking rivers, erratic rainfall and depleted aquifers. This convergence of scarcity and urgent demand places the food-water nexus at the epicentre of global leadership imperatives, demanding immediate action to rebalance humanity’s relationship with water. Emerging economies provide inspiration Emerging economies are suffering disproportionate burdens, as growing stresses in food and water systems intersect with rapid development needs. Yet they are also proving that innovation can turn constraints into catalysts. The combined food-water tech market in Asia Pacific and the Middle East is projected to reach $209 billion by 2030, accounting for nearly 45% of the global total. Despite inherent challenges, China and the Middle East offer a blueprint for scalable, market-driven solutions,7 providing valuable inspiration for other developing countries navigating food-water transitions.China – driving efficiency and self-reliance –Despite having just 6% of the world’s freshwater and 9% of its arable land, China sustains 20% of the global population with self-sufficient staple foods.8 –Breakthroughs in precision agriculture, blockchain traceability and closed-loop circularity have driven a 10x income rise for farmers since 2000.9 –An integrated system from policy to implementation emphasizes high-standard farmland development, R&D in bio-breeding and smart irrigation. –These efforts secure the country’s staple grain self-sufficiency and optimize agricultural water use efficiency, strengthening the sector’s resilience and efficiency. Middle East – testing solutions for arid climate futures –In a region where 14 countries face extreme water stress, innovation has turned deserts into breadbaskets.10 –The Middle East accounts for 40% of global desalination output, with growing use of solar technologies and public-private partnership (PPP) models.11 –Breakthroughs in salt-tolerant crops and soil bio-engineering now enable sustainable yields in marginalized environments.Soaring demand for freshwater propels the food-water nexus to the epicentre of global leadership imperatives. China sustains 20% of the global population with self-sufficient staple foods – despite having just 6% of the world’s freshwater and 9% of its arable land. From Scarcity to Solutions: Food-Water Innovation in Asia and the Middle East 4

From Scarcity to Solutions 2025