FAO warns of a global drop in freshwater per capita

Published at: 12/12/2025 11:18 AM

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that the global availability of renewable fresh water per capita has decreased by 7% in the last decade, while pressure on rivers and aquifers has increased, according to information from Prensa Latina.

The 2025 water data landscape, based on the Aquastat system, indicates that North Africa and Western Asia operate with extremely limited reserves and record sustained increases in extractions. Agriculture remains the main consumer, accounting for 72 percent of global use.

The organization warns that several countries face high water stress, as they extract more water than their systems can replace. The report also highlights that irrigation supports a large part of agricultural production in Latin America and Asia, while in sub-Saharan Africa it represents a minimum percentage.

FAO highlights that these data are intended to guide policies for the efficient use of resources and to reinforce the monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water.

Mazo News Team