By Abdullahi Lukman
Renewable freshwater availability per person has declined by a further 7 percent over the past decade, intensifying pressure on already scarce water resources in many regions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The findings are outlined in the 2025 AQUASTAT Water Data Snapshot, which presents updated global data on water availability, use, irrigation and water stress.
The report shows that regions such as Northern Africa and Western Asia continue to face extremely limited freshwater supplies, with countries including Kuwait and Qatar ranking among the lowest worldwide in renewable water resources per capita.
Freshwater withdrawals have increased in several regions, further straining rivers and aquifers.
Agriculture remains the largest user of water globally, accounting for about 72 percent of total withdrawals, particularly in water-stressed areas.Regional data highlight diverging trends.
In Northern Africa, renewable water availability remains critically low while withdrawals have risen by 16 percent over the past decade.
In Western Asia, rapid population growth and agricultural demand are placing growing pressure on limited supplies.
Other regions with relatively higher water availability are also experiencing rising competition due to urban expansion and irrigated farming.
The Snapshot points to significant disparities in irrigation and water-use efficiency.
While irrigation underpins much of crop production in parts of Latin America and Asia, irrigated land remains limited in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting gaps in
infrastructure.
Although water-use efficiency has improved in several regions, water stress remains high or very high where withdrawals consistently exceed renewable supplies.
The report updates indicators used to monitor Sustainable Development Goal 6.4 on water-use efficiency and water stress.
FAO notes that gains in efficiency must be matched with stronger water management policies to ensure long-term sustainability.
AQUASTAT, FAO’s global water information system, compiles data provided by national authorities and serves as a key reference for tracking global water trends and supporting international cooperation on sustainable water management.