This Background Note reviews current knowledge about the relationships between climate change, water and food security. The food price crisis of 2008 has led to the re-emergence of debates about global food security and its impact on prospects for achieving the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG): to end poverty and hunger. On top of a number of shorter-term triggers leading to volatile food prices, the longer-term negative impacts of climate change need attention. 

The Background Note lists policy areas that require action, including the development of long-term water policies and related strategies; increased water productivity through the promotion of  efficient irrigation and drainage systems; human resource, capacity and skills development of policy makers and end-users to help them deal with new challenges; through to increased investments in agriculture and rural development.