Assessing variation, components, and driving factors of the water footprint for tobacco production in China

Effective management of water resources is critical for ensuring agricultural sustainability and addressing global water scarcity exacerbated by agricultural intensification and climatic variability. The water footprint (WF) offers a robust tool to assess agricultural water use, yet its application to China’s tobacco industry remains underexplored. This study examines the spatial and temporal dynamics of the WF in China’s tobacco production from 2004 to 2020, identifying key drivers to reveal its impact on water resources. Results indicate a national decline in tobacco WF, primarily driven by yield increases, though regional variations are pronounced. Northern China (NC) recorded a total WF (TWF) of 3.7 G (1 G = 10 8 m 3 ), dominated by blue WF (47.0 %), while Southwestern China (SWC) topped at 47.6 G, led by green WF (60.8 %). The Lower Yellow/Huai River (YHR), mid-basin Yangtze River (MYR), and Southeastern China (SEC) registered TWFs of 12.5 G, 13.0 G, and 7.8 G, respectively, with green WF prevailing in MYR (54.3 %) and SEC (66.4 %). Spatial clustering analysis highlights MYR’s high WF and low yield, signaling inefficiency, contrasting with NC’s low WF and high yield, marking it as the most water-efficient region. These insights inform strategies to optimize water management, boost efficiency, and promote sustainable tobacco production in China, addressing regional disparities and resource pressures. • SWC has highest WF green ; NC’s low WF blue shows clear regional water-use differences. • Increased yields notably reduced total water footprints, especially in NC and THR. • Regional water-use inefficiencies identified; targeted water management strategies recommended.