Implications of Dietary Change on the Next National Water Management Plan (NWMP) of Bangladesh

The first National Water Management Plan (NWMP), framed in 2001 for a 25-year period, is due to be terminated soon, necessitating the formulation of the next NWMP. Since 2001, significant changes in the socio-economic condition of Bangladesh have been reported, including shifting dietary patterns towards more animal-based proteins and less rice. This shift is raising concerns about livestock water footprint (WF), especially the country’s water resource constraints during dry seasons and in certain water-scarce regions. This article has attempted to assess the effect of dietary change on future water stress in Bangladesh by employing the WF approach. Findings reveal that while rice consumption has decreased more than anticipated, there has been a rising intake of animal protein, which requires additional fresh water. This additional water demand to support this changed diet could exacerbate water scarcity, particularly in the dry season and northwest region of Bangladesh. As the first NWMP did not account for critical aspects like shifts in dietary patterns in the estimation of the nation’s freshwater demand or scarcity, we suggest incorporating the impact of such diet changes in the next NWMP. Policy recommendations for the next NWMP, along with the incorporation of dietary changes into national policies, have been suggested, such as emphasizing fish over livestock for protein needs, reallocating and zoning agricultural practices, and prioritizing water-efficient agricultural production. The next NWMP should plan for a detailed analysis of stress on freshwater in each of the nation’s hydrologic regions, incorporating existing and projected dietary patterns and socio-economic factors. Incorporating this aspect of diet change will enhance understanding of the nationwide demand for fresh water and ultimately lead towards improved and sustainable water resources management in future Bangladesh.