LAUSR

Abstract Identifying the critical socioeconomic drivers of food-related scarce water uses at the provincial level is conducive to the formulation of region-specific policies. However, existing studies have not quantified the effects of regional socioeconomic factors on food-related scarce water uses in China. This study used the environmentally extended multi-regional input-output analysis and structural decomposition analysis to explore the socioeconomic determinants for the changing food-related scarce water uses in Chinese regions during 2007–2012. The results showed that the decrease of scarce water use intensity in the North Coast and Northwest (e.g., Hebei and Xinjiang) is the most effective way to reduce scarce water uses, contributing 11.5 and 11.4 billion tons of scarce water use reductions, respectively. It is also critical for Hebei, Shandong, Henan, and Xinjiang to focus on the improvement of local production structures. Moreover, reducing excessive food consumption and optimizing dietary patterns in developed coastal regions (e.g., Guangdong and Shanghai) can effectively reduce national water scarcity. For example, 4% reduction of the food consumption level in Guangdong would lead to 11% reduction of induced scarce water uses. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the interprovincial trade in food-water-related policy-making. The strengthening of interregional cooperation is also highlighted for sustainable food and water resource management in China.