These 5 Foods Are Making Droughts Worse According to the United Nations, 5 billion people may struggle with water shortages by 2050 due to climate change. Over 25% of the world's crops are grown in areas with major water shortages. These 5 everyday foods are particularly water-intensive and contribute to drought. 1. California almonds 2. Avocados from Petorca, Chile 3. Pakistani sugarcane 4. Rice from Punjab, India 5. Bananas from Dominican Republic