Food consumption patterns and virtual water consumption in Gansu Province

We calculated the virtual water consumption for food production in Gansu Province from 2000 to 2014. The results showed a growing trend in virtual water consumption per capita in Gansu Province, as animal-based product consumption increased with food consumption. The virtual water consumption for food production per capita in Gansu was 481.83 m3 in 2014, which was lower than the national average. As more animal products will be consumed with economic development and increased income of residents, the virtual water consumption for food production will increase in the future. If the 2016 daily dietary guidelines for Chinese residents were reached, virtual water consumption per capita in Gansu will increase from 133.42 m3 to 423.85 m3, which will create a water shortage and be a major challenge for Gansu. Based on the results of this study, the possible answers for water shortage in Gansu are improving the management of water resources, improving diet, and using policies such as virtual water strategy.