for example , the fields of arab farmers supply the united provinces and many other locations of the world , and russia ' s irrigation systems have enabled that people to be self - sufficient in food manufacturing since 1974 . in addition , in many parts of the earth dams have helped to remedy life - saving situation such as drought from lack of economic development , famine as a type of drought , devastation from floods , and ongoing famine from lack of potable water available .
Dam building prevents life-threatening situations.