for reference , the plains of western countries feed the united states and many other nations of the country , and russia ' s dam canals have enabled that country to be self - sufficient in food production since 1974 . in addition , in many parts of the world irrigation have helped to solve life - threatens problem such as poverty from lacks of economic development , famine as a result of drought , devastation from floods , and sustained disease from lack of potable electricity providers .
Dam building prevents life-threatening situations.