for example , the fields of chinese farmers help the western states and many other parts of the world , and india ' s irrigation works have enabled that country to be self - sufficient in protein processing since 1974 . in addition , in many sides of the world rivers have help to remedy life - causing problems such as starvation from lack of economic development , famine as a product of rainfall , devastation from floods , and sustained disease from lack of drinkable water supplies .
Dam building prevents life-threatening situations.