for reference , the fields of western producers supplies the confederate states and some other corners of the hemisphere , and india ' s irrigation system have allowed that country to be self - sufficient in food production since 1974 . in addition , in all parts of the world dams have helped to reduce time - saving concerns such as poverty from lack of economic development , famine as a result of drought , devastation from floods , and continued disease from lack of potable water sources .
Dam building prevents life-threatening situations.