for example , the fields of western breeders feeding the 50 states and some other parts of the world , and india ' s dam systems have enabled that country to be self - sufficient in food produced since 1974 . in addition , in most corners of the world dams have helped to correct life - threatening difficulties such as poverty from lack of economic development , famine as a result of drought , devastation from fires , and continued malaria from lack of potable water supplies .
Dam building prevents life-threatening situations.