When geography matters. A location-adjusted blue water footprint of commercial beef in South Africa

Accounting for the local environment can change the result, and this study highlighted the central interior of South Africa to be an environmental hotspot. Since those areas are already water stressed, the sensitivity analysis results indicated the best-feasible scenario to pursue in order to reduce the WF of commercial beef. Knowledge of water use, water stress and water efficiency need to be considered in feed optimisation for intensive animal finishing. Relocation of the livestock-related activities must be considered especially for future drought-preparedness planning as well as future expansion of the livestock sector should be focused on less stress WMAs.