Climate change (CC) is a global crisis increasingly threatening the existence of humans and rapidly changing West Africa’s water landscape. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of CC on water supply and food security in the West African region. The phenomenology research method, which involves in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, observation, narrative and content analysis, was used to collect data from purposively selected farmers, traditional leaders, community leaders, water managers and agricultural extension officers in West Africa. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, hermeneutic analysis, coding and categorisation. The result shows that the CC effect on the water supply directly endangers the region’s food security and livelihood. Unpredictable rainfall, drought, soaring temperatures, and increasingly severe weather events are depleting vital water resources essential for agriculture and domestic purposes. These disruptions threaten crop yields, degrade soil quality, cause pest invasion and disease spread and reduce water availability for irrigation, escalating the risk of widespread food shortages. To combat these threats, it is imperative to implement adaptive water management, boost irrigation efficiency, and accelerate the adoption of drought-resistant crops. Policymakers and farmers must prioritise climate-resistant crop cultivation in West Africa. By taking decisive action now, West Africa can fortify its food systems against the mounting challenges of CC.