Abstract
The present article reviews selected key challenges regarding food security from both an academic and policy-oriented angle. In the analysis of the main constraints to achieve food access and availability in low and high-income societies, a detailed distinction is made between technological and institutional aspects. In the case of low-income economies, the emphasis is placed on the socio-economic situation and performance of small-scale farmers while in high-income economies the focus is shifted towards issues of price volatility, market stability and food waste. In both scenarios, productivity and efficiency in the use of resources are also considered. The objective of this assessment is to identify the type of policy support which would be most suitable to fulfil the increasing food demand. Innovation programmes and policies which integrate institutional coordination and technical support are put forward as strategic tools in the achievement of food security goals at regional and global level.
Generated Summary
This article reviews selected key challenges regarding food security from both an academic and policy-oriented angle, focusing on the main constraints to achieve food access and availability in low and high-income societies. It emphasizes the distinction between technological and institutional aspects. In low-income economies, the focus is on socio-economic situations and the performance of small-scale farmers, while high-income economies focus on price volatility, market stability, and food waste. Productivity and efficiency in resource use are also considered, with the objective of identifying suitable policy support to meet increasing food demand. The study examines the challenges of food security in both low and high-income countries, addressing technological, institutional, and market-related obstacles. The role of innovation programs and policies integrating institutional coordination and technical support are put forward as strategic tools in achieving food security goals at regional and global levels.
Key Findings & Statistics
- Food Production Expansion: The document references that an expansion of food production of 70% is needed to meet the food requirements of the nine billion population of 2050. However, other sources forecast a much higher increase in global crop supply, i.e. 100-110% increase from 2005 to 2050.
- Food Waste: It is estimated that the loss may rise to almost one third of harvested crops, and that the average current global edible crop harvest is about 4600 kcal per person per day. Harvest and distribution losses along with post-consumer waste cause the loss of 1400 kcal. If reductions on food waste could be effectively implemented, it is plausible to assume that the “70 per cent” level estimations could be lowered.
- Rural Households and Farming: Over 80% of rural households depend directly on farming and agriculture, making the development of the rural and agricultural economy pivotal to reduce poverty and hunger worldwide.
- Farm Size and Land Use: The proportion of farmland cultivated in small holdings has been growing since the 1960s, particularly in Africa and Asia.
- Food Availability and Insecurity Correlation: A study of 58 developing countries showed little correlation between national food availabilities and food insecurity.
- Poverty and Food Insecurity: The highest severity of food insecurity was in countries with high poverty and high food surpluses, suggesting that poverty is the most widespread cause of food insecurity.
- Agricultural Yields in Africa: African countries currently achieve less than 30% of their potential yield. It is estimated that in developing countries, 80% of the necessary production increases would come from increases in yields and cropping intensity and only 20% from expansion of arable land.
- Crop Yield Growth Decline: The decline in the productivity growth rates of three primary cereals may be attributed to degradation of the land resource base due to intensive cultivation, declining infrastructure and research investment and increasing opportunity cost of labor (mainly arising from the off-farm sector). The rate of growth in yields of the major cereal crops declined from 3.2% per year in 1960 to 1.5% in 2000.
- Water Use in Agriculture: Irrigated agriculture covers one fifth of arable land and contributes nearly 50 percent of crop production.
- Food Waste in the USA: In 2008 in the USA 9 per cent (19.5 million tonnes) of the edible food supply were lost at the retail level and 17 per cent (37.7 million tonnes) at the consumer level. The total proportion of food lost was thus 26per cent or 57.1 million tonnes.
- Biofuel Crop Expansion: In 2008 the total area under biofuel crops was estimated at 36 million hectares, more than twice the 2004 level.
- Meat Consumption Increase: In high-income countries, meat consumption is projected to increase from 90.2 kg/person/year in 1999 to 103 kg/person/year in 2050.
- Dairy Product Consumption Increase: Consumption of dairy products is also expected to increase from 214 to 227 kg/person/year for the same time period.
Other Important Findings
- Technological and Institutional Obstacles: The main technological and institutional obstacles prevent rural farm households from meeting their dietary needs.
- Market Integration: Most semi-subsistence farmers are only marginally integrated into market systems.
- Land Investment: The document points out the potential negative effects of land transactions for small-scale farmers, including the need for adequate land valuation, respect for property rights, and consideration of the impact on local labor markets.
- Climate Change Impact: Changes in the mean and variability of climate will affect the hydrological cycle, crop production and land degradation, particularly in regions where the most of the world’s hungry are.
- Food Aid: In extreme situations, food aid allows ensuring short-term food security. However, it has been criticised for generating potential perverse effects on long-term development of markets and private agents.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- Data on Food Waste: The document acknowledges that evidence on waste estimation is relatively weak.
- Uncertainty in Estimations: The document indicates that the “70 per cent” estimate for food production increase has limitations.
- Focus on Food Requirements: The document suggests that the focus on the estimation of future food requirements should not lessen the importance of addressing the challenges of the food vulnerable or the small-scale farmers in low-income areas.
- Pesticide Use: The use of pesticides and pathogen-resistant crop varieties should be assessed because appropriate assessment of long-term impact for tropical and other non-tempered environments has not been fully undertaken.
- Food Security Challenges: There is a need to establish a common starting point for an analysis based on institutional coherence, technology transfer and support aimed at achieving food security for low and high-income societies.
Conclusion
The economics of food security is a complex and multifaceted issue, encompassing technological, institutional, and market dimensions. The document emphasizes the importance of addressing both the availability and access to food, particularly in low-income countries where small-scale farmers face numerous challenges. Key findings highlight the need for increased agricultural productivity, efficient resource management, and reduced food waste to meet the rising global demand. The study emphasizes that simply planning for an increase in overall production which does not focus on distribution and access is inadequate. Therefore, special attention is clearly needed in areas where highest productivity increases are possible, thus promoting an integrated course of action to deal with food access and availability. Several key insights emerge. First, the crucial role of technology and institutional coordination is apparent. Research and access beyond the farm level, along with public-private partnerships, are crucial to improve food security. Secondly, market stabilization and the role of governments and international organizations are vital in reducing price volatility and ensuring stable food supplies. Thirdly, the importance of addressing the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and lack of access, is highlighted. The document suggests a multi-pronged approach, integrating technological innovation, institutional support, and market stabilization to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. It emphasizes the need to create a world trading system and incentive structures for the agricultural sector that not only maintains stable food prices but keeps agricultural producers motivated to stay in business and invest in updated technology and sustainable agricultural practices. The study concludes by highlighting that the creation of initiatives which address both technological and institutional constraints is essential to re-focus and coordinate food security research agenda and policy making. The study finds that the global food trade scenario must create incentives and opportunities for individuals in low- and high-income countries to effectively engage in sustainable production and consumption patterns an important step towards securing food access and availability.