Can we improve global food security? A socio-economic and political perspective

authored by

Ulrike Grote

Abstract

Ensuring global food security for a growing population remains a major challenge. This is especially true against the background of increasing food prices paired with growing income levels and changing demand patterns in the developing world. At the same time, climate change and the occurrence of more frequent and extreme natural disasters increase the vulnerability of rural farm households, negatively affecting agricultural production. Given the many dimensions of food security, no simple solution can be found. Promoting productivity of farming and increasing the efficiency of the food marketing system are effective measures contributing to rural development in developing countries. Policy reforms in agriculture and beyond help to reduce distortions and change consumers' awareness with respect to food waste and resource use inefficiencies related to human diets. What is new in this context is the increasing link of agriculture with other sectors such as the energy and the financial markets. This calls for further research as additional pressure is being put on the global food system.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Environmental Economics and World Trade

Type

Article

Journal

Food security

Volume

6

Pages

187-200

No. of pages

14

ISSN

1876-4517

Publication date

04.2014

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Food Science, Development, Agronomy and Crop Science

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 - Climate Action

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-013-0321-5 (Access: Closed)