Sustainable and Resilient Global Food Security Michael Ukwuru
G lobal food security is a critical concern because it It is also the affordability of sufficient, safe and nutritious food to always meet the dietary needs and food preferences of all individuals. Ensuring global food security is important for the well-being of people around the world and for the stability of societies and economies. However, in the 21st century, food security is facing a myriad of challenges that are driven by a variety of factors including population growth, climate change and economic inequality, among others. The global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, which will put pressure on food production systems to meet the increased demand for food. This is especially true in developing countries where population growth is often accompanied by rapid urbanisation, which can lead to the loss of agricultural land and a decrease in food production. Climate change is causing extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and heat waves, which can have a significant impact on food production. Drought can reduce crop yields, while floods can damage crops and infrastructure. Climate change is also causing shifts in the distribution of certain crops, which can disrupt the traditional food system and lead to food insecurity. refers to the availability, accessibility and stability of food supply at the global, national and household levels. Economic inequality is another major challenge to food security. In many parts of the world, food is not distributed evenly, and many people do not have the financial means to afford sufficient nutritious food. This is often the case in developing countries where poverty is widespread and food prices are high. To address these challenges and ensure food security in the 21st century, it will be necessary to implement a variety of strategies, including increasing food production by using modern and sustainable farming techniques, such as precision agriculture, which can increase crop yields and reduce waste. It can also involve the expansion of aquaculture and the use of alternative protein sources, such as insects.
Promoting agricultural practices can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food production and ensure that food systems are resilient in the face of extreme weather events. This can involve the use of conservation tillage, cover cropping, and other practices that help to protect soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that up to one-third of all the food produced in the world is wasted, which is a major contributor to food insecurity. A significant portion of the food that is produced is lost or wasted due to inefficiencies in the supply chain or consumer behaviour. Reducing food waste can help to increase the availability of food and reduce pressure on food production systems. This can be achieved through initiatives such as food recovery programmes and improved packaging and storage facilities. Promoting food access and affordability will ensure that all individuals have access to sufficient nutritious food, which requires the implementation of policies and programmes that make food more affordable and accessible. Such initiatives include food banks, school meal programmes and subsidies for low-income households. The promotion of dietary diversity can be achieved by encouraging people to eat a diverse range of foods, which can help to ensure they are getting a balanced and nutritious diet. The food system can be strengthened by improving its resilience to shocks such as natural disasters, diseases or economic downturns, as well as promoting more sustainable and equitable food systems.
Michael Ukwuru Head of Department Department of Food Science & Technology, The Federal Polytechnic Idah Nigeria
mikeukwuru@gmail.com @MichaelUkwuru
40 Microbiology Today May 2023 | microbiologysociety.org
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