Food Insecurity – Paganini non Ripete 284
On World Food Day, I invite you to reflect on our challenges to ensure food security for a continuously growing population. With demand for calories projected to rise from 19.5 trillion for 8 billion people today to 24.5 trillion by 2050, our food system is under unprecedented pressure. We must increase production capacity.
FOOD INSECURITY
THE CHALLENGE: GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY
For years, we have assumed that food security was a resolved issue, at least in the West. But that is not the case. Today, millions struggle to access a proper, healthy diet. With 2.8 billion people unable to afford a balanced diet and 733 million suffering from hunger, the global food system is showing signs of crisis. Even in Europe and Italy, the situation is alarming: poverty rates are rising, and 7.5% of Italians cannot afford a protein-rich meal every two days.
INCREASING DEMAND, LIMITED SUPPLY
This is not just a problem of accessibility but also one of productivity. While cereals like corn and soy are expected to see an increase in production, at least through 2024, other essential crops such as sorghum and millet are struggling, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Even key Mediterranean diet staples, like olive oil, remain well below average production levels, as do vegetable oils, an essential source of fats. Climate crisis, social emergencies, and geopolitical and health issues further strain productivity, fueling uncertainty.
It’s time to act and enhance productivity.
THE PATH TO PRODUCTIVITY
We have two options: either use more land or increase yield per hectare. The former is unsustainable and would exacerbate climate issues. The solution lies in investing in agricultural technologies that boost productivity while reducing environmental impact, such as regenerative agriculture and livestock practices. We need a pragmatic approach and international collaboration to promote these solutions.
READ IT AGAIN: PAGANINI NON RIPETE283 ON THE G7
THE PROPOSALS
- Increase agricultural yield: Encourage the use of advanced technologies to improve productivity per hectare, such as precision irrigation, soil monitoring sensors, AI, and IoT.
- Promote regenerative agriculture and livestock practices: Support agricultural practices that regenerate soil quality, retain moisture, and enhance resilience to extreme climate conditions.
- Foster resilient trade: Avoid protectionist barriers and ensure the availability of essential food items like vegetable oils and cereals, reducing dependency on market fluctuations.
BEYOND IDEOLOGY: THE NEED FOR PRAGMATISM
It is time to set aside rhetoric and ideology and focus on concrete actions. We must improve productivity to ensure that our population can be fed without compromising the health of the planet. Without decisive action, we will continue to live in a state of food insecurity.
