Possible Solutions to Food Insecurity (DP IB Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Grace Bower
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Possible Solutions to Food Insecurity
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity is the lack of access to nutritious and affordable food
There is enough food for everyone on the planet, however, consumption is uneven
Many people, particularly in lower-income countries, suffer from food deficits and food insecurity
Roughly 783 million people are suffering from severe hunger
In more developed countries, there is often a food surplus and large amounts of food waste
Possible Solutions to Food Insecurity
Economic and agricultural solutions
Those working in government could provide more investment in agriculture
Investments boost the agricultural economy, modernise agricultural systems, and support those in poverty
This reduces food insecurity
Microfinance loans support farmers in investing in technologies or other methods to boost their productivity
Ensure that land is used to grow food crops for humans, instead of cash crops for biofuels or animal fodder
Moving away from subsistence farming, and adopting commercial agriculture to improve incomes and boost production
Political solutions
Countries or organisations send food aid to those in need during war or after a natural disaster
Natural disasters and warfare can result in food shortages or even famine
Alleviates governments so they can focus on infrastructure repairs or other vital tasks
Free Trade:
Reductions in trade limitations make it easier for food exports and imports
Free trade removes import tariffs which lowers food cost
Allows agricultural technologies and knowledge to flow more easily, leading to increased productivity
Improves the variety of foods that countries may have access to
Boosts economic growth
Examples of Free Trade agreements:
North Atlantic Free Trade Area (NAFTA)
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement/UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
Fair Trade:
Reduces the risk of farmers being affected by changing prices, providing them with stable incomes
Provides farmers with fair pay
Allows farmers to grow food for export and self-sufficiency
Provides food loans or fertilisers during low productive seasons
Support of agricultural mechanisation e.g. farming equipment
Land Reform:
Land tenure and tenure insecurity have a huge impact on food insecurity
Farmers are more likely to invest in land that is theirs
Provides farmers with more access to financial support
Better ownership of land can ensure crops are grown not just for exports or cash crops
Giving women more land ownership rights can improve productivity
Ending warfare
Conflict can cause food insecurity e.g:
Crop damage
Weaponisation of food
Aid blockades
Many conflicts have resulted in or contributed to famine
Promoting peace and ending conflict is vital for ending food insecurity
Creating or improving government policies that focus on reducing food insecurity and boosting production
The UK adopted the Agriculture Act and Fisheries Act to support producers in their transition to sustainability, to ensure food security for the future
Technological solutions
The Green Revolution:
Using Irrigation systems during dry seasons and in arid climates
Using high-yielding seeds to increase yield
Using pesticides and fertilisers to reduce pests and increase yield
The New Green Revolution:
Crops which can withstand droughts or high salinity
Boosting soil production through crop rotation
Integrated pest management
Mechanisation of agriculture
Using more machinery like tractors or heavy tools
Improving storage and transport infrastructure
Moving to contemporary food production
Biotechnology e.g. Genetically Modified Crops or In Vitro Meat
Vertical Farming e.g. hydroponics and aeroponics to grow more food
Sustainable agriculture - to protect the environment, boost food production, support farmers and prepare for climate change
Polyculture to boost soil fertility or crop rotation
Solar-powered irrigation
Organic produce
Integrated pest management
Appropriate technology to boost local production (typically in LICs)
Small-scale irrigation pumps and pipes made of plastic
Solar agriculture uses small greenhouses to grow food even during the winter season
Social and cultural solutions
Educating women and giving them more rights to improve productivity
Reducing food waste:
Encouraging food donations to food banks or other charities
Educating people properly about ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ dates
Many foods are safe to eat well beyond these dates
Education about food waste, pre-planning and not cooking in excess
Improvements to transport and storage infrastructure to reduce spoilage waste
Initiatives and programmes to reduce food waste:
Food Waste Reduction Alliance Project - working on reducing food waste, donating food and recycling waste/keeping it from landfill
Many supermarkets sell ‘Wonky Veg’ or take part in ‘Too Good To Go’ offers
Some restaurants have a ban on getting rid of food waste e.g. in Austin, Texas
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