Possible Solutions to 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

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

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

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 [popover id="w772lam4L-pdIAPv" label="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

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

Possible Solutions to Food Insecurity (SL IB Geography)