Food Security (Cambridge (CIE) AS Environmental Management)

Food security can be defined as when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life

Food insecurity (i.e. a lack of food security) remains a pressing global issue, impacting millions of individuals and communities worldwide:

• Understanding the underlying causes and threats to food security is essential for creating effective solutions to address this complex challenge

Population growth:

• Rapid population growth places increased pressure on food systems, leading to greater demand for food resources

• As populations expand, there is a heightened need for sustainable agricultural practices to meet growing food needs

Unsustainable production and homogeneity in global food supply:

• Intensive farming practices and monoculture crops contribute to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity and reduced resilience in food systems

• Dependence on a limited number of crops for global food supply increases vulnerability to crop failures and pests

Price setting:

• Fluctuations in food prices, influenced by factors such as supply and demand dynamics, market speculation and trade policies, can lead to affordability challenges for vulnerable populations

• Price volatility affects access to healthy, nutritious foods, increasing food insecurity

Land degradation:

• Soil erosion, deforestation and unsustainable land management practices degrade arable land, diminishing its productivity and limiting agricultural output over time

• Land degradation reduces the availability of fertile land for cultivation, contributing to food insecurity

Agricultural diseases:

• Outbreaks of plant and animal diseases, such as crop pests, livestock infections and pathogens, pose significant threats to agricultural production

• Disease outbreaks can devastate crops and livestock populations, disrupting food supply chains and leading to shortages

Diverting crops for biofuels:

• The diversion of food crops for biofuel production reduces the availability of agricultural resources for food production

• Competition between food and fuel crops can drive up food prices and exacerbate food insecurity, particularly in regions reliant on imported food

Climate change:

• Changing climatic patterns, including extreme weather events, droughts, floods and temperature variations, disrupt agricultural systems and food production

• Climate-induced crop failures, water scarcity, and ecosystem shifts threaten food security, particularly in already vulnerable regions

Water shortages:

• Limited access to clean water for irrigation and agricultural purposes hinders agricultural productivity and food production

• Water scarcity exacerbates food insecurity, affecting crop yields, livestock health and food-processing activities

Poverty:

• Poverty is a fundamental driver of food insecurity, as low-income households often lack the financial resources to access an adequate and nutritious diet

• Economic disparities, unemployment and income inequality contribute to food insecurity, perpetuating cycles of poverty and hunger

Food insecurity has far-reaching consequences, affecting individuals, communities and entire regions worldwide

• Understanding the many impacts of food insecurity is crucial for addressing its root causes and implementing effective solutions

Regional food scarcity:

• Food insecurity leads to regional shortages of food supplies, particularly in areas with limited agricultural productivity or disrupted food distribution networks

• Scarce food resources increase hunger and malnutrition, impacting vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women and the elderly

Nutritional deficiency and malnutrition:

• Inadequate access to nutritious foods contributes to nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition, particularly among populations facing food insecurity

• Malnutrition can manifest as stunted growth, micronutrient deficiencies (e.g. deficiencies in iron, vitamin A) and impaired cognitive development, leading to long-term health consequences

Poverty:

• Food insecurity perpetuates cycles of poverty, as households struggle to afford adequate and nutritious food

• Spending a significant portion of income on food leaves little for other essential needs, such as healthcare, education and housing, further entrenching poverty

Forced migration:

• Food insecurity can drive forced migration, as individuals and communities seek food and livelihood opportunities in regions with greater food security

• Environmental degradation, conflict and economic instability contribute to displacement of human populations:

  • This can put a strain on resources in host communities (i.e. the places where people immigrate to)

Conflict:

• Food insecurity is often driven by a range of political, social, and economic factors surrounding conflicts over scarce resources, land and water

• Competition for food resources can escalate tensions and fuel instability, leading to social unrest, violence and displacement of populations

Famine:

• Severe food shortages and widespread hunger can escalate into famines, characterised by acute food crises and high mortality rates

• Famine conditions result from a combination of factors, including crop failures, inadequate humanitarian assistance and political barriers to food distribution

Death:

• Food insecurity and famine contribute to increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions

• Lack of access to adequate food and nutrition leads to weakened immune systems, susceptibility to diseases and premature death, exacerbating the humanitarian toll of food insecurity