South Africans have experienced significant shocks to their livelihoods, and the threat of hunger presents a major concern for health, political and social stability.
The food market in Mongla in October 2019: it was shut during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Hanna Ruszczyk
Access to culturally appropriate food may be key for newcomers to build connections with their communities.
The 100 days of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of our food system, including the treatment of migrant labourers.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
COVID-19 has given society a teachable moment, and we should now establish the policies, programs and technologies to ensure our food system becomes stronger, more resilient and more equitable.
COVID-19 mitigation could open new opportunities for agroecological innovation, here a multifunctional landscape in Ethiopia.
Michael Hauser (ICRISAT)
Kai Mausch, Center for International Forestry Research – World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF); Michael Hauser, CGIAR System Organization; Todd Rosenstock, Center for International Forestry Research – World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) et Wanjiku Gichohi-Wainaina, CGIAR System Organization
It’s time to redesign food systems that deliver healthy foods, allow farming families to make a good living, and support thriving societies.
Land reform can assist in creating more employment-intensive farming systems
Gunter Fischer/-Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
When South Africa eventually emerges from the fog of the COVID-19 crisis, structural reform, including land reform, will be high on the political agenda as never before.
Farm fields are seen near Watrous, Sask.
(Pixabay)
As the world’s population grows, agriculture and related industries will grow in size and importance in Canada. Smart investors should bet on Canadian farmland.
When people need food aid, like these Nigerians, research finds they are more susceptible to extremist recruitment efforts.
Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto via Getty Images
When people are hungry or not sure where their next meal is coming from, they get angry at their governments. This gives terrorist groups opportunities to recruit new members.
Food is a measure of how countries respond to crises from access to pricing to shortages.
(nrd/Unsplash)
Food is essential to survival. It is also essential to identity. During times of national crisis like the coronavirus pandemic and in the historical landscape, food issues become prominent.
Harvesters work on a soybean harvest in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
(Pixabay)
For the second time this century, crises have led to calls to transform our global food system. We can start with restructuring the global food trade so that it complements local food systems.
Boxes wait to be filled with provisions at The Daily Bread Food Bank warehouse in Toronto.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
The ability of food banks to meet the needs of food insecure Canadians has plummeted just when it is needed most. But food banks have never been able to address the reason people are going hungry.
The Bread Famine and the Pawnbroker, Brothers Lesueur (18th century)
After the brief shock of food insecurity in the form of empty supermarket shelves, we might start thinking about having a Plan B and C based on local food sources and shorter supply chains.
Arnagretta Hunter, Australian National University et John Hewson, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Other existential risks include the decline of natural resources (particularly water), human population growth beyond the Earth’s carrying capacity, and nuclear weapons.
While small businesses will be partially cushioned by government support measures, there’s no support for the most vulnerable workers.
With lab meat technology still in its infancy, it’s a good time to consider the social and cultural challenges that may become more amplified in North American food systems with the advent of clean meats.
(Shutterstock)
If lab-grown meat is truly going to be the next frontier in ethical eating, it’s important to consider who’s most at risk of being left behind in the race to develop it.
Kenya now suffers from serious levels of hunger.
Stosun/Shutterstock