Food Supply

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There is enough food grown in the world to feed the entire population, yet the problem is that not everyone has equal access to this food. Food security happens when people have enough access to safe and nutritious food to preserve a healthy life. On the other hand, food insecurity happens when people do not have enough access to safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy life. This all boils down to food supply.

Basic Population

When a country has very few resources relative to its high population size, then the standard of living in that country decreases; this is called overpopulation. Conversely, if a country has plenty of resources, food for example, but a low population, then it’s not going to make a high economic return; this is called underpopulation. If the country gets the balance just right then it reaches its optimum population size, where it makes the most economic return per capita.

The carrying capacity of a country is the maximum number of people it can sustain in a given area. If the carrying capacity is lower than the population, then the population will decrease until it reaches the carrying capacity.

Food Supply and Famine

Famine is the lack of food and nutrition in a given area and can be triggered by many reasons. Some of the reasons behind famine could be any of the following:

  • Climate – Low rainfall, warm temperatures
    Environment – Deforestation, overgrazing
    Politics – Civil war
    Economic – Increase in price of food
    Social – Population increase
    Technology – Transport infrastructure

Case Study – The Green Revolution

The Green Revolution is a general term used to describe the use of western farming techniques in third-world countries to produce more food. It began in Mexico, where they developed alternative varieties of wheat in an attempt to solve food shortages. It is ultimately a method of matching food supply with the population.

The Green Revolution uses “high yielding varieties” to improve agricultural output in the area where these high-yielding varieties, or HYVs, are usually genetically engineered crops of rice, wheat, or maize.

An example of an HYV is IR8 rice; it produces a higher yield which means more food will be available. It is also able to produce two yields in one year, thereby providing more food. So what’s wrong with it? IR8 requires large amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers because it has a lower immunity compared with normal rice. IR8 is also more expensive than other rice varieties and requires more irrigation of the land, sometimes in places with little water to start with.

Desertification

Desertification is the process of turning productive land into non-productive desert as the quality of soil declines and erodes over time due to the loss of vegetation and irresponsible land-management

Causes of Desertification

  • Overgrazing

Because of a rising population in some of these Sahel countries, there is an increasing demand for food, which means that any land suitable for grazing gets overgrazed, which results in the degeneration of the land because of poor agricultural techniques and the lack of vegetation to protect it.

  • Deforestation

In most of these countries, with the rising population, the demand for fuel is also increasing. Trees in these areas, once cut down, can’t protect the soil, which results in erosion. In addition, the number of trees is decreasing, and animal manure is used as fuel, which means that it is not being put back onto the land as fertiliser; this, in turn, results in poorer land.

  • Climate

Droughts are common in the Sahel, making it harder for vegetation to thrive and regenerate, which means that once the land is poorly treated, it takes longer for the vegetation to regrow.

Ways to stop Desertification

  • Improved Farming Techniques
  • Afforestation
  • Soil Management

Case Study – The Sahel Region

The Sahel region is a semi-arid belt that spans across Africa. It covers a total distance of 2,400 miles from ocean to ocean, east to west. The Sahel is also currently part of nine different countries in Africa, some of which include Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan.

The population in these countries is currently rising but not proportionally to agricultural development. They heavily rely upon farming, with most of the population living in rural areas. This rise in population puts a strain on food production, which then, in some places, leads to desertification of the land.

Desertification is the degradation of the land and is now becoming a major problem in the Sahel region.

Issues such as desertification are a major threat to food supply
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is food supply sustainability?

Food supply sustainability refers to the ability to provide a reliable and adequate supply of nutritious food while minimizing negative environmental, social, and economic impacts. It involves practices that ensure long-term food production without depleting resources, harming ecosystems, or compromising the ability of future generations to meet their food needs.

How does sustainable food supply benefit the environment?

Sustainable food supply practices help protect the environment in several ways. They promote soil health, reduce water usage and pollution, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, preserve biodiversity, and minimize reliance on chemical inputs. By adopting sustainable agriculture and fishing methods, we can reduce the environmental impact associated with food production and ensure the long-term health of ecosystems.

What role does sustainable food supply play in addressing hunger and food insecurity?

Sustainable food supply is crucial in addressing hunger and food insecurity. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroecology and small-scale farming, we can increase food production while enhancing resilience to climate change. Sustainable approaches also support local food systems, reduce food waste, and ensure equitable access to nutritious food, thereby improving food security and reducing hunger.

How can individuals contribute to a sustainable food supply?

Individuals can contribute to a sustainable food supply in various ways:

  • Choosing locally produced, seasonal, and organic foods.
  • Reducing food waste by planning meals, composting, and repurposing leftovers.
  • Supporting sustainable farming practices by purchasing from farmers’ markets or joining community-supported agriculture programs.
  • Opting for plant-based or low-impact protein sources.
  • Being mindful of water usage and supporting water conservation efforts.

What are the challenges in achieving a sustainable food supply?

Some challenges in achieving a sustainable food supply include:

  • Scaling up sustainable practices to meet the growing global demand for food.
  • Addressing the socio-economic barriers that hinder small-scale farmers’ access to resources and markets.
  • Adapting agriculture to climate change and mitigating its impact on food production.
  • Encouraging consumers to make sustainable choices and changing dietary patterns.
  • Balancing the need for increased food production with preserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Addressing issues of food waste throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption.

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Cite/Link to This Article

  • "Food Supply". Geography Revision. Accessed on March 29, 2024. https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/sustainability/food-supply/.

  • "Food Supply". Geography Revision, https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/sustainability/food-supply/. Accessed 29 March, 2024.

  • Food Supply. Geography Revision. Retrieved from https://geography-revision.co.uk/gcse/sustainability/food-supply/.