Tag: Global food security

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), maize, wheat, and rice provide over 75% of the global grain production, making them the three most important cereal crops. These staple grains form the dietary foundation for billions of people worldwide, supplying essential nutrients and energy. Their widespread cultivation and versatile uses underscore their critical role in sustaining global populations and driving agricultural economies.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023. This shocking statistic sets the stage for a deeper look into which country has the most undernourished people, an answer that depends heavily on how hunger is measured: by total population or by percentage.

Just 15 crops provide 90 percent of global energy intake, with the 'big four' staples—maize, rice, wheat, and potatoes—feeding billions of people worldwide. These crops are the foundation of diets across diverse cultures and economies, providing essential energy and nutrients for daily life.

Despite official reports of a record-high grain harvest of over 700 million tonnes in 2024, the question of whether China has a food crisis persists. While a widespread famine is not occurring, understanding the nuances of China's food security challenges is crucial for a complete picture.

According to UNICEF data, kwashiorkor remains a significant contributor to child mortality in many developing countries, often a consequence of poor nutritional intake. A foundational and highly effective way to control kwashiorkor is by ensuring adequate nutritional education and implementing dietary strategies that prioritize sufficient protein intake, particularly for infants transitioning from breast milk to solid foods.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, seafood provides approximately 20% of the animal protein intake for over 3 billion people. The vast expanse of the world's oceans serves as a critical food source, supplying a diverse range of marine life that sustains both human populations and the intricate ecosystems beneath the waves.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global production of primary crops reached 9.9 billion tonnes in 2023, marking a steady increase. While several nations contribute significantly, a few large countries consistently dominate global food production, driven by a combination of vast land, huge populations, and advanced agricultural techniques.

While the world's population has more than doubled since 1970, the proportion of undernourished people has significantly decreased overall. However, this long-term progress masks a more complex reality, as recent years have seen alarming setbacks, leading many to question: Has world hunger increased since 1970?

According to the USDA, global soybean production exceeded 353 million metric tons in 2020, making it the most produced legume worldwide. Yet, does this volume truly make it the most important bean in the world? The answer is more complex, requiring a look at economic, nutritional, and cultural factors.

For decades, China's diet was predominantly plant-based, but a dramatic shift has occurred, with per capita meat consumption increasing almost 18-fold between 1962 and 2022. This article explains why is China eating more meat, exploring the key economic, social, and cultural forces at play.