New peer-reviewed book discusses potential solutions to food security challenges

Jan 21 2015

The current successes and failures that are shaping food systems around the world and potential solutions to food security challenges are discussed in a new peer-reviewed book edited by Dr.Udaya Sekhar Nagothu of Bioforsk.

The book, which is included in the Food think-tank, is a comprehensive and pragmatic look into food security where Dr. Udaya Sekhar Nagothu and his team examine nine countries through a multidisciplinary lens in order to gain perspective on the causes of food insecurity.

The different cases come from countries at various stages of food security, with diverse stories of success as well as failures in their efforts. The case studies include China, Brazil and India, as well as less developed countries in Africa and Asia, such as Malawi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Myanmar, Bangladesh and the Philippines.

From policies to technology

"The global food system is characterized by large numbers of people experiencing food insecurity and hunger on the one hand, and vast amounts of food waste and overconsumption on the other. This book is looking at the status of food security in different countries, the main challenges and opportunities and how they address it - from policies to technology," says Professor Nagothu.

According to the editor, the various authors contributing to the book are not only from scientific background but also policy makers involved in food security development in respective countries.

The authors pay special attention to the environmental and socio-economic challenges in the respective chapters and how they contribute to food insecurity. Each of the case studies identifies and analyses which factors or drivers - including environmental, economic, policy, technology and markets - have been the most powerful shapers of the food system and their future impact.

Few books available

"There are currently few comprehensive books available on global food security, but this is a topic that is very sensitive both in the developing world and the West - and will continue to be important in the future. In the US for example, obesity is a huge problem. Food wastage and food imports is another issue," Professor Nagothu points out.

Highlighting solutions

The different country case studies identify possible interventions at regional, national and local level that can contribute positively to improving food security.

"Overall, the book provides insights in order to foster a greater understanding of the issues surrounding food security and support progress towards the goal of a sustainable food system for all," says Professor Nagothu.

The book has so far been very well received. Leslie Lipper, EPIC Programme Director and Senior Environmental Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy says the book "provides important insights to the need for diverse approaches to solving the problem of food insecurity, making it clear that political economy as well as technical approaches are necessary."  

M.S. Swaminathan, UNESCO Chair in Ecotechnology, Founder Chairman of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation commented: "Dr. Udaya Sekhar Nagothu and his colleagues deserve our gratitude for preparing this timely book which shows the way for sustainable food and nutrition security," and added that the book is timely because of the launching of the Zero Hunger Challenge next year for the United Nation.

Expanding network

Professor Nagothu also says the book will be beneficial for Bioforsk, as it will provide new networks with Institutes around the world working on food security.