Food

Demand for food resources is rising globally but supply can be insecure, which may lead to conflict.

Areas of surplus (security) and deficit (insecurity):

• global patterns of calorie intake and food supply
• reasons for increasing food consumption: economic development, rising population
• factors affecting food supply: climate, technology, pests and disease, water stress, conflict, poverty.

Impacts of food insecurity – famine, undernutrition, soil erosion, rising prices, social unrest.

Different strategies can be used to increase food supply.

Overview of strategies to increase food supply:

• irrigation, aeroponics and hydroponics, the new green revolution and use of biotechnology, appropriate technology
• an example of a large scale agricultural development to show how it has both advantages and disadvantages.

Moving towards a sustainable resource future:

• the potential for sustainable food supplies: organic farming, permaculture, urban farming initiatives, fish and meat from sustainable sources, seasonal food consumption, reduced waste and losses