10 Real Solutions to Overcome Future Food Crisis
Earlier this year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) released a report that asses state of hunger in the world. According to the report, over 820 million people in the world suffer from hunger or a food crisis. That means 1 in every 9 people in the world do not have enough to eat. The report also indicates that over the past 3 years, the number of people who suffer from hunger has been on the rise.
Over the past century, the world population has been on the rise. Technological developments have been impressive and the economy has become more interconnected and globalized. The world economy as a whole however, has been growing at the slower pace than expected. Conflict and civil unrest continue to dislocate populations, affecting productivity. Climate change and global warming have negatively affected food and agricultural productivity.
All these factors together with population growth have combined to put the state of food security and global nutrition at an alarming position. These factors do not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, putting the future fate of global food security at risk. However, things do not look so bad. There are measures that we can take, both global and on a personal level to mitigate the bleakness of the future state of food. In this article, we will look at what you can do on a personal level to combat future food crisis. While it seem as quite a quixotic adventure, the solution of global food crisis starts with you and me – the solution is founded on a personal level.
Get informed and own the cause
This is by far the most important point. If everyone comes to grabs that it is their responsibility to help alleviate the future crisis of food shortage, then the problem would be solved. Population growth is viewed as a factor for increasing food shortage, in reality population growth could be the best solution. It all starts with education, learning about methods and different practices of agriculture particularly in your area may reveal significant opportunities.
Try some sprout seeds and legumes
This is a very simple, yet efficient way of to grow greens. You can simply sprout legumes, grains and vegetable seeds right in your kitchen. The process doesn’t take up much space nor does it require much equipment. Sprouts can be purchased at a fairly price or a canning jar can do the job. Sprouting seeds can be purchased online or at local food stores. This is the best place to start your endeavor.
Start a food storage program
If you already have one, that’s well and good. This is a second place to start, purchasing foods in bulk is much is much cheaper than buying in small quantities. Also with the ominous prospect a future food crisis, starting or expanding your food storage is really not a bad idea.
Purchase a larger freezer and buy a supply freezer meat
This may have an economic value attached to it. Sometimes the feed costs in a year increases, leading to farmers culling their herds even more than usual. However, during fall and winter, the demand for meat is still there and you may step up take advantage of the demand, earning yourself a small profit in the process. Even when such an opportunity doesn’t present itself, you may still save a significant amount buying in bulk. The cost per pound for many cuts for example, is much lower than grocery store prices.
Raise rabbits
Rabbits are wonderful creatures with a high reproduction rates and a good feed to weight conversion rate – exactly what you need. As an added advantage, rabbits demand a much lower maintenance than others domestic animals and take much less space too. The meat from a rabbit is similar to that of a chicken, and can be used in poultry recipes. Raising rabbits is a very good project to consider.
Keep bees
Beekeeping is a good idea that you may want to consider. Bees do not take much space and they are sort of self-replicating creatures themselves. The maintenance for bees is cheap and doesn’t take up much time. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your food provider right in your community. Otherwise, your local extension office or agricultural agency should be able to provide you with some information.
Grow fruits and vegetables
This may be a continuation from our first point with your vegetables now sprouted in your kitchen. You may want to start a vegetable garden for your green crops. You do not have to wait until spring to embark on these adventure, there are crops such as salad green, root crops and herbs that have been observed to survive in winter environments. It is key to establish that plants are mature before the first frost comes along.
Consider getting a small greenhouse
A greenhouse can be a very useful component for your vegetable garden. A greenhouse may enable you to many different veggies and almost all seasons. In winters, you may at the very least plant a corn salad. Garlic may be planted in the fall to be established over the winter. Technology has been very useful, there very effective yet portable greenhouses on the market.
Raise chickens
Now there many sources for beginners to learn about backyard chickens. Normally, after looking at one of the guides, it becomes very clear that your backyard could be just the perfect place to keep chickens, even though you didn’t see it that way before. And don’t sweat about the cold winter, there’s still time to build a small winter-friendly chicken coop and bring home some laying hens before deep winter sets in.
Be an ambassador for “Food Crisis” solution
Participating in the cause is good, but being able to share what you have learned and gained is even better. You can use social medias to share your journey, take part in local online agricultural forums. A testimony of someone who is actively fighting food crisis on a personal level is much more impactful than policies or other global strategies.
Conclusion
Population can be huge resource in combating future food crisis. If say half of the population would practice, some of the initiatives discussed herein a future without food crisis would seem attainable. Leaving the whole load of food production to farmers and a few portion of the population is what is driving the world in a food crisis than most factors. For instance, most of the population of the world is moving to urban areas and they are not going to practice farming there. The government and multinational organisation have a role in forming policies and strategies to combat the crisis, but it would help very much if we all pull our weight in the same direction.
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