Futures

Urgent Need for Global Food Systems that Prioritize Human Rights and Security, (from page 20220721.)

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Themes

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Summary

The recent spike in global food prices highlights the urgent need for food systems that prioritize food as a human right. India’s ban on wheat exports and similar actions by other countries reflect rising concerns over food security exacerbated by the pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. The UN Security Council discussed the global hunger crisis, yet the focus on food access as a basic right was notably absent. Factors such as market power, lack of regulation, and speculation contribute to food price volatility. A systemic overhaul is necessary to create sustainable and equitable food systems, ensuring that everyone can access affordable, nutritious food, especially as climate change impacts food security. Currently, 874 million people in 92 countries face food shortages, underscoring the need for rights-based food systems to prevent hunger and poverty.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Shift towards food as a human right Growing discourse on food as a fundamental human right rather than a market commodity. Transition from viewing food as a commodity to recognizing it as a human right. Food systems globally may prioritize rights and access over profit, reducing hunger levels significantly. Increasing awareness of human rights and the impacts of climate change on food security. 4
Export restrictions on food commodities Countries imposing export bans on food to protect domestic food security amid rising prices. Shift from global food trade to national self-sufficiency and protectionism. More countries may adopt protectionist policies, affecting global food supply chains and prices. Rising food prices and insecurity compel governments to prioritize local needs over international trade. 5
Climate change impacting food security Recognition that climate change is exacerbating food insecurity and volatility in prices. Growing acknowledgment of climate change as a key factor in food system instability. Food systems may become more resilient and adaptive to climate challenges, ensuring better security. Urgent need to mitigate climate change effects on agriculture and food supply. 4
Systemic flaws in global food systems Awareness of underlying issues in food systems causing volatility and price hikes. Shifts towards addressing systemic flaws rather than temporary fixes for food insecurity. Potential for reforming global food systems to promote sustainability and equity. Call for more regulation and transparency in food markets to stabilize prices and access. 4
Investment in social safety nets Growing emphasis on creating social safety nets to protect people from hunger. Shift towards prioritizing social welfare and safety nets in food policy discussions. Enhanced social safety nets may reduce vulnerability to food insecurity during crises. Recognition of the need for proactive measures to combat rising poverty and hunger. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Food Security and Human Rights The urgent need for global food systems to prioritize human rights over commodity trading to ensure equitable access to food. 5
Impact of Export Restrictions Countries implementing export bans may exacerbate global food prices and worsen international food security crises. 4
Climate Change and Food Insecurity Increasing effects of climate change on food production leading to rising prices and heightened food insecurity, especially for impoverished households. 5
Market Regulation and Transparency The lack of market regulation and transparency enables price manipulation by powerful countries and companies, impacting global food prices. 4
Systemic Changes in Food Systems The need for systemic changes in food systems to enhance sustainability, affordability, and resilience to ensure food access. 5
Social Safety Nets for Vulnerable Populations The importance of investing in social safety nets to protect populations from hunger and poverty during times of rising food prices. 5
Global Coordination on Food Policies The necessity for international collaboration to prevent food export bans that can worsen food crises worldwide. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Reimagining Food Systems A shift towards viewing food as a human right rather than a commodity, emphasizing sustainability and access for all. 5
Export Restrictions as a Response Countries increasingly impose export bans on food to protect domestic markets amid rising global prices and food insecurity. 4
Focus on Systemic Change Recognition of the need for systemic change in global food systems to address underlying issues of volatility and access. 5
Increased Regulation of Food Markets A growing demand for better regulation and transparency in food markets to prevent speculation and price manipulation. 4
Strengthening Social Safety Nets Investing in social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations from hunger and poverty during crises. 5
Global Cooperation for Food Security An emerging emphasis on international collaboration to ensure food security and prevent export bans that worsen crises. 4
Addressing Climate Change Impact Acknowledgment of the need to make food systems resilient to climate change to combat its effects on food security. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Sustainable Food Systems Systems designed to provide food security while addressing environmental challenges and human rights. 5
Market Regulation Technologies Technologies aimed at enhancing transparency and regulation in food markets to prevent price volatility. 4
Social Safety Nets Innovative approaches to provide support to vulnerable populations during food price crises. 4
Climate Resilient Agriculture Agricultural practices that adapt to climate change impacts while ensuring food security. 5
Food Security Analytics Data-driven solutions to analyze and predict food availability and access issues. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Global Food Security The urgent need to establish food systems that prioritize food as a human right amidst rising prices and export bans. 5
Impact of Climate Change on Food Systems Climate change’s increasing role in exacerbating food insecurity and affecting food prices globally. 5
Export Restrictions on Food Commodities Countries imposing export bans on food to manage domestic inflation, impacting global food supply and prices. 4
Market Regulation and Transparency The necessity for better market regulation and transparency to prevent price speculation and ensure fair access to food. 4
Social Safety Nets for Food Security The need for robust social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations from hunger and poverty during economic shocks. 5
Human Rights in Food Access The lack of focus on food access as a basic human right in global discussions about food systems and hunger. 4