Hunger Amidst Abundance: Rethinking Global Food Security
Authors: Daniela Muhaj, Delaney Brower
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the roundtable speakers Joyce Chang (keynote speaker), Matt McKenna (moderator), Sean Callahan, Gally Mayer, Barron Segar, and Rajiv Singh for their perspectives on the themes discussed here, and Kaizar Doriwala for background research support.
“The good news is there’s enough food in the world to feed everyone.”
“The good news is there’s enough food in the world to feed everyone,” assured Barron Segar, president and CEO of the World Food Program USA, at a roundtable discussion organized by Georgetown University’s Baratta Center for Global Business and moderated by Matt McKenna, adjunct professor and executive in residence with Georgetown’s Business for Impact. However, this optimism is tempered by a sobering reality: “The bad news is that due to disruptions from the climate crisis, geopolitics, and conflict, it has been hard to get food to those who need it most.”
Despite unprecedented technological advancements and agricultural innovations, food insecurity is on the rise (Figure 1). In Africa, once a thriving agricultural continent, an estimated 282 million people—about 20% of the population 1—were undernourished in 2022, partly due to reliance on low-nutrient food aid and insufficient investment in sustainable farming. In the United States, the combination of processed foods dominating the diet and the diversion of grains to biofuels has contributed to over 44.2 million Americans 2 living in food-insecure households, particularly in low-income communities.
This stark dissonance underscores the urgent need to reform our global approach to food security, ensuring the abundance of our modern world is shared equitably and sustainably.
Figure 1: Number of severely food insecure people by region
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2023) – with major
processing by Our World in Data
Understanding the Roots of Food Insecurity
Malnourishment and hunger persist in a world of plenty due to systemic flaws in food production and distribution, worsened by short-term policies and economic disparities. These issues are compounded by extreme weather and geopolitical conflicts, further disrupting access to quality food and deepening the global food crisis.
Resource and Supply Chain Inefficiency
Global food security is plagued by significant inefficiencies in resource use, which undermine the potential to adequately feed the world’s population (Figure 2). Globally, one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted—over 1 billion tons, equating to 24% of the world’s food supply. This waste costs the global economy over $1 trillion annually and contributes 8%-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions 3.
Current agricultural practices mismanage essential resources like water, land, and fertilizers, reducing productivity and causing environmental harm. Poor storage, distribution, and food management, including inadequate planning and improper storage, contribute to significant post-harvest losses and waste. Addressing these interconnected issues is crucial for creating a sustainable food system capable of meeting global needs.
Figure 2: Main drivers of food loss and waste throughout the supply chain
Source: World Resources Institute
Economic Disparities
Economic disparities further complicate global food security. Emerging markets, with their less resilient food systems, suffer disproportionately from food inflation and shortages. Food accounts for over 30% of consumer spending in these countries, nearly double that of advanced economies, making any food shock debilitating 4. Moreover, ongoing conflicts and climate change have caused food inflation to surpass overall inflation, making food unaffordable for many 5. The vulnerability of these markets highlights the need for targeted interventions to stabilize food prices and ensure accessibility.
Policy and Market Failures
Policy and market failures play a substantial role in perpetuating food insecurity. Geopolitical tensions further exacerbate these inefficiencies, as stockpiling and the weaponization of commodities disrupt supply chains and destabilize markets. Export bans and trade restrictions disrupt global food distribution, leading to shortages in import-dependent areas 6.These measures, often implemented with short-term economic gains in mind, neglect the necessity for a sustainable and resilient food system. The focus on immediate returns rather than long-term investments has left many regions vulnerable to food crises.
Strategic Considerations for Stakeholders
Moving from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance calls for clear strategies and practical innovations. Several approaches can support this transition, promising long-term improvements in global food security.
Embrace Technological Innovation
Investing in advancements like drought-resistant crops, solar-powered irrigation, and advanced storage solutions can significantly enhance food security. Precision agriculture, which optimizes resource use and minimizes waste, and regenerative agriculture, which focuses on soil health and increasing biodiversity, both represent promising approaches.
Joyce Chang, Managing Director and Chair of Global Research at JPMorgan Chase and Baratta Center Advisory Board Member, emphasized the importance of integrating new technologies to address biodiversity issues and improve agricultural efficiency. These innovations not only boost productivity but also build resilience against climate change and geopolitical disruptions, ensuring a more sustainable food supply chain.
Empower Local Solutions
Supporting local leaders and community-driven initiatives is crucial for achieving sustainable food security. Educating consumers on sustainable practices and informed purchasing decisions can drive positive change at the grassroots level.
Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, and Gally Mayer, Co-Founder of Buena Vida Specialty Coffee and Baratta Center Advisory Board Member, highlighted the need for micro-level solutions and local advocacy, emphasizing that simplified approaches to prioritize community needs are essential for fostering a robust food system. “Everybody’s addressing the issue at a 30,000 foot level, but they’re not really bringing it down to the practicality of solving it on the ground,” Mayer stated.
Foster Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration between governments and the private sector is crucial for lasting food security. Rajiv Singh, Co-Chair, FoodShot Global, and Founder and Managing Partner of New Epoch Capital, highlighted the importance of venture capital in driving growth-stage innovations and called for a strategic approach to public-private partnerships. Partnerships between the Global Food Banking Network and Walmart have resulted in more funding for thousands of food banks across the US. These long-term investments can create systemic change, fostering a resilient and equitable food system. By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, stakeholders can ensure that food security becomes a reality.
“Addressing global food insecurity requires moving from short-term fixes to comprehensive, long-term strategies”
A Long-Term Vision for Food Security
Addressing global food insecurity requires moving from short-term fixes to comprehensive, long-term strategies. Combining innovation, local solutions, climate friendly practices, and strategic partnerships is essential for building a resilient and equitable food system that ensures food security for future generations. Stakeholders must remain proactive and informed, taking decisive action to tackle this critical issue. As highlighted in the Baratta Center’s roundtable discussion, the intersection of climate change, conflict, and food security demands a concerted effort from all sectors to create sustainable and lasting solutions.
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1.The authors would like to thank the roundtable speakers Joyce Chang (keynote speaker), Matt McKenna (moderator), Sean Callahan, Gally Mayer, Barron Segar, and Rajiv Singh for their perspectives on the themes discussed here, and Kaizar Doriwala for background research support.
2.https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/0db03746-74e1-4b78-9508-70b9f661859c
3.https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-u-s/key-statistics-graphics/#:~:text=Characteristics%2C%202010%2D11-,How%20Many%20People%20Lived%20in%20Food%2Dinsecure%20Households?,Food%20Insecurity%20by%20Household%20Characteristics
4. .https://www.wri.org/insights/reducing-food-loss-and-food-waste
5.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E1SpsVpnsf2X38FiEKafRwNKnzfpty_f/view; J.P. Morgan, 26 country fixed effect panel regression excluding China, shaded cells denote low statistical significance of p>0.05, all independent variables lagged by 1-3 quarters.
6. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E1SpsVpnsf2X38FiEKafRwNKnzfpty_f/view; J.P. Morgan, OECD, National statistics
7. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E1SpsVpnsf2X38FiEKafRwNKnzfpty_f/view; International Food Research Institute, J.P.