Short on time? Check out the 1-minute summary to grasp all the key points.
- a study reveals that among 186 countries, only Guyana claims complete self-sufficiency in food production. All others depend on imports for at least one major food category.
- Numerous nations are heavily dependent on just a few trading partners for essential food items, making them highly vulnerable to conflicts, disasters, or export restrictions.
- While most countries overproduce meat and dairy, less than 25% cultivate enough vegetables, and fewer than 50% succeed in producing adequate pulses and starchy staples.
- Over one-third of these nations cannot satisfy basic nutritional requirements across three or more food groups.
- “Establishing a resilient food supply chain is crucial for public health,” states lead author Dr. Jonas Stare.
- Experts note that while food imports can be efficient, low self-sufficiency heightens a country’s vulnerability during crises.
- However, there’s a silver lining. Targeted investments and improved agricultural practices can help most countries boost their self-sufficiency, particularly in plant-based foods, though global collaboration remains vital.
Discover which countries face the greatest risks in our full article. Research indicates only one country globally generates all the food it needs.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com