Topic: Demand for food is increasing worldwide. What is the cause of this? What measures can the international community take to make sure the supply of food is enough?

One of the major concerns all over the world is whether the agricultural sector can meet the growing demand for food worldwide. There are two major reasons for this issue – the ever-increasing population and extreme changes in climatic conditions. However, it can be resolved through international co-operation in the form of free trade and sharing technology.

To initiate, the growing demand for food is a direct result of a constantly expanding population. There has been a dramatic increase in birth rates over the last 50 years, and the world population is expected to double by 2050. Unfortunately, food production has not kept pace with it. Lots of farmers have sold their lands either to the government for infrastructure development or to builders for the construction of residential and commercial complexes. Globalization and industrialization have led to increasing pollution levels, global warming, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain and climate change. Unseasonal rains, hurricanes, floods, draught, etc. have destroyed crops, thereby adding to shortages in food production.

However, this situation could be remedied with international co-operation. Countries with food surplus must willingly export it to poor countries at a nominal price. This will ensure that everyone, irrespective of their financial situation or nationality has access to three square meals a day. They can also share technological advancements in agriculture by increasing the area under cultivation in countries with a higher demand for food, and by using improved farming techniques. For example, yield can be increased by using quality fertilizers, improved methods of irrigation, an area where Isreal has expertise, and modern techniques like precision farming or vertical farming as is being done in South Korea.

Stating the compendium, though population is increasing and climatic changes have damaged the current supply of food, free trade agreements between countries that have surplus food and the ones with higher demand, and exchange of technological expertise can resolve the issues. (309 words)