Food Problems and New Challenges of Urban Agriculture in Tokyo

An accurate assessment of food security and its challenges is essential for formulating effective measures and promoting sustainable socioeconomic development. This study develops an evaluation system for China's food security, focusing on four dimensions: food supply, food access, food production stability, and food continuity. The entropy weight extended matter element model is used for quantitative processing, which ensures that the integrity of the information can be guaranteed to a greater extent while reducing the influence of subjective factors, and then, the study evaluates the food security of different functional areas in China, and finally, it diagnoses the main obstacles to food security by using the obstacle degree model. (1) From 2000 to 2020, China's food security level fluctuated, initially declining, and then increasing. The food security level in major production and marketing areas is generally higher, while the primary marketing areas exhibit the lowest security levels. (2) The level of grain yields and the total power of machinery per unit area are the key factors affecting food security; the impact of inputs of agricultural materials (fertilizers and pesticides) on food security has decreased and is constantly stabilizing. In the main marketing area, the per capita food share is significantly lower than in the other functional areas, which has the greatest impact on food security. (3) Analysis of the obstacle factors reveals that the food supply and access security subsystems are crucial for ensuring national, production, and marketing security. From 2000 to 2020, the average obstacle degrees of food supply and food access security at the national level were 46.56% and 21.17%, respectively; for the production and marketing areas, they were 58.47% and 21.45%; and for primary marketing areas, they were 37.69% and 26.59%. In major grain-producing areas, the main obstacles lay within the food supply security and food production stability subsystems, with average obstacle degrees of 53.77% and 15.67%, respectively, from 2000 to 2020. The above results provide a scientific basis for comprehensively improving the level of food security in China, optimizing the structure of food production in each functional area, and formulating regionalized policies for stabilizing and maintaining food production and supply.

Food security in the United Kingdom: External supply risks

Food wedges: Framing the global food demand and supply challenge towards 2050

The continuous upward trajectory observed in total grain production serves as a fundamental pillar for guaranteeing food security. Nevertheless, relying solely on the measurement of China’s overall food security status through total grain output is inherently biased and neglects to capture the comprehensive nature of food security. This study adopts a food supply and demand balance perspective and constructs an evaluation indicator system for food security based on indicators such as grain yield per unit area, per capita grain possession, grain inventory, and inventory ratio. The weight of each indicator in the food security system is calculated using the entropy value method, and a comprehensive evaluation of China’s food security level from 1980 to 2017 is conducted. The study revealed that China’s food supply and demand exhibited a discernible upward trajectory in development. Notably, the food supply demonstrated greater volatility, whereas the food demand remained relatively stable but experienced incremental growth. Between approximately 1985 and 1993, China’s food supply and demand subsystem briefly experienced a state of mild imbalance, followed by a state of moderate imbalance around 2003. These imbalances were primarily attributed to insufficient effective food supply. In terms of the equilibrium between supply and demand in the context of food security, China’s food supply and demand exhibit a predominantly balanced condition with a slight surplus, wherein the adequacy of food supply significantly influences food security. Furthermore, the provision of policy support serves as a robust assurance for food security, and China’s existing policy framework for food security demonstrates a constructive impact.

The purpose of the work is to determine perspectives and to develop recommendations for improvement of the process of managing the risk system of entrepreneurship within provision of food security. The methodology includes the methods of regression and correlation analysis. The authors determine the role and meaning of risk management in the sphere of agro-industrial complex in provision of national food security and determine perspective modernization mechanisms of risk system of entrepreneurship in the sphere of agro-industrial complex of Russia as the main condition for national food security. This allows for conclusion that the system of management of entrepreneurial risks in the sphere of Russian agro-industrial complex has a lot of drawbacks, which include monopolistic participation of the state in the process of such management, which is the reason for low level of national food security. As a solution to this problem, the authors develop a model of improvement of the process of management of risk system of entrepreneurship in the sphere of Russian agro-industrial complex within provision of national food security, which allows eliminating this drawback and involve enterprises of agro-industrial complex into the process of risk management, which, in its turn, will lead to increase of its efficiency, more successful satisfaction of interests parties’ needs (consumers who will receive access to a wider assortment of competing products), and solution of the problem of national food security.

Food security is the foundation of sustainable human development, and the balance between food supply and demand in urban areas is highly important for promoting residents' health and the sustainable development of cities. This paper takes the Urumqi Metropolitan Area (UMA), a typical oasis urban area, as the study area and uses the food production-demand gap indicator to assess the balance of food production and consumption in the region from 2000 to 2020 and projects food demand in 2030-2060. The results show, first, that residents' food consumption is characterized by high carbohydrate, protein, and fat consumption, and that this put more pressure on food production. Second, different food consumption structures will have different impacts on food production, and the local food production capacity in UMA falls short of ensuring a balanced nutritional structure for residents. Third, food demand increases significantly in 2030-2060, and the pressure of population consumption structure on food production is much greater than that of population growth. Considering the environmental effects of food transportation and the loss of food nutrients, on the production side, the construction of the UMA should be accelerated by including Qitai County and Jimsar County in the UMA's planning scope, strengthening city-regional connections, and improving the local food production and supply capacity of surrounding areas. On the consumption side, regional dietary guidelines should be developed based on local dietary culture and agricultural production conditions to help guide residents to adjust their dietary structures, thereby alleviating pressure on local food demand. Such measures are crucial for ensuring sufficient food supply and promoting balanced nutrition among the population.

Global Food Security—Introduction

With the global population projected to reach 9 billion by the year 2050, the need for nations to secure food supplies for their populations has never been more pressing. Finding better supply chain solutions is an essential part of achieving a secure and sustainable diet for a rapidly increasing population. We are now in a position, through methods including life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprinting and other tools, to accurately measure and assess our use – or misuse – of natural resources, including food. The impact of new technologies and management systems can therefore improve efficiencies and find new ways to reduce waste. Global Food Security and Supply provides robust, succinct information for people who want to understand how the global food system works. The book demonstrates the specific tools available for understanding how food supply works, addresses the challenges facing a secure and safe global food supply, and helps readers to appreciate how these challenges might be overcome. This book is a concise and accessible text that focuses on recent data and findings from a range of international collaborations and studies. The author provides both a snapshot of global food supply and security today, and a projection of where these issues may lead us in the future. This book will therefore be of particular interest to food policy leaders, commercial managers in the food industry, and researchers and students seeking a better understanding of a rapidly evolving topic.

livelihoods of the population. Different population densities, land fertility, and differences in income levels initiate the use of different approaches to providing the world’s population with food. The impact of sanctions against Russia on food supply and food security in the world, in particular considering the “grain deal,” remains poorly understood. The purpose of the work is to analyze the processes of food supply and achieving food security in the countries of the world, considering the introduction of sanctions by Western countries against Russia. The objectives of the study are as follows: to analyze the current situation in food supply, to identify the main threats to food security in the world as a whole, to propose solutions to reduce the negative impact of sanctions imposed against some states on third countries. The results of the study provide substantiation of proposals aimed at resolving issues of ensuring food security in the world under sanctions pressure on exporters of agricultural products.

This study examines how food supply and demand management, domestic agriculture, agricultural technology, and conceptual understanding of food security influence Malaysia’s food security, aiming to align strategies with SDG2 (Zero Hunger) by 2030. A two-round Delphi method with 33 experts from Malaysia’s public and private sectors was used in this study. Qualitative insights and quantitative analyses (e.g., Kendall’s Coefficient) determined consensus on the relative importance of these dimensions. Experts identified robust food supply and demand management, strengthened domestic agriculture, and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies as key drivers for improved food security. Although conceptual understanding is essential, it was ranked as the least critical factor. The study provides practical recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing targeted investments, improved logistics, and technological innovation. The findings contribute to food security research by offering a structured, expert-driven framework for addressing Malaysia’s food security challenges. This consensus-driven approach offers a unique, expert-validated model that contributes to both academic literature and practical policy formulation in the context of Malaysia’s evolving food security challenges.

HighlightsA scoping review of 385 articles containing relevant literature, research studies, and connections among postharvest losses, produce quality, supply chain management, and technology use was performed.Several postharvest factors, including handling, pre-cooling, washing and sanitation, sorting and grading, packaging, storage, and transport, play key roles in maintaining produce quality, but stakeholders in developing countries or emerging economies often lack access, infrastructure, equipment, and capital, resulting in significant losses.Supply chain management plays an important role in reducing postharvest losses, yet managerial, socioeconomic, and supply hindrances create impediments to fresh food industries in developing countries.Recently developed technologies in cold storage, artificial intelligence, and tracking and tracing can have a significant impact on produce quality, and while developing countries have adopted new technologies rapidly, there are still financial, social, and regulatory obstacles limiting uptake.Abstract. Rising global population and increased demand for fresh food, especially in developing countries, underscore the critical need to address postharvest losses to ensure food security. Effective postharvest practices, supply chain management, and technology are key factors to sustaining produce quality. However, the magnitude and nature of these factors vary between developed and developing countries. Developed countries tend to have more efficient supply chain management systems, a highly skilled workforce, and greater access to advanced technologies, leading to a higher level of produce quality and fewer postharvest losses. In contrast, developing countries often suffer from inadequate infrastructure, a lack of access to modern technologies, a lack of skills to properly grade, sort, package, transport, and store produce, as well as poor quality control. Addressing these issues through improved supply chain management, the adoption of appropriate technologies, and training and education could lead to a reduction in postharvest losses, produce quality that is maintained, and a safer, more secure food supply. This article presents a scoping review of literature on postharvest factors, technologies, and practices resulting in the deterioration and losses of fruits and vegetables in fresh food supply chains, with an emphasis on developing countries. Existing and emerging technologies and supply chain management practices that maintain quality and facilitate the delivery of high-quality produce were highlighted. First, a conceptual framework for supply chains is presented to guide discussion on technical, economic, and policy opportunities and to provide insights that may strengthen the resilience of food systems in developing countries. Next, techniques and practices used in the produce industry were summarized, including how effective supply chain management can maintain quality and reduce postharvest losses at key distribution stages. Finally, recent literature on technology, applications, and barriers to adoption is presented, and strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience in developing countries are discussed. Keywords: Developing countries, Food loss, Food security, Postharvest losses, Postharvest management, Produce quality, Smallholder farmers, Supply chain management, Technology adoption.

Reconciling Traditional Knowledge, Food Security, and Climate Change:Experience From Old Crow, YT, Canada Vasiliki Douglas, Hing Man Chan, Sonia Wesche, Cindy Dickson, Norma Kassi, Lorraine Netro, and Megan Williams What Is the Purpose of This Study? • To determine community food security concerns in Old Crow, Yukon, Canada and to develop a community consensus on viable adaptation planning to address food security concerns. What Is the Problem? • Old Crow is a remote, aboriginal community in Arctic Canada that is highly dependent on both traditionally harvested foods and expensive market foods for sustenance, leading to experience a high degree of food insecurity. • Environmental, cultural, and economic change is altering the relationship between residents of Old Crow and their food supply. What Are the Findings? • The population of Old Crow is deeply concerned about its youth and their ability to participate in traditional culture. • A secure food supply is closely dependent on the ability to responsibly manage and harvest traditional food species, and alter the balance between them, if necessary. • Loss of traditional knowledge and culture is widely viewed as a serious threat to traditional resource management. • Market foods are a possible substitution, as is agriculture, but must be managed in conjunction with the traditional food supply. Who Should Care Most? • Members of remote communities facing a high degree of food insecurity face similar issues. • Traditional communities with strong food traditions are facing increasing social pressure to adopt mainstream diets based on market foods. They face issues of cultural food security (if not physical food security) similar to those facing Old Crow. Recommendations for Action • Communities’ options for addressing their food security and cultural security issues may be explored with the assistance of researchers, leading to recommendations for adaptation planning in close collaboration with the community • Actual adaptations must be driven from the community level, and require a high degree of community consensus for success. [End Page 3] Vasiliki Douglas University of Northern British Columbia, School of Health Sciences; Hing Man Chan University of Ottawa, Department of Biology; Sonia Wesche University of Ottawa, Department of Geography; Cindy Dickson Council of Yukon First Nations; Norma Kassi Arctic Institute of Community Based Research Lorraine Netro Vuntut Gwitchin Government Old Crow Megan Williams Vuntut Gwitchin Government Old Crow Copyright © 2014 The Johns Hopkins University Press

AimThe COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted the Australian food supply with potential ramifications on food security. This scoping review aimed to synthesise current evidence on the prevalence of food insecurity and changes to factors related to food insecurity during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia.MethodsA comprehensive search strategy was used to search seven databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Global Health, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, Informit Online) and Google Scholar. Included studies were written in English, published in 2020–2021 and examined food security status in Australia during the COVID‐19 pandemic and/or factors associated with food insecurity in free‐living Australian residents. Articles with participants residing in institutional settings, where meals were supplied, were excluded.ResultsA total of 700 records were identified from database, grey literature and hand searching, and nine articles were included. All studies indicated that the prevalence of food insecurity had increased due to negative changes to food availability, accessibility, usability and stability. The downturn in employment and economic circumstances following the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic appeared to create a new group of food‐insecure Australians consisting of newly unemployed, and international students.ConclusionCOVID‐19 has exacerbated vulnerabilities in the Australian food supply and food security. Suggested actions include ongoing data collection on the long‐term impact of COVID‐19 on food supply and security in addition to coordinated national and community responses that improve the stability of the local food supply and address underlying determinants of food insecurity.

Reflections on China's food security and land use policy under rapid urbanization

Understanding trends in food supply and demand are of great importance to the maintenance of China’s food security. We identified natural disasters (floods, drought, hail and frost), resource constraints, input constraints and growth of food demand as sources of risk, which could cause food insecurity. We therefore conducted an integrated three-step risk assessment, based on the Cobb-Douglas production function and scenario analysis method. The results predict that, irrespective of the total food demand and scenario, China could guarantee more than 90 % food self-sufficiency as long as the identified natural disasters occurred at no more than the historical average for the period 1986–2011. However, in a pessimistic scenario, consisting of the simultaneous occurrence of the worst natural disasters over this period, the consequent annual grain shortfall would put most provinces and cities into the medium or high risk range for food security in both 2015 and 2020. In such a scenario, the current grain stock is only sufficient to buffer China’s grain supplies for one year. In most scenarios, 10 of the 13 major grain producing provinces will have the ability to maintain their current food self-sufficiency rates over the next few years, but the food self-sufficiency rates of the more developed provinces and the largest cities will continue to decline, mainly because of the reduction in cultivated land and accelerating urbanization.