Global Food Security: Strategies for Urban Communities

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

During 2005/2006 a change-over point was reached when the number of people living in urban environments exceeded those living in rural areas. Thus the provision of food for city dwellers will become, increasingly, a major component of global food supply systems. To do so in a way that respects environmental as well as social and economic drivers is a difficult task. Two case studies are described, one in the UK, the other in Japan, that have and are succeeding in meeting the challenges while allowing consumers diverse and ethical food choices. INTRODUCTION Food Security (FAO, 2004) refers not only to “..physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet dietary needs...for an active and healthy life..” but also “..food preference...” or indeed, food choice. The battle for food security will be fought as much in cities as in the countryside. Efforts are being made to ensure that, even in cities, farming and food production should be developed and expanded (RUAF, 2006). A development amongst some urban dwellers is the growing evidence of a dissatisfaction with the evolution of the nature of food delivered through national or trans-national retail providers ie. Supermarkets, especially amongst the growing middle-class or newly affluent. There is also concern that the poorer citizens in similar locations have limited food choice within their income bracket, leading to less well balanced diets and associated health related issues. Hence the growth in these sectors for organically produced, locally sourced, minimally or unprocessed foods and a rejection of Genetically Modified, fast food and artificially fertilizedpesticide protected produce. A return to traditional agriculture and food practices is sought, not only to provide better food, but also to reduce pollution and combat global warming. How can affordable food from environmentally responsible suppliers be made available to a general, urban population? The following two case studies may indicate challenging solutions to the problem. METHODOLOGY The London Food Strategy. This is known as the Mayor’s Food Strategy, was presented in draft form in 2005, refined and implemented in mid-2006. It is based on his observation, “that the food system in the capital is not functioning in a way that is consistent with the ambition that London should be a world-class, sustainable city.” (LDA, 2005). Many features of the London food system are positive, but many are less so. These include, child obesity and increase in late-onset diabetes; access to affordable food for poorer people; food safety in restaurants and in the home; economic fragility of small food-related businesses; and the environmental consequences of London’s food supply chain. The Mayor’s plan is to work with and through partners to harmonize market forces with consumer preferences to achieve desired changes. IUFoST 2006 DOI: 10.1051/IUFoST:20060089