Scientists under the auspices of the International Resource (IRP) have called for radical changes in the manner in which food is grown, harvested, processed, traded, transported, stored, sold and finally consumed.
This call comes against the backdrop of inefficient and unsustainable means of production that are responsible for 60 per cent of global biodiversity loss and about 24 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. They are also responsible for the overfishing of 29 per cent of commercial fish populations.
Even with modern farming methods that have somehow improved production, more than 800 million people globally still go hungry while more than 2 billion suffer nutrient deficiencies even as another 2 billion are overweight.
In order to achieve this goal, governments must observe low environmental impacts, the sustainable use of renewable resources and efficient use of resources.
Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director opines: “We have the knowledge and tools at our disposal to feed all the people in the world while minimising harm to the environment... a better, more sustainable food system can allow us to produce and consume food without the detrimental effects on our natural resources”.
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The use of pesticides should be stopped as we also protect our rivers. Sustainable food production is attainable without land degradation and environmental damage.