Food security is critical for health, labour productivity, economic growth and sustainable development. Regional and local food insecurity, coupled with the need to develop innovative and sustainable solutions aimed at increasing food production, are some of the pressing challenges the world faces in securing the food demands of its population which is expected to grow to 9.6 billion by 2050. It is argued in this assessment that ecosystem degradation is a major cause of loss in potential food production, while human practices and consumer preferences, among other factors, are blamed not only for food loss but also food waste.

Tags: ecosystem food forests waste