By Matija Šerić
Political issues such as conflicts, wars, and government neglect of agriculture severely impact food production and distribution, pushing millions to the brink of starvation. Wars destroy agricultural and transport infrastructure, turning fertile farmland and roads into battlefields. Conflicts, including guerrilla insurgencies and terrorist attacks, drive farmers off their land, leaving fields unplanted.
A major issue is the lack of political interest in agriculture, as fewer people engage in farming, meaning rural populations constitute a shrinking segment of the electorate. When governments neglect agriculture, rural areas fall behind, and farmers lack access to modern technologies, irrigation, and credit, leading to lower yields and worsening food availability in markets.
Sanctions Hit Ordinary People
Wars and political instability are directly linked to economic problems. Sanctions and trade barriers negatively affect supply chains. Basic foodstuffs such as grains, vegetable oils, meat and meat products, fruits and vegetables, and sugar become either too expensive (inflation and hyperinflation) or inaccessible to poor populations in developing countries and even in developed nations. The poor become even poorer, prompting migration to cities or other countries—for example, from Africa to Europe. In some cases, small farmers or farmers in poorer countries abandon their work because farming ceases to be profitable. High food production costs due to political or economic reasons discourage farmers from producing and hinder investments in agricultural technology. All of this negatively impacts food supply in markets.
Will there be a global food shortage?
Potential Solutions for Ordinary People
The question is, how can global food shortages be prevented? Ordinary people can protect themselves from hunger to some extent by maintaining food reserves or learning to cultivate certain plants. Households can stockpile non-perishable foods such as canned goods, flour, oil, sugar, rice, pasta, beans, and dried fruit. Given the potential for shortages or price hikes, having supplies for at least a few weeks is beneficial. An even better solution is self-sufficient food production. Maintaining a small vegetable and fruit garden can provide a steady source of fresh food and reduce reliance on supermarkets. Simple crops like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs are relatively easy to grow. Ordinary people can also support local family-run farms (such as smallholder agricultural businesses) by purchasing food directly from them. These farms have shorter distribution chains than large corporations and are less vulnerable to economic and political disruptions. Additionally, locally produced food is healthier. While these are emergency solutions, real solutions must be structural.
Structural Solutions
Experts argue that solving global food shortages requires a shift in national priorities. Governments must create conditions for sustainable agriculture and a stable global food supply. These two factors are fundamental to preventing hunger. In other words, governments should increase investments in agricultural research, including long-term technological and infrastructure projects. However, this is not happening even in the U.S. The U.S. government’s budget for agricultural research and development remains at the same level as it was 50 years ago when adjusted for inflation. According to available data, the total budget of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the fiscal year 2024 was approximately $186 billion. At the same time, the U.S. military budget was around $850 billion. Meanwhile, 47 million Americans face malnutrition and fail to consume enough daily calories.
World Food Program warns of a looming global catastrophe
Farmers should utilize advanced technologies such as precision agriculture, sustainable irrigation, and improved seeds. Reducing reliance on imports through the promotion of local production and the diversification of food producers is crucial. Governments should encourage and subsidize sustainable agricultural practices that do not harm the environment but still enable higher yields. Additionally, reducing food waste is essential. Billions of tons of food are wasted annually while many suffer from hunger. National governments and multilateral organizations should work together to prevent global hunger. Investment in farmer education is also crucial.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, the key political and economic centers of power in the world either do not understand this or refuse to acknowledge it. Sadly, it seems inevitable that a global food shortage will occur at some point in the future—it is just a matter of time. How countries and individuals will handle this crisis remains to be seen. As always throughout history, there is no doubt that the most vulnerable will suffer the most, while the wealthy will secure their protection in advance.
