Food and Sustainability in the Twenty-First Century: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives

Sustainability is a major problem in food production, and this volume brings new perspectives from international scholars working in social, cultural, and biological anthropology, ecology, and environmental biology. It provides a global outlook on sustainability issues, with case studies appealing to those working in public sector agencies, NGOs, consultancies, and other bodies focused on food security, human nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2019
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Sustainability is a pressing issue in the realm of food production, requiring a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. This volume, brought together by international scholars from diverse fields such as social, cultural, biological anthropology, ecology, and environmental biology, offers a fresh perspective on the challenges we face. By adopting a cross-disciplinary framework, the book explores sustainability issues from local, regional, and continental angles, providing a global outlook. The case studies presented herein are tailored to appeal to professionals working in public sector agencies, non-governmental organizations, consultancies, and other organizations dedicated to food security, human nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

The significance of sustainability in food production cannot be overstated. The world's population is rapidly growing, and with it, the demand for food is increasing. However, our current food systems are unsustainable, relying heavily on intensive agriculture, excessive use of natural resources, and environmental degradation. This has led to a range of environmental problems, including climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and soil erosion.

To address these challenges, we need to adopt a sustainable approach to food production. This involves promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and conservation tillage, that minimize the negative impact on the environment. It also involves reducing food waste, improving food distribution, and promoting healthy diets that are both nutritious and sustainable.

In addition to the environmental benefits, sustainable food production also has social and economic benefits. It can create employment opportunities in rural areas, improve food security, and reduce poverty. It can also promote cultural diversity and preserve traditional knowledge and practices related to food production.

However, achieving sustainable food production is a complex and challenging task. It requires a collaborative effort from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals. It requires a shift in our mindset towards a more sustainable and circular economy, where resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized.

One of the key challenges facing sustainable food production is the need to address the issue of food insecurity. Millions of people around the world are still hungry and malnourished, and the lack of access to food is a major contributor to poverty and social unrest. To address this issue, we need to invest in sustainable agriculture practices, improve food distribution systems, and promote social protection programs that ensure that everyone has access to healthy and nutritious food.

Another challenge is the impact of climate change on food production. Climate change is causing changes in weather patterns, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and reducing crop yields. To mitigate the impact of climate change, we need to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices, such as crop diversification, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy.

In conclusion, sustainability is one of the great problems facing food production today. By adopting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, we can develop sustainable food systems that provide healthy and nutritious food to everyone while minimizing the negative impact on the environment. This requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 161 x 238 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789202373