The State of Food and Agriculture 2021 (Chinese Edition): Making Agri-Food Systems More Resilient to Shocks and Stresses

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of agri-food systems to shocks and stresses, leading to increased global food insecurity and malnutrition. To make agri-food systems more resilient, efficient, sustainable, and inclusive, action is needed. The State of Food and Agriculture 2021 provides country-level indicators that measure the resilience of agri-food systems, including primary production, food availability, and physical and economic access to food.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the significant vulnerability of agri-food systems to various shocks and stresses, resulting in a heightened global food insecurity and malnutrition crisis. To address this pressing issue, immediate action is required to enhance the resilience, efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity of agri-food systems.

The State of Food and Agriculture 2021 provides valuable insights into the resilience of agri-food systems at the country level. These indicators encompass measures of primary production and food availability, as well as physical and economic access to food. By analyzing these indicators, we can gain a better understanding of the capacity of national agri-food systems to withstand shocks and stresses, a crucial aspect of resilience.

One of the key indicators highlighted in the report is the resilience of agricultural production systems. This indicator assesses the ability of agricultural systems to maintain or recover productivity in the face of external shocks, such as natural disasters, pests, or diseases. It considers factors such as crop diversity, soil quality, irrigation infrastructure, and access to agricultural inputs and technologies. A resilient agricultural production system is essential for ensuring food security and mitigating the impact of food crises.

Another important indicator is the resilience of food availability systems. This indicator measures the extent to which people have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. It considers factors such as food prices, food availability, and food waste. A resilient food availability system ensures that individuals have access to a diverse range of food products, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.

Physical and economic access to food is also crucial for building resilience in agri-food systems. This indicator assesses the availability and affordability of food, as well as the barriers to accessing food, such as transportation costs, market access, and food processing and storage facilities. A resilient physical and economic access to food system ensures that all individuals, regardless of their income or location, have access to sufficient and nutritious food.

In addition to these indicators, the report also highlights the importance of sustainable agri-food systems. Sustainable agri-food systems are those that can produce food in a way that meets the needs of current and future generations while minimizing environmental impacts and promoting social and economic equity. Sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroecology, conservation agriculture, and sustainable land management, can help build resilience in agri-food systems by promoting soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation.

To enhance the resilience of agri-food systems, several actions can be taken. These include investing in agricultural research and development to improve crop yields, reduce food waste, and develop new technologies and practices. Governments and international organizations can also play a crucial role in supporting agricultural production, improving access to markets, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Furthermore, promoting inclusive agri-food systems is essential for addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. Inclusive agri-food systems ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, have access to sufficient and nutritious food. This can be achieved through policies that promote gender equality, support smallholder farmers, and address social and economic inequalities.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of agri-food systems to shocks and stresses, leading to increased global food insecurity and malnutrition. To build resilience and address these challenges, immediate action is required to enhance the resilience, efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity of agri-food systems. By investing in agricultural research and development, supporting sustainable agriculture practices, and promoting inclusive agri-food systems, we can ensure that all individuals have access to sufficient and nutritious food, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 211 x 296 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251351932