Sustainable Food Security Strategies: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Population Growth

What historical agricultural movement is referenced for learning how to nourish 9.8 billion people?

The Green Revolution

What is the current status of food production in relation to poverty?

Food production is increasing, but about one billion people still have insufficient food.

What is the projected need for food production by 2050?

Food production needs to double again by 2050.

What is the yield gap?

The difference between actual yields and the potential yields that could be achieved with optimal conditions.

What percentage of food is wasted globally?

30-40% of food is wasted.

What are some factors that affect actual agricultural yields?

Access to inputs, availability of land and equipment, affordability, opportunity costs, appropriateness of technologies, access to knowledge, expected returns, risk of production, access to markets.

What are some defensive technologies to protect potential yield?

Drought-tolerant varieties, fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides.

What is the average conversion efficiency of plant to animal protein?

10%.

What is the significance of aquaculture in feeding the population?

Expanding aquaculture can help meet food demands.

What role does women's education play in agriculture?

Investing in women's education can improve decision-making and market inclusion in agriculture.

What is CIMMYT?

Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo, an international organization focused on maize and wheat improvement.

What is the Borlaug hypothesis?

Sparing land for nature through agricultural intensification.

What are some strategies to reduce food waste in developed countries?

Addressing food pricing, cautious 'best by' dates, and portion sizes.

What are some challenges in reducing food waste in developing countries?

Scarcity of refrigerated storage, poor transportation infrastructure, and inadequate pest control.

What is one way to increase yield potential in agriculture?

Enhancing responsiveness to light, fertilizer, and water.

What is the impact of climate change on agriculture?

Climate change poses risks such as drought, heat, and salinity that can affect crop yields.

What is the significance of the average fertilizer use in the US compared to Sub-Saharan Africa?

The US uses an average of 190 kg of nitrogen fertilizer, while Sub-Saharan Africa averages only 9 kg.

What is the goal of closing the yield gap?

To meet the basic needs of approximately 850 million people.

What is the role of new biotechnologies in agriculture?

They can enhance crop resilience and yield potential through genetic improvements.

What is the relationship between population growth and food production?

As the population grows, food production must increase to meet rising demands.

What are the three main issues affecting agriculture, nutrition, and health?

Poverty, population growth, and climate change.

What is the average cost of a healthy diet globally in 2025?

4.46 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per person per day.

What was the average cost of a healthy diet in 2023?

4.30 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per person per day.

What is the average cost of a healthy diet in Madison, WI?

$6.67 per person per day.

What are the daily servings and costs for dairy in the diet example?

2.5 servings at a cost of $0.59 per serving, totaling $1.48.

What are the daily servings and costs for protein in the diet example?

2.5 servings at a cost of $0.71 per serving, totaling $1.78.

What are the daily servings and costs for vegetables in the diet example?

4 servings at a cost of $0.24 per serving, totaling $0.96.

What are the daily servings and costs for fruit in the diet example?

3 servings at a cost of $0.39 per serving, totaling $1.17.

What are the daily servings and costs for starch in the diet example?

8.5 servings at a cost of $0.15 per serving, totaling $1.28.

What is the total cost of the diet example per day?

$6.67.

What is the GDP per capita of Burundi?

$261.

Which country has a GDP per capita of $412?

Malawi.

What is the GDP per capita of Afghanistan?

$502.

What is a significant consequence of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD)?

Night blindness and weakened immune system.

What percentage of measles-related mortality in children is associated with VAD?

20%.

What are some dietary sources of Vitamin A?

Meat (especially liver), carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

What are some dietary sources of iron?

Red meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, and leafy vegetables.

What is the purpose of biofortification in staple food crops?

To make micronutrients available in staple foods sustainably and affordably.

What is the annual distribution of vitamin A pills for supplementation?

500 million vitamin A pills.

What is a challenge associated with fortification?

Compliance and risk of excess/overload.

What effect does cooking have on provitamins A?

Cooking can lead to a loss of provitamins A, with varying percentages depending on the method.

What is the impact of deep frying on provitamins A during snack preparation?

A 36% loss of provitamins A.

What is the average cost of a healthy diet calculated over a year at $3.75 per day?

USD $1369.

What is a socio-economic challenge related to the consumption of biofortified crops?

Consumer preference for traditional varieties over biofortified ones.

What is a key factor for the success of biofortified crops?

Demand creation and training for extension workers and nutrition promoters.

What is a major concern for consumers in Ililonga, Zambia?

The cost of staple food, which should be affordable.

What percentage of GDP does agriculture generate in agriculture-based countries?

On average, 29% of GDP.

What percentage of the labor force is employed in agriculture in low-income countries?

65% of the labor force.

What is the return on investment for agriculture as a means of poverty alleviation?

43% return on investment according to The World Bank, 2008.

What are the main household assets that determine the ability to escape poverty?

Land, water, education, and health.

What is the impact of gender and social class on food availability in Nepal?

Social exclusion based on gender and class affects access to resources and benefits from agricultural research.

What is the significance of the HMRP in Nepal?

It aims to improve food security and increase grain yield through participatory variety selection.

What does the term 'biofortification' refer to?

The process of increasing the nutritional value of food crops through agricultural practices.

What is the relationship between poverty and agriculture in rural areas?

Poverty is predominantly rural, and the rural poor often depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

What is the role of education in empowering women in agricultural development?

Education is vital for women's empowerment, leading to better health and nutrition.

How has aquaculture impacted employment in Bangladesh?

Aquaculture has doubled since 2008, providing year-round employment.

What is the significance of CIMMYT in global agriculture?

CIMMYT's genetic materials are present in over half of maize and 75% of wheat varieties in low- and middle-income countries.

What is the purpose of breeding high β-glucan oats?

To increase fiber consumption and reduce risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What challenges do farmers face that affect yield potential?

Late planting, untreated seed, poor weed control, and susceptible varieties.

What is the impact of food prices on social unrest?

Rising food prices can lead to food riots and protests.

What does 'affirmative action' mean in the context of increasing access to assets?

Policies aimed at including disadvantaged groups in agricultural development.

What is the significance of the phrase 'It all starts with a seed' in agriculture?

It emphasizes the foundational role of seeds in agricultural production and food security.

What is the role of farmer participation in agricultural development?

Farmer participation is crucial for the adoption of new technologies and practices.

What are the potential benefits of expanding aquaculture?

Increased protein availability and economic support for families through employment.

What does the term 'self-reinforcing cycle' refer to in the context of rural development?

A cycle where improvements in one area lead to further improvements in others, enhancing overall development.

What are the implications of social class on agricultural productivity?

Privileged classes often have better access to land and resources, impacting their productivity.

What is a key challenge in initiating change in traditional cultures?

Change must be approached with care and respect, ensuring local leadership.