Solving the world food problems is the most is important step now for human kind - Essay Example

However, food problems seem to be the result of combining all these problems. Therefore, commentators may conclude that solving the current world food problems is the most important step for humans. This paper seeks to address the food problems issue in this context, analyzing the reasons for the current food shortages and its potential solution. In addition, the paper addresses the genetically modified food and bio-fuel production, as well as global warming and its impacts on the world food supply.

The most obvious reason for the food problems is overpopulation. According to statistics, the world population was 2.5 billion in 1950, and experts estimate the figure to reach 9.2 billion in 2050. However, this significant increase is not accompanied by increased food production. For instance, the meat consumption in 1980 in China was 20kg per capita, but 50kg per capita three decades later (Kates, 2001:18). The increase in the demand for food has rose by 200%, and will increase by 50% by 2030.

As food becomes scarcer, food products could increase in price. This creates a vicious cycle of food shortages and poverty in economically developing and disadvantaged countries. For example, the food prices in Haiti have rose by 50 to 100% in a few decades. Additionally, the prices of food continue to rise. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization price index shows that the there has been a steady increase in food prices, from 12% in 2005 to 24% in 2007 to 50% in 2008.

Data from the World Bank shows the same trend (Messer, Cohen, and D’Costa, 2001:12). However, overpopulation is not the only cause of the significant increase in food prices. The global economy has experienced several serious financial crises in the past decade. Consider the Great recession of 2009 and the recent Euro debt crisis. Bad soil moisture and associated soil drainage results to the high food prices. Poor soil moisture causes poor drainage, which also depends on the grade