Areas Where the Food System Is Broken Down - Essay Example

Module Food Systems Food is the most important basic need in life. Food systems are linked to various aspects including societies, economies, culture, politics and ecosystems. Over the past few decades, food productivity has been fluctuating contributing negatively to economic growth globally. At the same time, these systems are affected directly or indirectly by global climate change (Fraser et al. 137). This has had negative social and ecological outcomes. Food systems are made up of activities and outcomes ranging from production to consumption which entails human and environmental dimensions (Grace Communications Foundation). The basic objective of food systems is to provide food security. This paper explores the food system, areas where it is broken down, areas where it is failing socially and ecologically, ways in which the food system is intertwined with states and economies and consequences genetic engineered food alliances to the world food system. Areas Where the Food System is Broken Down. The proportion of the population that is undernourished has increased drastically in the recent past and the nutrition status in the world can be simply described as terrible (Wiggins). To make matters worse, the food prices have risen dramatically in the global market with a spiraling effect domestic and local prices. This goes ahead to prove that the food system is broken down. The system is broken in the production of staple foods including maize, wheat and rice. The food system is in trouble with regards to the supply and demand of these stable foods. The fluctuations in food prices can be seen as a result of the changes in demand, supply and stocks in the recent past resulting to huge price increments that have been worsened by the reaction of key players. Additionally, the world cereal production has been slowing down way behind increasing consumption and growing population. Stocks have reduced considerably over the years and this has weakened the ability of the food system to cope with resulting shocks. Oil prices have risen sharply for the past ten years and this has led to increased cost of agricultural production. On the other hand, rising oil prices have made it more profitable to produce ethanol in the US from maize (Wiggins). This diversion of maize to industrial application coupled with lower production has resulted to a further increase in food prices (Holt-Gimenez). This caused behavior change in some key actors. For instance, various countries restricted exportation of grains by limiting exports or imposing additional taxes. These countries include India, Argentina and Ukraine (Wiggins). This led to a corresponding increase in rice prices. The climate concern is the most important aspect affecting the food system. There have been extreme weather conditions for the past ten years resulting to falling harvests in food production. This has made the issue of food security one of the toughest challenges facing governments in the modern world (Frontline Club Charitable Trust). In addition to increasing food prices, the situation has been made worse by the global population influx. Therefore, there is an increase in the food consumption and demand. The food system is broken in terms of food consolidation as distribution networks have become more globalized. This leads to increased risk of food safety problems. This means that a single contamination affects vast quantities of food thereby affecting a higher number of people (Grace Communications Foundation). The world food system can simply be described as an oligopoly since what people eat is driven by a few multinational companies. This is another contributing factor to the break down in the food system since it leads to the increased consumption of highly processed foods leading rising cases of diabetes and obesity (Stuckler and Nestle). In summary, the food system is not totally broken down (Wiggins). It can be noted that the world produces adequate food for everyone annually. This food should be stored appropriately and distributed through proper distribution channels to improve global food security (Roisn et al. 111) Farmers should explore sustainable farming methods including irrigation to ensure constant food production. Economies and states should ensure sound food policies such as subsidies for agricultural inputs and set floor and ceiling prices when necessary. Additionally, they should maintain stocks to enhance future food security. Points and Areas of the Food System That are failing Socially and Ecologically. The food system has become a showground of struggle that shows changes in society as expectations are shifting from the demand for affordable and convenient foods to environmentally sound and healthy alternatives (Deutsch et al. 207). The food system is focused towards providing foods that are convenient and affordable to the consumers and rarely take into account the health and environmental concerns of the consumers. This can be evidenced from the increase in genetically engineered foods. These foods are aimed at ensuring increased food production and sustainability without taking into account the health and ecological concerns of such foods (Cummins). Ecological food production can be enhanced through research and technology to identify the best methods of food production. However, recent studies show that the current use of science and technology has led to ecological damage in certain incidences (Cummins). Concerning the social aspect of food access and availability, food prices have risen significantly for the past few years leading to poor access and affordability. This problem has been facilitated by increased capitalism since the global system has been left in the hands of a few key players who control the market forces in the food industry (Mills 241). Ways in Which the Food System is linked to the Activities of States and Economies. The food systems are directly linked to the activities of states and economies. This is owing to the fact that economic pressures and policies have a profound impact on food prices and production. An increase in the tax rate on food results to an increase in food prices which consequently impacts the food system. The rise of capitalism in the contemporary world has had a huge impact on the food system (Mills 241). Capitalism has brought a mixture of benefits and problems to the food system. First, capitalism has resulted to immense concentration of multi- national corporations in the food system, mainly in the retail and food sectors. Moreover, the increase in number of supermarkets has numerous benefits to the consumers as it has led to easy access to affordable food (Mills 241). However, this has contributed largely to global obesity since it promotes consumption of highly processed foods. Capitalism has led to improved vertical integration in the agricultural sector which has benefited large scale of farmers while excluding poor small scale farmers. Consequences of Genetically Engineered Foods to the World's Food System. The debate on genetically engineered foods has generated much controversy in the recent times. Those who support it claim that it is the only solution to the current global food crisis since it results to higher yields and more resistant crops that can survive in the current climatic conditions. It is argued to be the way out to enhance increased food stability. Conversely, its critics retort that such foods have been known to cause health complications including food allergies, cancer and birth defects (Cummins). Shockingly, over 1/3 of the crop production in the U.S is genetically engineered (Cummins). It can therefore be argued that alliances such as the one between Dow and Monsanto are a great disadvantage to society since they are aimed at increasing the production of genetically engineered foods. However, there are those who benefit immensely from such ventures including gene engineers and companies behind the production of such foods. The issue of genetically modified foods should be debated exhaustively and consumers’ sovereignty and awareness should be promoted as there are those individuals who want to consume natural foods. Works Cited Cummins, Ronnie. Monsanto Nation: Taking Down Goliath. Web. 27 Jul. 2011. Deutsch, Lisa, Folke, C. and Skanberg, K. 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