Barclays today released the 10th edition of its Impact Series, entitled
“Global food systems under mounting pressure.”
The research report examines how the war in Ukraine, coupled with extreme weather events, is threatening food security globally.
Hiral Patel, Global Head of Sustainable and Thematic Research said:
“With extreme weather events coinciding with trade restrictions and conflict, years of positive progress in reducing hunger and poverty are being rapidly reversed. The war in Ukraine shows how a localised shock can cascade through international supply chains.”
Barclays’ Impact Series uses data-driven analysis to explore the social impact of economic, demographic and disruptive changes affecting markets, sectors and society at large. The key findings of today’s report include:
- Despite having eased off the highs reached early last year, food prices are likely to stay high, leading to shortages in the most vulnerable countries reliant on imported food.
- Rising food insecurity will likely lead to social unrest and increased migration from the poorest parts of the world.
- Record temperatures and prolonged droughts will lead to reduced crop yields in many regions, adding to pressures on food production and distribution caused by the war.
- Increased trade protectionism related to food will only exacerbate the situation as more than 40% of the world’s calorie intake currently comes from three crops produced in a handful of countries.
View a copy of the report.
Global Food Production and Distribution Issues 2023-
Global food production is projected is set to become increasingly difficult through 2023/24. With changing weather patterns, access to arable land diminishing, and the population continuing to rise, food producers are struggling to keep up with the demand for quality produce. The result of these trends is a decrease in supply that has already led to higher prices and an unequal distribution of resources.
Food insecurity has been on the rise across the globe as prices continue to climb and families struggle to afford enough nutritious meals. Poverty-stricken areas are particularly at risk due to their limited access to fresh foods and reliance on cheaper but often less healthy options.
This combined with a lack of infrastructure for safe storage or transportation further contribute to the challenge of producing enough food for everyone in need.
