Difference between revisions of "Food/Decentralizing food production"
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
The problem in food-distribution can be solved by small-scale local production. If everyone has food available to them locally, {{wp|Food_security|food security}} is ensured; no one need starve due to the inefficiency and injustice of the distribution of our food-resources. | The problem in food-distribution can be solved by small-scale local production. If everyone has food available to them locally, {{wp|Food_security|food security}} is ensured; no one need starve due to the inefficiency and injustice of the distribution of our food-resources. | ||
| − | [[Decentralization|Decentralized]] food production would mean a reduction in transport costs. Transport is currently a main contributor to the price of food (up to 77% of the total value of the food in sub-Saharan Africa <sup>[http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/wsfs/docs/Issues_papers/HLEF2050_Africa.pdf]</sup>). | + | [[Decentralization|Decentralized]] food production would mean a reduction in transport costs. [[Transport]] is currently a main contributor to the price of food (up to 77% of the total value of the food in sub-Saharan Africa <sup>[http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/wsfs/docs/Issues_papers/HLEF2050_Africa.pdf]</sup>). |
Decentralization would also preserve the freshness and nutritional value of our food without the need for preservatives or energy-expensive refrigeration. Many people also report that getting locally-grown food direct from the grower or even their own back yard gives a positive sense of community and empowerment. | Decentralization would also preserve the freshness and nutritional value of our food without the need for preservatives or energy-expensive refrigeration. Many people also report that getting locally-grown food direct from the grower or even their own back yard gives a positive sense of community and empowerment. | ||
Revision as of 16:56, 20 May 2011
While this article gives suggestions on increasing food yields, the fact is that we already have enough food to feed everyone on the planet [1]. The problem, unsurprisingly, is distributing it.
The problem in food-distribution can be solved by small-scale local production. If everyone has food available to them locally, food security 
is ensured; no one need starve due to the inefficiency and injustice of the distribution of our food-resources.
Decentralized food production would mean a reduction in transport costs. Transport is currently a main contributor to the price of food (up to 77% of the total value of the food in sub-Saharan Africa [2]).
Decentralization would also preserve the freshness and nutritional value of our food without the need for preservatives or energy-expensive refrigeration. Many people also report that getting locally-grown food direct from the grower or even their own back yard gives a positive sense of community and empowerment.
Statistics are sketchy, but a very significant fraction of the world's food currently spoils before it can be consumed. (One estimate is that 35-40% of food produced in India spoils [3].) Decentralizing production will go a long way towards reclaiming this food for people.
Moving food production away from large farms and towards gardens, greenhouses and small farms would also increase yield. This is because smaller farms are consistently found to be more productive [4][5][6][7]
