Population and Food Security Flashcards
Causes of Population Growth
- falling mortality rate
- lack of education
- underutilized contraception
- poverty
How much is global food demand expected to increase by 2050?
By 70%.
Environmental Consequences of Food Production
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Deforestation
Water Resource Depletion
Biodiversity Loss
What is the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC)?
A theory suggesting that as income rises, environmental degradation initially worsens but later improves.
What is a major flaw in the EKC?
It often fails to consider technological change, trade, and institutional roles.
Why is the Philippines experiencing water scarcity?
Over-irrigation and excessive use of water for agriculture.
What social factors contribute to food insecurity?
Economic deprivation, poor urban planning, and corporate control of food production.
Why are Mindanao farmers food insecure despite agricultural wealth?
Export-oriented policies prioritize cash crops over local food security.
How does politics affect food distribution?
Corruption and inefficiency in food aid programs lead to delays in disaster relief.
What are some government policies that support food security?
Organic Agriculture Act (2010) (Philippines)
Farm-to-Fork Strategy (EU)
Conservation Reserve Program (USA)
How do universities contribute to food security?
By developing drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming techniques (e.g., International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines).
Name some NGOs involved in food security.
Rainforest Alliance (biodiversity conservation)
Greenpeace (climate justice & sustainable farming)
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (global hunger relief)
MASIPAG (farmer-led sustainable agriculture in the Philippines)
How do indigenous practices contribute to sustainability?
Intercropping and agroforestry enhance biodiversity and soil health.
How do festivals contribute to food waste?
Large celebrations often lead to excess food disposal, but some countries, like South Korea, implement food-sharing initiatives.
What is Bayanihan and how does it promote food security?
A Filipino tradition of shared farming efforts, ensuring collective food production.
Practical Solutions for Sustainable Food Systems
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Urban Farming & Vertical Agriculture
- Alternative Proteins
- Food Redistribution Networks
- Water-Smart Agriculture
What is regenerative agriculture?
A method that enhances soil health using cover cropping, minimal tillage, and composting.
How does urban farming help food security?
Maximizes food production in cities through hydroponics and rooftop gardens (e.g., The Netherlands).
What are examples of alternative proteins?
Lab-grown meat, plant-based proteins, and insect farming (e.g., Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods).
How do food redistribution networks reduce waste?
They rescue surplus food from restaurants and stores to feed the hungry (e.g., Too Good To Go, Food Recovery Network).
What is water-smart agriculture?
Sustainable water use in farming through drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting (e.g., Israel, India).
Population Growth Policies
- China’s One-Child Policy Two-Child Policy, Three-Child Policy (2021)
- Reproductive Health (RH) Law - provides access to contraception and family planning.
What is Fair Trade?
What are common Fair Trade-certified products?
A global movement ensuring fair wages and ethical trade practices for farmers and workers.
Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, bananas, cotton, flowers, and handicrafts.
What are future innovations in food security?
AI & Precision Agriculture
Blockchain for Food Transparency
Climate-Resilient Crops
Decentralized Food Systems
