According to the World Bank, global food insecurity has been affecting the vulnerable groups in the community even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. And the impact of the pandemic has also led to the spread of hunger to other communities. It could worsen with the existing threats to food security in Singapore.
Here are the threats to food security:
- Climate change
Frequent droughts have been drastically affecting the agriculture sectors in major crop-producing countries. Extreme weather, such as tropical storms and harsh winters, have destroyed crops even before they get harvested. The fluctuating ocean temperatures have also affected marine biodiversity, changing the natural behaviour of ocean wildlife and the health of their habitats. Climate change may also affect the spread of diseases in livestock.
- Overpopulation
When there is an increase in population, there is also an increase in demand. When the supply can't keep up with the demand, it will cause the food cost to increase. It would severely impact those in and under the Singapore poverty line.
- Urbanisation and land development
Due to urbanisation, many agricultural lands are being developed. It also means that people also lose a piece of land that could potentially produce food and feed thousands for many years.
It could also lead to urban poverty, where slight food price changes could severely affect low-income families dwelling in the cities.
- Pollution
Overfishing and fishing methods that destroy the natural habitat of marine life could result in the plummeting numbers of ocean catch. Furthermore, soil pollution affects the fertility and ability of the land to produce food. Water pollution also impacts the crops it irrigates besides killing marine life that lives in it.
- Ageing farmers
There is a big concern on the rising average age of farmers today, and young ones seemed oblivious in replacing them. Many young landowners tend to develop their lands instead of farming. It would significantly affect global food production.
It takes global action to keep these food security threats in Singapore at bay.
The Best Of You helps vulnerable groups in the community affected by food insecurity. Visit The Best Of You today.
