Food security is becoming one of the most pressing issues in the world.

Due to inflation, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts, a large part of the population does not have access to adequate nutrition. Various aspects of the global food crisis, including rising prices and resource shortages, are exacerbating existing concerns.

The rising inflation rate worldwide leads to a sharp increase in food prices. This has a negative impact not only on people’s living standards but also on countries’ economic stability. According to the UN World Food Programme, more than 828 million people are undernourished, with the situation being challenging in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Impact of Climate Change and Geopolitical Conflicts

Food security is an essential factor directly related to climate change. Global climate change has a negative impact on agriculture. Drought, water shortages, and extreme weather conditions reduce crop yields and cause supply disruptions.

In countries specializing in agriculture, declining crop yields cause rising prices, which weakens the global food chain.

One of the main causes of the food crisis remains geopolitical conflicts. Long-term wars and political instability complicate production, export, and import. International trade barriers and supply chain disruptions pose a serious threat to the stability of the global food market.

International Efforts to Ensure Food Security

International organizations play an essential role in ensuring global food security. The UN’s Nobel Prize-winning World Food Programme helps eliminate food shortages in almost 80 countries. In 2021, assistance was provided to nearly 128 million people.

The World Bank invests in agriculture to increase food production, improve rural living conditions, and introduce technological innovations to adapt to climate change. Developing countries have been allocated $1.5 billion under the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, launched in 2020. In addition, FAO implements projects to develop sustainable agriculture at the global level, reduce poverty, and combat food shortages. According to the organization, $180 billion should be invested in agriculture annually to eliminate hunger worldwide by 2030.

International organizations also prioritize introducing new technologies, aiming to increase productivity through the digitalization of the industry and expand the use of smart agricultural technologies. Satellite systems for crop monitoring and drought detection are being introduced. This helps manage production resources and maintain supply stability.

Transformations in Uzbekistan’s Agriculture

Food security is also an important strategic issue for Uzbekistan. In recent years, important reforms have been implemented. In particular, within the framework of the Strategy for the Development of Agriculture for 2020-2030, programs have been developed aimed at creating a stable food supply and regulating prices. 25 trillion UZS have been allocated for relevant projects. Particular attention is paid to technological innovations and efficient resource use.

At the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the policy of sole management of cotton has been abolished, and efficient land management and cultivation of productive crops have become a priority.

To improve food products' storage and delivery system, a project to install 9,000 refrigerators, introduce water-saving technologies, and use a drip irrigation system on 500,000 hectares has been implemented.

Agro-logistics centers are becoming necessary for storing products and exporting. Their number increased to 20 last year. Import and export issues have been regulated. Special state control has been strengthened to ensure the stability of food prices. All these changes are important steps taken to strengthen food security and the sustainable development of agriculture. Reforms in the country are ongoing.

The use of new technologies and environmentally friendly agricultural methods affects the sustainability of the production system. Strengthening global cooperation, stabilizing international markets, and controlling food prices by strengthening trade chains remain urgent. Worldwide collaboration and the regular exchange of experience play an important role in this.

Azizbek Nakhanov, UzA