Healthcare
Tackling Food Insecurity Through Technology
Food insecurity refers to the inconsistent access to adequate, affordable and nutritious food that people need to live an active and healthy life. Contrary to popular belief, food insecurity is not solely about hunger. Its intensity exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild or limited variety, to moderate indicating reliance on processed foods, to severe implying inadequate quantity. Consequently, the impact of food insecurity also varies — with mild intensity causing stress and anxiety, moderate intensity affecting health and development and severe intensity causing physical discomfort and putting health at serious risk.
- In 2022, the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) estimated that 1.3 billion people were food insecure, while
- The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report indicated that between 691 and 783 million people experienced hunger.
This is disheartening given what Gabriel Ferrero, Chair of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), stated in the same year, "Today, the world produces 150 per cent more food on only 13 per cent more land compared with 1960, thanks to many innovations in food production made over the years. We produce enough food to feed 1.5x the global population. That's enough to feed 10 billion yet we are at just over 7 billion currently. There is enough for everyone."
Despite the abundance in food, why do millions face hunger? This is a pertinent question. The problem lies in unequal access to food. Poverty, high living costs including food inflation, conflict (armed violence and war) and climate change disrupting distribution channels are the major culprits. Clearly, the need of the hour is to mobilise efforts and actively seek solutions.
Technology in food security
Food insecurity is a multifaceted challenge with a complex web of causes. To effectively tackle this issue, we need to deconstruct the problem into its key components and address each one individually. Here are the key components:
Food production
Yes, food abundance is a reality, but is it enough? While we produce a significant amount of food, a crucial question arises: Can we ensure sufficient, high-quality food production without relying on harmful chemicals? Yes, with innovative technologies and methods. Here is a peek into some of them:
- Precision agriculture: Techniques like using IoT sensors and data analysis help optimise fertiliser use, water irrigation and planting strategies to maximise yields on existing land while minimising waste.
- Vertical farming: This innovative approach utilises stacked layers to grow crops indoors, often in urban areas. Vertical farms can be climate controlled, reducing dependence on weather and maximising production in limited spaces.
- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Although a hotly debated topic, some GMOs offer increased resistance to pests and diseases, potentially leading to higher crop yields with less loss. However, ethical considerations and regulations surround GMOs.
Food waste
In 2022, over a billion meals a day were wasted while food insecurity affected one-third of humanity. This underscores the critical need for improved food management systems, such as:
- Improved supply chain management: IoT sensors and real-time data analysis can track food spoilage throughout the transportation and storage stages. This allows for quicker intervention, preventing spoilage and waste of resources.
- Smart packaging:Imagine packaging with built-in sensors that change colour or emit a signal when food is nearing its expiry date. This empowers consumers to make informed choices and reduce food waste at home.
- Food bank apps: These apps connect food banks, which are organisations that distribute food to people in need, with restaurants and grocery stores that have stock approaching expiry. Surplus food gets redistributed to those in need, minimising waste and getting nutritious food to people facing hunger.
Food distribution and access
Equitable access to food must be paired with sufficient quality food production. Any gap here undermines food security. Optimising food distribution is crucial for closing this gap. Here are some innovative strategies that can revolutionise how food reaches those who need it most:
- E-commerce platforms for farmers:Online platforms connect farmers directly to consumers. This is especially valuable in areas where access to fresh produce can be limited.
- Digital food assistance programs:Digital tools like Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and mobile apps are revolutionising access to food assistance programs. These programs provide a modern way for governments and charities to deliver aid to those facing food insecurity. EBT cards work just like debit cards, allowing card owners to buy approved food items at participating stores. This not only reduces fraud, but also empowers recipients with greater flexibility and control over their food choices.
- Weather monitoring and early warning systems: Weather related technological equipment such as, weather satellites, weather balloons, radar, supercomputers, weather models and AI can predict weather patterns and warn people about potential droughts or floods. With this information, adjustments can be made to food distribution networks to prioritise areas most affected by potential crop failures.
However, tech alone is not the answer. True success requires investment in rural infrastructure, affordable solutions for small farmers and efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Seeding a brighter future
Despite the looming threat of chronic undernourishment for nearly 600 million by 2030, technology offers a beacon of hope. From production to distribution, technology in food security can create a more efficient and sustainable food system. By investing in infrastructure, equity and responsible innovation, we can unlock technology's potential to ensure everyone thrives with access to nutritious food. A hunger-free future is definitely achievable.
How can Infosys BPM help?
Adequate nutritious food is the basis of good health, and yet not everyone has access to it. This is why the world suffers from food insecurity. Infosys’s Healthcare BPO fights back. Tech meets experience for equitable access. Join hands with them to start a healthy future now.