Political Ecology of the World Food System

Political Ecology of the World Food System

One of the common challenges that have been impacting the world is the automation of various food systems. This is in response to less people living in the country and more residing in urban areas. Moreover, changes in technology and the commercialization of the food industry are making it difficult for individual farmers to survive. As a result, the food system has become commercialized with less people understanding where their food comes from or how it is grown. Two questions that will be focused on to address these issues include:

How the food system is transforming itself?

What consumers will do in the future, to deal with possible transformations?

Once this takes place, is when it will be clear as to how the food system is continually evolving. (Bomford 119-127) (Berry 148-152) (Allen 140-150)

When analyzing the changes that are occurring in the food system, it is obvious that the current approach is unsustainable. This is because large farms and agricultural processing centers have been created to deliver huge quantities to consumers in cities around the globe. The problem with this approach, is that no understands how to produce their own food and there are tremendous amounts of energy utilized during this stage. (Bomford 119-127) (Allen 140-150)

The main reason why the process is so inefficient is from: large feed lots and farms (which are designed to produce one particular product). This will deliver huge quantities to retail markets. However, the quality of the produce or meat is worse in comparison with using a more natural process (such as: photosynthesis). Furthermore, the increasing amounts of population growth are placing pressure on available supplies. (Bomford 119-127) (Allen 140-150)

To deal with these challenges a new approach must be taken that will reduce costs and improve quality. The most effective way that this can be achieved is through having individuals utilize their own spaces for growing the food they will consume personally. During this process, is when they will use more natural techniques that cost less and increase quality. In some cases, this could involve an individual, planting their own food on empty land. While those who live in urban areas will be able to: reclaim land that is not being used and can work in conjunction with local community organizations. (Berry 148-152) (Allen 140-150)

At the same time, there is also a focus on using greenhouses as a way to produce fruits and vegetables year round. In many locations (such as: Holland and China) these practices are being utilized for effectively achieving this objective. As this is allowing someone to grow what they want in a cost effective manner. This is illustrating how more people will become involved in these activities. The main reasons are from: economic challenges and the need to improve the quality of foods they are consuming. (Robin 41-48) (Bonheim 265-268) (Bomford 119-127)