Food Security and Ecological Degradation: Challenges and Opportunities for Inclusive Growth

Abstract

Food security is primarily associated to socioeconomic as well as environmental conditions of an ecosystem. The improvement in the agricultural sector and the upgrading of the food security situation are seen as vital constituents to sustainable development. However, continuing population growth, impacts of climate change and ecological degradation add to an unprecedented blend of pressures that threaten existing struggles and solutions. Strategies should be evolved so as to reduce the food gap by comprehensive food production on existing agricultural space and need not necessarily produce more food as a trade of ecological degradation. The environmental impact of food production should be reduced, particularly greenhouse gas emissions and stress on water and natural ecosystems. This article discusses the challenges and opportunities of inclusive growth in a sustainable way.