A simple global food system model

Abstract

In this study, we develop a simple dimension model to construct the food system in response to the population growth, the land use change and various socio-economic developments. The model simulates the consumption and production of agricultural goods in the individual countries, and maintains the global balance of food through the international trade flows between countries. Although there are some biases in the model results at the country levels, we suggest that such a simple model is feasible for simulating the global food supply system and assessing the uncertainties coming from various environmental and socio-economic factors.