NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Friday, February 5, 2016

The food system is an essential part our lives in many respects. It is a very complex, integrated network that comprises not only supply chains of big companies, but also the institutions, the businesses and the people involved in the production, consumption, and distribution of the food we need to live healthy and productive lives. It also provides an income source for billions of people, many of whom are poor, and it is one of the largest users of the world’s natural resources. The food system is essential to not only maintain healthy lives, but also for global health security.

Today, there is no doubt that our global food system is facing enormous challenges. While we continue to grow enough food for everyone in the planet, we know that almost every country in the world is suffering from some forms of malnutrition.

There are still over 795 million people in the world who go to bed hungry every day, according to the FAO, and about 159 million stunted children. Poor nutrition causes 45% of deaths in children under five – 3.1 million children each year.

At the same time, there is a growing epidemic of overweight and obesity affecting 1.9 billion people globally, who are more likely to develop non-communicable diseases. The latest Global Nutrition Report 2015 shows us that no country is on track to reduce adult overweight and obesity.