Since the pandemic broke earlier in the year experts, have predicted that the world might be experiencing food shortage anytime soon. Even before the pandemic these assumptions have been making waves which have made humans in general weary of what is about to befall the world in its entirety if it eventually hits the globe.
In this article, I’ll be bringing to your knowledge and sharing with you opinions and facts about food shortage, food waste and food insecurity.
Some school of thought disagree about such a thing on the basis that, it doesn’t exist and wouldn’t be happening as predicted while some agree. Those who agree gave instances that, practically all grocery’s store were emptied out during the pandemic our day to day essential items were no longer available for purchase because of panic buying and people constantly stocking up. I find some truth in this opinion and I’ll be giving instances that shows this prediction to be true.
However, let’s keep in mind that, United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, estimated that we are 7.2 billion people on earth currently and by 2050, an estimate of 2.5 billion people would have been added to our number. One major challenge the world has suffered from over time is Food insecurity — where land boarders aren’t protected enough and where adequate attention ain’t given to farm produce from when they are cultivated on farm, up to time of harvest, to time it’s transported to the market.
THE ISSUES
We’ve seen overtime that many of these produce get spoilt before reaching where it can be sold. United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, backed this claim up with an estimate that, one third of food produced worldwide is wasted. The estimate by EPA says, food waste comprised of the fourth largest material category Municipal Solid waste in 2018.
Let’s bring it to the grassroot, in our homes do we cook in moderation or we rather cook in excess and turn the leftovers in the bin. How can food wastage be avoided? How can we prevent food waste in general?.
During the pandemic this even hit harder across local farms and also in the retail markets because many of these produce couldn’t be transported they were left to rot away even when they were tagged essential workers they still experienced difficulty in getting food across to those who genuinely needed it. How can one secure our foodways and the chain of distribution properly?
The insecurity experienced across board is another issue that has made food scarce even as people get displaced from their homes, hunger is on the increase as malnourished kids are on the rise daily.
Now in November 2020, we’re experience the shortage of onions currently in Nigeria it’s apparently considered gold in many cities presently across Nigeria where five small onion bulbs are sold for N200 or even more.
THE OPINIONS AND FACTS
MCZ conducted a poll on social media and these are the results we got.
Can food wastage be avoided?
Yes – 100%
No – 0%
Can we prevent food waste in general?
Yes – 80%
No – 20%
Will onions ever become plenty and cost-effective again?
Yes – 100%
No – 0%
Do you think food prices will become less expensive in the coming weeks?
Yes – 22%
No – 78%
Let’s put the statistics into perspective, a 100% agreed that food wastage can be avoided this simply shows, circumstances surrounding food waste is systemic and should be curbed soonest to preserve food and have food in abundance for everyone. Curbing this will go a long way in fighting hunger one of the major SDG and malnutrition among young children.
Asking if food wastage can be avoided in general, 80% went for yes and 20% went for no. Food waste has been here with us for the longest time and it would be hard to get rid off in the twinkle of an eye. A 100% believe onions will eventually become cost-effective in the coming year circumstances surrounding onion is quite evident. At first, the pandemic and then lockdown farmers couldn’t cultivate and economic activity were put on hold also, the unrest in the Northeast and Northern part of Nigeria contributed to the shortage of onions hence, making the produce expensive and scarce.
While, 78% went for no when asked if food prices will become less expensive in the coming weeks. These statistics speaks for itself and it shows the everyday issues with how the food chain works in this part of the world. A 2019 USDA statistics shows how much countries spend on food this statistics saw major African countries spending more on household expenditure with Nigeria leading with 56.6% and Cameroon 45.6%.
Food price rises inconsiderably and fails to become less because most of the issues that made it rise weren’t tackled or were simply overlooked by the agencies involved in its regulation.
Our Question of the Day segment on MCZ Platform took another turn when food lovers shared their honest opinion when asked.
How can we secure our food ways and the chain of distribution to avoid food wastage?
A response from @iam_chef_dee says, “Through proper packaging and storage”
When we asked, If food will be become less expensive in the coming weeks?
A response from @just_sprinkleit says, “Naaahhh… I don’t think so, it won’t”
WHAT NEXT?
The question of the day and poll conducted via our social media platforms is a sheer reality across board and this reality hits us all differently. To prevent food shortage, waste and insecurity — as individuals, private sector and public sector we need to collaborate and form a force to fight against food wastage which will indirectly prevent food shortage and insecurity that has taken hold of the economy. This in return prevents it’s harm on our climate, land, water and the atmosphere. Importation of goods that we can produce here should also be discouraged in order to buy local and support local farmers, and sellers which in return cause an inflow of cash back to the economy and helps in the boost of our GDP. We need our foodways and chain of distribution to be less porous a lot more safer, more than ever.
My Cookery Zone 