Food security and nutrition in an urbanizing world

Abstract

Purpose The paper is a synthesis of the 2017 Global Food Policy Report, and the purpose of this paper is to put into perspective the major food policy issues, developments, and decisions of 2016 and highlights challenges and opportunities for 2017. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents an overview of recent changes in the global context for food security and nutrition, and synthesizes research findings on major issues that arise in an urbanizing world. Based on its findings, the authors present policy recommendations and areas for future research for food security and nutrition. Findings Urbanization is linked with dietary changes to more energy-dense diets, and, the triple burden of malnutrition is increasing, particularly in rapidly urbanizing developing countries. Rural-urban linkages are key to improving food security and nutrition in both rural and urban areas, and traditional agricultural value chains linking farms to cities are undergoing a “quiet revolution.” Governance to enhance food security in the context of rapid urbanization faces various challenges in the institutional, administrative, and political realms, especially for the informal economy in developing countries. To address the unique challenges of urbanization, policies will need to create enabling environments, promote efficient and inclusive value chains, improve governance, and promote tailored programs. Research gaps that need to be filled include better, updated, and disaggregated data on food security and nutrition, as well as an enhanced understanding of enabling environments. Originality/value The paper highlights the increasingly relevant issue of rapid urbanization, especially in developing countries, for food security and nutrition, and synthesizes recent research in this area.

Urban farming as competitive resource in food services: an evaluation through the resource-based view theory

“…A rápida urbanização e o aumento populacional ampliam a pressão global por sistemas alimentares e agrícolas inovadores, já enfatizada pelas mudanças climáticas, pela degradação ambiental e pela alocação de recursos naturais longe da agricultura. As modificações que estão ocorrendo na maneira da população se alimentar, com a busca de alimentos mais saudáveis e nutritivos, requerem a utilização mais intensiva dos recursos (Fan, Cho & Rue 2017).…”

Vendor Characteristics, Practices, Microbial Contamination of Fish and Oil Quality in the Street Vending of Deep-fried Fish in Peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya: Case of Kasarani Sub-county

“…They have also been found to make cities more vibrant by adding color and offering diverse experiences [5,6]. Consumers are also drawn to gustatory attributes such as unique flavors [7,8]. Deep-fried vending is a common practice in Kenya, mainly in the informal settlements in the peri-urban areas.…”

Informal food chains and agrobiodiversity need strengthening—not weakening—to address food security amidst the COVID-19 crisis in South America

“…Informal networks of food retailing, low-cost transportation and distribution, processing, and agricultural production provide the most secure source of nutritious food for large populations in much of the world (Crush and Young 2019 ; Fan et al 2017 ; Zimmerer et al 2020 ). These informal food chains link poorer urban and rural consumers and workers with smallholder growers, thus providing both affordable food and extensive employment among persons that are food-insecure and near food-insecure (HLPE 2013 ; Maletta 2017 ).…”