World hunger: It is possible to feed everyone

IN THE 1960s, the Green Revolution — which included the development of high-yielding crop varieties, the expansion of irrigation infrastructure, and the distribution of modern fertilisers and pesticides to developing country farmers — bolstered agricultural production worldwide.

But chronic hunger remains pervasive, particularly in developing countries, which are affected most by crop shortages and food-price volatility.

By 2050, the global population is expected to exceed 9bn. Achieving food security means ensuring that all people have consistent, affordable access to the right nutrients, despite land and water limitations, climate change, and the growing prevalence of resource-intensive Western-style diets that accompany rising incomes.