Hunger and malnutrition continue to be pressing global challenges, and without significant action, the situation is expected to worsen. As the world’s population continues to grow, particularly in Africa and Asia, it is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050. This surge demands a substantial increase in food production to meet the needs of an expanding global population. However, achieving this is complicated by factors such as land and water scarcity, environmental concerns, and climate change, which are all contributing to a decline in agricultural productivity in many regions.
In January 2025, over 150 Nobel Prize and World Food Prize laureates, predominantly scientists, called on global leaders to prioritize agricultural research and development. They stressed the need to create “moonshot” technologies to address the widening gap between global food supply and demand. To tackle this issue, it is essential to foster innovation within agriculture and food systems.
A pivotal component of this solution lies in the adoption of emerging technologies, such as digital innovations and genomic-assisted breeding. These advancements hold the potential to boost crop yields while minimizing the impact of climate-related disruptions. Digital technologies, including sensors, can monitor plant health and soil conditions, identifying issues like disease or nutrient deficiencies, allowing for targeted treatments that reduce the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Furthermore, genomic-assisted breeding methods, including gene editing and genetic engineering, enable the development of crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors such as water shortages and extreme temperatures. Research conducted in China and other countries has shown that genetic engineering can significantly increase crop yields while simultaneously reducing pesticide usage. Recent studies have also indicated that genetically-engineered crops could lower greenhouse gas emissions from farming and help mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture.
In addition to enhancing crop production and reducing environmental impact, these technologies can support the preservation—and even restoration—of agricultural biodiversity. For the past several decades, many farmers have focused on a limited range of staple crops like rice, wheat, maize, and soybean, often neglecting other species. As a result, many valuable seed varieties and technologies are inaccessible to farmers. Gene editing has the potential to accelerate the cultivation of these neglected crops, making them more attractive to farmers. Research into over 60 crop species, including cassava, millet, and bananas, is already underway, with digital technologies playing a significant role in promoting agricultural diversity.
In many middle- and high-income countries, large, homogeneous farmlands dominate, largely because such areas are more efficient for large-scale machinery. The use of machines is particularly beneficial in regions where labor costs are high, enabling farmers to remain competitive. However, to preserve biodiversity, smaller, more diverse farms are needed. These cannot easily be managed by large machines but are better suited for smaller robots. In areas with cheap, abundant labor, the use of robots may be unnecessary.
However, technological advancements must be accompanied by social and institutional changes to ensure sustainable agri-food systems. Effective policies are required to make these innovations accessible to all, especially smallholder farmers, who often face the greatest challenges.
Moreover, the modernization of food markets and supply chains is equally important. This modernization can help improve efficiency, reduce food waste, and enhance the accessibility and affordability of nutritious foods for consumers. In many countries, rural populations suffer from less nutritious diets than urban dwellers, primarily due to the limited availability of diverse, affordable, and healthy foods year-round in remote regions. By investing in infrastructure, modern food processing, and better logistics, access to nutritious food can be significantly improved.
A study conducted in China found that the rise of modern supermarkets since the early 2000s has helped lower food prices and diversify food options, leading to improved diets and nutrition, particularly in rural areas. Similar positive effects have been observed in some African countries as well. Furthermore, e-commerce has been shown to enhance rural households’ access to nutritious foods, particularly lightly or moderately processed options. However, it is essential to regulate the food industry, as highly processed foods, which are often high in sugar, fat, and salt, can negatively impact health.
The modernization of the agri-food system is not just about technological progress but also about ensuring that it is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable. A modern, efficient food system is vital for achieving long-term food and nutrition security for all.
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