Digital Solutions for Global Food Problems

Food security, waste and distribution inefficiencies have been persistent for decades and only seem to be getting worse.
Advances in technology have created new opportunities to address global food issues, such as using blockchain to improve food traceability and food waste reduction.
Some examples include autonomous farming machines, drones, robots and smart apps that can improve all aspects of production, distribution and consumption.

February 13, 2023 | Agro 3 minutes read

A large portion of the world’s population is susceptible to food insecurity, given the limited availability and affordability of food. Macroeconomic factors such as energy prices, exchange rates, interest rates and others are unstable. These severely affect the interconnected pillars of the food economy, including input supplies, production, trade, market prices, logistics and infrastructure.

However, new digital solutions are helping to solve global food problems.

Food Traceability

Digital solutions have made it possible to track food products from farm to table, providing transparency and accountability in the food supply chain. This allows for the efficient monitoring of food quality and safety, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and contamination.

Blockchain technology offers a solution by creating a secure, transparent and immutable food supply chain. By using blockchain, consumers can track the journey of their food from farm to table, ensuring that unsafe food products are quickly identified and removed from the market. This helps to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and increase consumer confidence in the food they eat.

Also read: No Longer Just A Fad: Challenges In The Organic Food Supply Chain

Food Waste Reduction

Food waste is a major problem, with an estimated one-third of all food produced going to waste. Digital solutions such as smart packaging, food waste management apps and predictive analytics help reduce waste by optimizing the supply chain and predicting consumer demand.

These solutions can help households and businesses monitor and reduce food waste through smart refrigerators, food tracking apps and other innovative technologies.

For example, smart refrigerators can keep track of food items, suggest recipes based on the ingredients on hand and alert users when items are about to expire. Food tracking apps can help households and businesses monitor food inventory and avoid waste by providing reminders when items need to be used. This can not only help reduce waste but also save money, as users can reduce their grocery bills by reducing the amount of food they throw away.

Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture is a farming management system that uses digital tools to optimize crop production and reduce waste.

By using data on soil, weather and plant health, farmers can make informed decisions about crop management, leading to higher yields and less waste.

Drones, sensors, and satellite imaging help farmers to optimize crop yields and are becoming increasingly popular. By using these technologies, farmers can collect real-time data on the health and growth of their crops and make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization and pest control. This results in increased efficiency, reduced waste and a more sustainable use of resources, ultimately leading to higher yields and greater food security.

Also Read: The Emerging Role of Robotics In The Food Processing Industry

Improved Distribution and Logistics

Digital solutions have revolutionized the way food is distributed and transported. Real-time monitoring and predictive analytics can help to optimize the supply chain, reducing food waste and improving food security.

Connecting small-scale farmers to markets is another way in which digital solutions can help address the global food crisis. Many small-scale farmers struggle to access markets and sell their products, resulting in low income and limited food security. Digital platforms can help bridge this gap by connecting small-scale farmers with buyers, allowing them to sell their products directly to consumers and bypass traditional intermediaries. This can increase the farmers' income and provide consumers with access to fresh, locally sourced food.

Access to Food

In many parts of the world, access to food is a major problem, especially for communities living in poverty. Digital solutions like mobile payment systems and e-commerce platforms have made it easier for people in remote areas to purchase food and other necessities.

Digital solutions are increasingly important in addressing global food problems. From improving food traceability and reducing waste, to improving distribution and increasing access to food, technology has the potential to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. The use of digital solutions in the food industry is still in its early stages, but it holds great promise for the future.

Author: Revati Deval