In the heart of the global food crisis, a new study is shining a light on the intricate dance between drought and food insecurity, offering a fresh perspective that could reshape how we tackle one of the world’s most pressing challenges. Debashis Roy, a researcher from the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Glasgow, has led a comprehensive review that could revolutionize our approach to achieving zero hunger by 2030.
Droughts, often dubbed the next “pandemic,” are increasingly threatening global food security. Yet, despite extensive research, the complex interplay between drought and food insecurity remains poorly understood. Roy and his team set out to change this, conducting a systematic review of 186 peer-reviewed studies from Asia and Africa. Their findings, published in the journal ‘npj Sustainable Agriculture’ (translated to English as ‘npj Sustainable Farming’), reveal a significant gap in our current understanding and approach.
The study highlights that most existing research focuses on either the social or ecological aspects of the drought-food insecurity nexus, often in isolation. This siloed approach, Roy argues, is a major hindrance to achieving the zero-hunger goal. “We need to move beyond these traditional boundaries,” Roy states. “The drought-food insecurity nexus is a complex social-ecological system, and our approach should reflect that.”
The review identifies several key gaps in the current research landscape. Many studies do not specify the type of drought they are addressing, nor do they assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies. Moreover, the emphasis is often on food availability and access, with less attention given to utilization and stability.
To address these gaps, Roy and his team propose a holistic social-ecological systems (SES) approach. This framework offers a comprehensive lens for investigating the various components of the drought-food insecurity nexus and their complex relationships. “By adopting an SES approach,” Roy explains, “we can better understand the feedback loops and interactions between social and ecological factors, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions.”
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? The drought-food insecurity nexus is intrinsically linked to energy, with agriculture accounting for a significant portion of global energy consumption. Moreover, droughts can lead to increased energy demand for irrigation and other agricultural activities. By adopting a holistic SES approach, the energy sector can better anticipate and mitigate the impacts of drought on food security, ensuring a more stable and sustainable energy supply.
The study also opens up new avenues for research and innovation. For instance, it highlights the need for more interdisciplinary research that combines social and ecological perspectives. It also calls for more qualitative studies that can provide in-depth insights into the complex relationships within the drought-food insecurity nexus.
As we stand on the precipice of a global food crisis, Roy’s research offers a beacon of hope. By embracing a holistic SES approach, we can better understand and address the complex challenges posed by drought and food insecurity. This, in turn, can pave the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future, benefiting not just the agricultural sector, but the energy sector and society at large. The journey towards zero hunger is fraught with challenges, but with innovative research like this, we are one step closer to achieving this ambitious goal.