The interconnected challenges of food insecurity and energy vulnerability are among the defining issues of the 21st century. Both are exacerbated by factors such as climate change, economic inequalities, and geopolitical instabilities, creating substantial strain on global systems. These impacts are felt most acutely in low-income nations, where access to basic necessities like food and energy often remains precarious. As the world navigates these challenges, a key question arises: how can food and energy security be ensured without compromising one for the other?

Agriculture plays a vital role at the intersection of food production, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability. The sector accounts for almost 70% of global freshwater use and contributes over 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.[1] Its reliance on fossil fuels—for mechanization, irrigation, transportation, and fertilizer production—has created a feedback loop that has the potential to exacerbate environmental degradation. This dependence also leaves agricultural systems vulnerable to energy price fluctuations, which could heighten the instability of food supplies.

Increasingly, agriculture is being looked to for dual responsibilities: feeding a growing global population and supporting cleaner energy transitions, such as through biofuel production. However, this dual role can place food security and energy needs in competition, as biofuel crops require substantial land and water resources. In a world where nearly 12% of the population faces hunger, balancing these priorities becomes particularly pressing.[2]

The effects of climate change add to these complexities. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events are already affecting agricultural productivity. Between 2020 and 2023, approximately 11.8% of the global population experienced severe food insecurity—a figure projected to rise to nearly 1 billion by 2028. For the 2.5 billion individuals reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, these disruptions could create additional economic difficulties, potentially increasing vulnerability to poverty.

While the shift toward renewable energy is advancing, fossil fuel consumption remains a challenge. In 2022, investments in renewables reached a record $500 billion, yet countries like the U.S., Brazil, and Guyana continue expanding oil and gas production. This reliance on carbon-intensive fuels leaves food production systems at risk from energy supply disruptions, especially in regions with limited infrastructure.

Energy poverty further exacerbates these vulnerabilities. Low-income nations, which account for a small share of global energy demand, often bear a disproportionate burden of supply disruptions. Their infrastructure may not be well-equipped to handle extreme weather events, complicating energy access. In rural areas, limited energy availability can reduce agricultural productivity, raise food costs and intensify poverty. For example, fertilizer usage in sub-Saharan Africa remains far below global averages, constraining agricultural yields despite rising import costs.

The integration of renewable energy into agriculture holds potential for addressing food and energy insecurity. Technologies like solar-powered irrigation and biomass energy systems may help reduce dependence on fossil fuels while improving productivity and sustainability. Circular economies could also be developed, where agricultural waste is repurposed into energy, potentially reducing emissions and enhancing rural energy access.

However, the adoption of renewables varies significantly across regions. In 2022, 83% of new renewable energy capacity was installed in high-income countries, while many low-income nations remained reliant on older, carbon-intensive systems. Increased financial and technological support may be essential to ensure that these nations are included in the energy transition and do not face perpetuated cycles of food and energy insecurity.

Balancing these demands may benefit from policies focused on resilience and equity. Expanding clean energy technologies to reach vulnerable populations could involve addressing challenges like high costs and insufficient infrastructure. Efforts might also ensure that energy advancements do not compromise food security, particularly in regions already struggling with hunger and poverty.

While the financial investments required to address food and energy insecurity are substantial, they appear to be within reach. According to the World Food Security Outlook (WFSO), addressing basic caloric needs for vulnerable populations could cost $90 billion annually until 2030. Addressing malnutrition among women and children might require an additional $11 billion per year, while transforming global food systems could necessitate $300–400 billion annually. Together, these investments represent only about 0.5% of global GDP—a relatively modest amount given the potential benefits.

For low-income nations, the financial burden remains considerable. In some instances, the cost of addressing food insecurity alone could exceed 95% of their GDP. International collaboration, through fair trade policies, debt relief, and technology transfers, might be crucial to enable these nations to modernize their agricultural sectors and build resilience against climate and energy challenges.[3]

The risks of inaction on food and energy insecurity are severe. Food shortages and rising prices could undermine social stability, worsen malnutrition and health crises, and result in significant economic losses. Climate-driven disruptions to energy systems could destabilize entire regions, heighten social unrest, and increase migration pressures.

Furthermore, the unequal distribution of benefits from renewable energy technologies may deepen existing inequalities. For instance, Africa, despite being rich in minerals critical for renewable energy technologies, often struggles to derive substantial economic benefits from their extraction. Addressing this imbalance could help reduce poverty and foster sustainable solutions.

Despite notable investments in renewable energy, the continued expansion of fossil fuel use poses challenges[4]. Delays in transitioning to cleaner energy systems may escalate environmental, social, and economic costs, complicating efforts to build a resilient future. Overcoming structural barriers and ensuring inclusive progress for vulnerable communities could be pivotal to achieving meaningful outcomes.

The intertwined crises of food and energy insecurity suggest the need for a rethinking of global priorities. Addressing these issues may require transformative shifts in approach, envisioning agriculture as not only a source of sustenance but also a cornerstone of sustainable development. The consequences of inaction could be profound, driving millions deeper into hunger and undermining global climate objectives. As time progresses, the challenge remains: can the world rise to meet this urgent call?

Footnotes

[1] https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impacts-of-food

[2]  https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/agfood/food-security-trends-2024-and-beyond

[3] https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/agfood/food-security-trends-2024-and-beyond

[4]  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2019.01.006

Authors are associated with UKTPO, University of Sussex, and the National Council for Applied Economic Research, New Delhi, respectively. 

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