AI for the future: how AI can boost and ensure food security

By Rebecca Naldi

Over the last years, due to inflation, low and middle-income countries have experienced a rise in food prices, with over 70% of low-income nations facing inflation rates exceeding 5%. The November 2024 AMIS Market Monitor highlighted price fluctuations for key crops due to weather and policy changes.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected global food security and nutrition, as lockdowns and other containment measures disrupted food production, distribution, and access, and it triggered a global economic slowdown. Within this context, In 2020, the number of people facing chronic undernourishment rose dramatically, with an estimated 161 million additional individuals affected compared to 2019. Approximately one in three people globally experienced moderate or severe food insecurity.

In a few words, the main food security drivers are climate change, conflict, and economic shocks. In order to counter and control these factors, many organizations and countries are using Artificial Intelligence to ensure a long-term resilient global food network.

AI can play a pivotal role in strengthening global food security in the following fields:

1. Agricultural Resilience: AI supports the transition to regenerative agricultural practices that improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and help sequester carbon. For example, sensors and data analysis tools enable precision agriculture, minimizing waste and maximizing productivity.

2. Biodiversity and Nutrition: AI tools are being used to discover nutritional benefits in NUS (Neglected Underutilized crop Species), creating opportunities for more diverse and resilient food systems.

3. Precision Agriculture: AI analyzes farm data to optimize inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides, improving yield efficiency and reducing environmental damage.

4. Supply Chain Optimization: AI enhances food supply chain transparency and efficiency, reducing waste and ensuring that food reaches the most needed areas. Furthermore, blockchain and AI technologies ensure better traceability from farm to table.

5. Empowering Consumers: AI is being used to provide consumers with detailed information about food origins, nutritional content, and environmental impact, enabling informed choices.

Generative AI is highlighted for its capability to process large datasets, facilitate user-machine communication, and aid in decision-making, such as suggesting operational changes or policymaking based on data insights. The integration of AI in local, national, and global projects can create significant opportunities to establish a stronger and secure future and boost social and environmental impact.

Sources:

• https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update 

• https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/04/ai-can-create-a-resilient-food-system-from-the-lab-to-the-field-to-the-dinner-table/ 

• https://aiforgood.itu.int/feeding-the-future-how-ai-can-strengthen-food-security/ 

• https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/13/10/2037 

• https://fii-institute.org/publication/technology-and-food-security-impact-report/ 

• https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence/articles/10.3389/frai.2024.1328530/full