Grains are essential to global food security, but ensuring that there is enough for everyone requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing the challenges of climate change, geopolitical disruptions, and economic instability is critical to building a resilient global food system. Sustainable agricultural practices, increased investment in infrastructure, enhanced market access, and cutting-edge research are all necessary steps to secure the future of global grain supplies.

In a world where over three billion people cannot afford a healthy diet and one-third of food produced is either lost or wasted, the global food system is at a critical juncture. As populations rise, climate change worsens, and geopolitical tensions grow, the global food system, which includes production, distribution, and consumption, is failing in its most fundamental purpose: to provide food security and nutrition for all. The grain sector, which plays a pivotal role in food security, is particularly vulnerable. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked, “In a world of plenty, it is outrageous that people continue to suffer and die from hunger.”

Grains, including wheat, maize, and rice, form the bedrock of food systems, accounting for more than half of the world’s caloric intake. Yet, their production, distribution, and affordability are increasingly being challenged by systemic drivers such as climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic disparity. 

THE ROLE OF GRAINS IN GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY

Grains are central to global food security, feeding billions of people directly and providing essential feed for livestock. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more than 2.8 billion tons of grains were produced globally in 2023, with wheat, maize, and rice comprising the bulk of this figure. However, grain supply is increasingly under threat. The World Bank reports that in 2023, high food prices affected 52% of low-income countries and 67% of high-income nations. Prices were driven higher by disruptions to grain supply chains, primarily due to conflicts, climate events, and rising input costs.

For instance, the war in Ukraine has significantly impacted the global grain trade. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for nearly 30% of global wheat exports. Disruptions from this conflict have caused wheat prices to spike by more than 20%, exacerbating food insecurity in import-dependent regions like the Middle East and North Africa. Furthermore, climate change has caused extreme weather events like droughts and floods that have devastated grain harvests in countries such as the U.S., China, and India. As a result, millions of people in the global South, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, remain vulnerable to food shortages and rising prices.

SYSTEMIC DRIVERS OF UNSUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS

The fragility of food systems is exacerbated by several interconnected vulnerabilities, including weak governance, climate change, and economic inequality. The United Nations identifies weak food system governance, concentration of power in food supply chains, and lack of investment as major impediments to addressing food insecurity. For example, the consolidation of power in the hands of a few agribusiness giants distorts markets and limits smallholder farmers’ access to markets, inputs, and credit, further exacerbating inequality. Smallholders, responsible for producing much of the food in the developing world, often lack the means to compete in an increasingly globalized and industrialized food system.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODİVERSITY LOSS

Climate change is one of the most significant threats to food security, particularly in grain production. Altered weather patterns, more frequent extreme events, and rising temperatures all contribute to reduced yields, water scarcity, and food shortages. In 2023, extreme heatwaves in South Asia reduced rice yields by 10%, causing supply shortages that rippled across global markets. The FAO estimates that by 2050, climate change could reduce crop yields by as much as 25%, threatening the livelihoods of billions and further straining global food security.

In addition to climate change, the concentration of food production on a few crops—primarily wheat, maize, and rice—limits biodiversity, which is essential for resilience against pests, diseases, and environmental shocks. The over-reliance on these staple grains makes food systems more vulnerable to disruptions, whether from climate events or market fluctuations.

STRATEGIES FOR BUILDıNG RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS

To address these challenges and build a resilient, sustainable food system, key stakeholders must take coordinated action. Here are five key strategies for enhancing food system resilience:

Investing in sustainable agricultural practices: Sustainable agriculture must prioritize both environmental and economic sustainability. This includes using climate-smart farming practices, such as no-till agriculture, crop diversification, and the adoption of drought-resistant grain varieties. According to the World Bank, investment in sustainable agriculture could boost food production by 15% by 2030, mitigating some of the impacts of climate change.

Improving market access and trade: Global trade is essential for food security, particularly in regions that rely heavily on food imports. As seen in recent years, disruptions to trade—whether due to conflict or climate events—have a direct impact on grain availability and prices. International trade agreements that facilitate the movement of grain while ensuring fair access for smallholder farmers are vital. Furthermore, governments must invest in infrastructure, such as storage facilities and transportation networks, to minimize post-harvest losses, which account for nearly 30% of food wastage globally.

Addressing Economic Inequality: Economic inequality drives food insecurity. Poor populations, particularly smallholder farmers, lack access to financial services, credit, and essential resources needed to enhance productivity. Strengthening social safety nets, improving access to credit, and providing training for sustainable farming practices can help these communities break the cycle of poverty and contribute to food security.

Tackling food loss and waste: Reducing food loss and waste is essential for improving food system efficiency. One-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, according to the FAO. By reducing food waste, we could feed an additional two billion people annually. Governments, businesses, and consumers must work together to create more efficient supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and shift toward more sustainable consumption practices.

Fostering collaboration across stakeholders: Meaningful change in the food system requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society. Multi-stakeholder platforms—often referred to as innovation platforms—can facilitate the sharing of knowledge, resources, and expertise to drive systemic change. These platforms are particularly important in bridging gaps between large agribusinesses and smallholder farmers, aligning goals around a shared vision for the future.

Grains are the cornerstone of global food security, yet the food system that produces, trades, and distributes them is under increasing stress from climate change, geopolitical disruptions, and economic inequality. To ensure food security for all, it is essential to build a resilient food system that embraces sustainable agriculture, reduces food waste, and fosters collaboration among key stakeholders. The transition to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food system is not just an economic or environmental necessity—it is a moral imperative. In the words of the UN Secretary-General, “In a world of plenty, it is outrageous that people continue to suffer and die from hunger.”