Farming is one of the oldest industries there is. For almost as long as there have been civilizations, farmers have been working to feed people on a large scale, to help communities grow and prosper. As the population of the world has exploded in recent decades and the divide between rich and poor has widened, though, there is a chronic problem of how to feed people in areas where both incomes and access to food are low.

The problem isn’t a lack of food. In fact, in developing regions, nearly two-thirds of all food meant for market is lost before it gets there. This can happen at any stage of the agricultural chain – sometimes crops are lost to natural disasters or unfortunate weather, sometimes the crops make it to harvest but rot in storage before they can be delivered, or sometimes the deliveries get to the markets but then wilt or spoil before sale.

As the population of the world has exploded, there is a chronic problem of how to feed people in areas where both incomes and access to food are low.

 

So what can be done to cut down on the amount of food that gets lost or wasted, and to make sure that more (or, ideally, all) of the world gets fed? Just as there’s no single cause to the issue of food loss, there’s also no single solution, but pretty much all of the ways that agriculture is moving forward on this front involve utilizing technology to help make food production and transport more efficient and less prone to failure.

The Importance of Keeping Cool

One of the biggest issues with food loss is that many of the areas that need better access to food are also some of the hottest places in the world. This means that refrigeration is key, and isn’t always available, or isn’t as robust or consistent as it could be. Dairy products in particular suffer from spoilage in the heat, but many plant crops also wilt and rot if not kept cool.

The irony here is that the same sun that causes the problems could also be the solution, if harnessed in the right way. Solar-powered cool rooms can be either stationary or on transport vehicles, keeping produce and dairy products cool at every stage from farm to consumer.

In some of the hottest places in the world refrigeration is key, and isn’t always available, or isn’t as robust or consistent as it could be

In the home, water can be used to keep items cool for days – an Indian entrepreneur has created a clay refrigerator that uses water evaporation with zero energy expenditure

Fighting Nature and Pests

The weather isn’t always kind to crops, and neither are the millions of critters that like to feast on whatever is growing in the fields. In addition, there are dozens of other natural variables, such as soil quality and light, that can affect crop performance. One way to tackle these issues is through smart farming, where technology is used to micro-manage every step of the growing process to make sure that crops are as stable as possible. This can include weather prediction software, satellite imaging for maximizing planting patterns, and moving as many crops indoors as possible.

Another angle is to create crops that naturally defend themselves against outside elements. Researchers are working on crop variants that will be bred for certain desirable traits, such as being naturally pest-repellent, or resistant to drought.

Through smart farming technology is used to micro-manage every step of the growing process

Some seeds are also being developed to be more resistant to viruses. These “super crops” will be able to withstand a greater range of weather variations and a greater number of predators, making it more likely that the crops will actually make it through to harvest.

Removing Barriers

Of course, putting all these ideas in motion in the places where they’re needed is easier said than done. As usual, the two main barriers are investment and education. Often farmers and other participants in the agricultural chain in developing areas are not aware of the latest best practices for crop harvest, transport, and storage. Bringing them better knowledge can help them make better decisions about how to handle food production.

As for the money issue, it’s essential for governments to make the investment process less bureaucratic, in order to make it more appealing. Those who have the money to help food producers often do not want to go through the trouble and risk it takes to get the money where it would be most helpful.

Those who have the money to help food producers often do not want to go through the trouble and risk it takes

Untangling all the red tape is a slow process, and until then, it seems like microfinancing programs and other charity-like organizations are creating the best pathways. Through the help of socially-conscious startups and other companies, better technology can be brought to food producers in areas where there is the greatest need, and in turn more food will reach more tables for more families.