RESEARCH by the University of Edinburgh has found that trade barriers worldwide could limit the availability of healthy and sustainable food.
According to the study, over one-third of countries independently cultivate merely one or two of the seven essential food groups, which include fish, vegetables, and fruits, required for a healthy, sustainable diet.
Most countries cannot be self-sufficient in key food groups, it found.
Certain countries not only produce a limited amount of the essential food types but also heavily depend on a single trading partner for over half of their imports, which increases their vulnerability, as highlighted by research from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Göttingen.
Research teams explored how 186 countries can sustain their populations solely through local production.
The researchers assessed seven food groups in the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Livewell diet, emphasising healthy and sustainable options such as vegetables and whole grains, moderate amounts of meat, and a restricted intake of fats, salt, and sugar.
More than one-third of countries independently produce only one or two of the seven essential food groups.
This lack of self-sufficiency is particularly evident in the Caribbean, West Africa, and the Gulf states.
In six countries, primarily located in the Middle East, not even one food group is being met.
Guyana is the only country that attained self-sufficiency across all seven food groups, whereas China and Vietnam reached self-sufficiency in six.
The report identified significant inconsistencies in the production of meat and dairy products.
For instance, many European nations produce considerably more than they need, whereas domestic production in African countries remains relatively low.
Jonas Stehl, PhD researcher at the University of Göttingen and the study’s first author, said, “International food trade and cooperation are essential for healthy and sustainable diets.
“However, heavy reliance on imports from a single country can leave nations vulnerable. Building resilient food supply chains is imperative for ensuring public health.”
Less than half of the countries manage to produce sufficient amounts of foods like beans and peas; similarly, only about 25% can grow enough vegetables to satisfy their domestic requirements. Nuts and seeds also fall short in sufficient production.
Certain countries exhibit low production while depending almost entirely on one trading partner for over half of their imports. This trend is particularly noticeable in smaller nations, such as island states.
Similarly, many Central American and Caribbean countries rely on the U.S. for the majority of their starchy staple food imports.
In contrast, several European and Central Asian countries rely on a single partner for their legume, nut, and seed needs.
Alexander Vonderschmidt, PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh’s Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems, said: “Climate shocks are reshaping the agriculture sector and will continue to intensify.
“Open trade and innovation are essential to secure healthy, low-carbon diets.”
