Access to food is a basic right that is outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [1]. However, food prices are increasing faster than ever. Food insecurity, or the lack of access to food due to financial constraints, is experienced all over the world. The lack of a secure and nutritious food source can contribute to long-term health issues. Agriculture is the fundamental solution to the global food insecurity problem but producing the required amount of food and the process of transporting food from the farm to the table comes with many different challenges.
Food insecurity is connected to water and to agricultural production because increasing agriculture to increase the amount of food accessible to the growing global population will require more water, and therefore ties to the challenges of water availability.
There are physical challenges that can result in food insecurity by limiting agriculture. Agriculture is a process that is dependent on geography, specifically land availability and regional climate. Climate change also interferes with the natural growth cycle of crops. Arid areas especially may experience more food insecurity due to insufficient water to grow crops. Socio-economic factors also contribute to food insecurity. High inflation rates and existing poverty also reduce the accessibility of nutritious food. Remote areas and Indigenous communities in Canada are often hit hard with food insecurity. This is because of the increased costs associated with food transportation. In fact, 57% of households in Nunavut experience some level of food insecurity [2].
Food insecurity can be combatted with efforts from farmers, governments, and communities. Governments can work with farmers to coordinate the global food trade. They can also provide funding options for poorer areas. Local communities can also fight food insecurity through shopping and eating local. This reduces the need for food transportation, which can then be better allocated to help remote communities. Aiming to reduce food waste also guarantees more food is available and reduces pressure on farmers [3].
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) provides relief for food security around the world. Partnering with organizations like the World Food Programme and UNICEF, CIDA will help provide food for lower income countries [3]. Working or volunteering with local food banks can help to provide food security on a smaller scale.
This phase of the project has been made possible by Nutrien, Enbridge, and Manulife Financial, along with the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
We provide Canadian educational resources on water practices to promote conservation and sustainability. Our team crafts current and relevant content, while encouraging feedback and engagement.
The Canada WaterPortal is a registered charity, #807121876RR0001
We recognize and respect the sovereignty of the Indigenous Peoples and communities on whose land our work takes place.
© 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.