Addressing world food problems: A just and secure world lies on filling empty stomachs first

Food is very vital for existence of man. Similarly, it is believed that food is basic to world peace, security and togetherness. An adage says that "a hungry world is an angry world". It is impossible to imagine a world without available and affordable food. Generally, we tend to believe that food is not the problem but the purchasing power. Ignoring the fact that world currencies are not antidote to world food security. Global food availability and affordability is governed by law of demand and supply. In a world of over 6 billion people and maximum kilocalorie requirement of 500 per day per person; the world requires 6 billion x 500 kilocalories per day. For 7 days x 4 weeks x 12 months a year, you can imagine the kilocalorie alone required. Before you add protein, fat, mineral and vitamins. The world land is fixed at 13.07 billion hectares and not evenly available and distributed. Resources and technologies, political/government will and structure; world free trade in era of globalisation are major determinants of food availability, affordability and security. To add insult to injury are natural disasters like erosion, tsunami, flood, desertification, hurricane, and wildfire. Other impediment are problems of pests and diseases, inputs, allocation of resources, civil unrest, war, terrorism, economic recession/depression and high rate of poverty especially in developing world. World food problem has no clear answers. Nevertheless, sustainable agricultural revolution, world without borders, food democracy, political democracy, all round discipline and proper use and allocation of natural resources can help address the problems. Similarly, population checks not predicated on war and genocide as the world population is targeted to hit 9 billion by 2050.

Dr Paul Ola Igboji was born to the family of Mr Godwin Igboji and Mrs Cordelia Igboji of Igbeagu, Izzi Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria on 24th September 1963. Married to Mrs Nelly Esther Igboji (Nee Nnnenna Nwankwo Okey). Father to Eugene Igboji, Eusebius Igboji, Juliet Okey, Emmanuel Okey, Samuel Okey, Augustine N Onwe, Ngozika Ezema, and Esther Obiora. Holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Honorary Professor of Science and Doctor of Science of Cambridge Biographical Institute. Listed in International Literatures - Whos Who in the World; Whos Who in Science and Engineering; Dictionary of International Biography and Cambridge Blue Book. Founder/Advocate: World Citizens in Pain, Suffering, Labour with Dignity, Peace and Freedom; Institute for the Advancement of Ebonyi Friendship and Hospitality; Institute of Maternal Fraternity; Institute of Paternal Fraternity and Others. Creative output listed in Google Scholar, PhD Tree and Pradbook amongst others. Lecturer, Department of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Have over sixty peer reviewed articles in National and International Journals. Associate Editor, Lawarence Press, New Delhi, India and Regional Editor, IDOSI Publishers.