| Title | Wheat and water ancient, present and future geopolitical challenges |
|---|---|
| Publication Type | Rivista |
| Year of Publication | 2025 |
| Authors | Del Fiore, Antonella |
| Secondary Authors | Colucci, Federica, Nobili Chiara, Notarfonso Maurizio, and Presenti Ombretta |
| Other Numbers | Journal of geopolitics and related matters, ISSN 2009-9193, Vol XIV n. 2/2025 luglio -dicembre |
| Keywords | Acqua, grano |
| Abstract | In recent years, food consumption patterns have evolved significantly due to factors such as urbanization, globalization and growing consumer awareness of the importance of healthy diets. In this context, ensuring food security, (i.e. availability, affordability and utilization of food), has become increasingly crucial for the stability and well-being of the world's population. Wheat, one of the most important commodities in the world, plays a central role in global food security. This crop accounts for approximately 28% of global cereal production and it is the primary source of protein and energy for populations in many developing countries. The relevance of wheat exceeds its nutritional value; a reduction of its availability may affect the economic and social stability of many regions of the world. Climate change poses a serious threat to food production systems, hence, food security, mainly due to the increase of extreme weather events. In this context, wheat production and consumption are significantly affected, leading to supply instability with an uneven distribution of risks and impacts. Moreover, in the recent years wheat consumption changes are observed because of consumer behaviors driven by health and wellness trends. Adapting to changing consumption patterns is essential to address future challenges and ensure a stable and secure wheat supply for the world population. It is possible to address the highlighted issues and support the wheat supply chain through the use and diffusion of sustainable agricultural practices, the development of advanced agricultural technologies and crop breeding improvement, by deeply investigating the social trends taking in to account its diversity with an intersectional analytical strategy , also harmonizing regulations and removing trade barriers, to ensure accessible distribution to all populations. This work analyzes the role of wheat in global food security, in relation to the decrease in the availability of this crop due to climate change. It also analyzes the available and implemented strategies to overcome the critical issues highlighted and guarantee production of safe wheat, accessible to all, and responsive to consumption patterns |
| Citation Key | 13713 |
