7 Surprising Facts about the State of Food in the World [LIST]

In the time it will take to read this sentence, roughly 1,465,9484 tonnes of water will be used around the world for the purpose of growing crops. This is just one of the fascinating facts featured on interactive infographic the World Food Clock, where you can explore the state of food in the world in real time. Here are 7 more astonishing facts about global food resources. 

1. ALL OVER THE WORLD – PEOPLE IN FACT HAVE MORE FOOD THAN THEY DID BEFORE 1990

South Asia saw major progress in the 1990’s, while Sub-Saharan Africa has shown significant development since the turn of the millennium. There is, of course, much more to be done. 

(Chaded Panichsri / Shutterstock.com)

2. ALMOST HALF OF THE TOTAL FOOD PRODUCED IN THE WORLD IS NEVER EATEN

Nearly 2 billion tons of food ends up as waste every year. The reasons? unnecessarily strict sell-by dates, overcosumerism and also – poor storage facilities and inadequate infrastructure in developing countries.

(Shoutloud / Shutterstock.com)

3. CLOSING THE GENDER GAP IN AGRICULTURE WOULD PRODUCE 20-30% YIELD INCREASE

Increased access by women’s to productive resources – agricultural tools, education and labor markets – could raise total agricultural output in developing countries.

(Jen Watson / Shutterstock.com)

4. GLOBAL WARMING MAY HAVE A PLUS: IT COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN CROP YIELDS

Warmer weather is leading to longer growing seasons, improved crop growth and is opening up opportunities to introduce new or novel crops in certain areas.

(Yaroslav Magistr / Shutterstock.com)

5. 70% OF THE WORLD’S WATER RESOURCES ARE NEEDED FOR FOOD PRODUCTION

Agriculture is the biggest user of water – it claims some 70 percent of all freshwater appropriated for human use.

(Deyan Georgiev / Shutterstock.com)

6. AGRICULTURE IS THE SINGLE LARGEST EMPLOYER IN THE WORLD

Over 1 billion people around the world make a living from agriculture, representing 1 in 3 of all global workers. 

(xuanhuongho / Shutterstock.com)

7. THE AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT ANNUALLY ON PET FOOD COULD ELIMINATE WORLD HUNGER

Around $17 billion is spent each year on pet food in Europe and United States – the estimated cost for bringing food to everyone, all over the world. 

(279photo Studio / Shutterstock.com)

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