Vol. 11, Special Issue 11, Part A (2025)

Abstract

The global agrifood system stands at a critical juncture: while agricultural value and food production have grown substantially over the past decades, food insecurity, undernourishment, and environmental pressures persist. According to the 2024 edition of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Statistical Yearbook, global agricultural value reached US$ 3.8 trillion in 2022 an 89% real‑terms increase over two decades. Despite this, between 638 and 720 million people about 8.2% of the global population experienced hunger in 2024, a slight decline from previous years, but still unacceptably high.

This paper argues that bridging the gap between increased agrifood output and persistent food insecurity demands a paradigm shift: from conventional agriculture toward sustainable agricultural innovation (e.g. diversification, precision farming, soilless agriculture), supported by institutional reforms and investments. Drawing on recent global data and empirical studies, the paper explores how such a shift can simultaneously promote food security, environmental sustainability, and socio‑economic resilience thereby enhancing global competitiveness. Finally, policy recommendations are offered for governments, institutions, and stakeholders involved in transforming agrifood systems.