Food security in a changing climate

Challenges to global food security are: (i) population increase from 7 billion in 2011 to 9.2 billion in 2050, (ii) climate change, (iii) soil degradation by erosion, salinization, organic matter and nutrient depletion, and elemental imbalance, (iv) decreased availability of water, (v) land competition for urbanization, brick making, biofuel, and non-agricultural uses, and (vi) preferences toward animal-based diet. Global hotspots food insecurity are South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Adopting concepts of ecohydrology, enhancing green water in the root zone, can create climate-resilient agriculture to advance food security and improve the environment. An effective governance is needed to implement policies which promote restorative land uses and recommended management practices. Furthermore, payments for ecosystem services may be a useful strategy to promote sustainable intensification of agriculture by resources-poor farmers.