Can our global food system keep up with rapid urbanisation?
This blogpost from Marc van Ameringen on the GAIN-webpage explores whether there are limits to the capacity of our global food system to deal with increased urbanisation. The author argues that what is needed to ensure emerging urban markets do not lose nutritious foods, is the scaling up of innovative green cold chain technologies. He argues that while cold chains can contribute significantly to ensure less food is wasted and more consumers are able to access diverse and nutritious foods, at present they are often heavily reliant on diesel fuels. He therefore recommends that global and national policies should ensure that companies to invest in these green cold chain technologies in emerging market economies, where the urban middle class is rapidly rising and thus multiplying consumer demand. Ameringen argues that alliances are needed among different actors across and within supply chains to ensure less food is wasted and more nutrients are captured, in order to ensure that vulnerable people gain access to the essential vitamins and minerals.