The Role of Alternative Crops in an Upcoming Global Food Crisis: A Concise Review

Achieving Food Security (FS) is perhaps our most challenging aspiration. Despite our best efforts, millions of people around the globe are malnourished or live with hunger. The state of the geo-political scene, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, have recently brought forth fears of a Global Food Crisis (GFC). Here, we present the factors that threaten FS and could trigger a GFC, examine the potential of alternative crops (ACs) as a measure against an upcoming GFC, and highlight the key aspects of the ACs introduction process in new regions. ACs could enhance FS, yet their success is premised on the adoption of sustainable practices and the implementation of food strategies that aim to promote healthy consumer behaviours.

Automated summary

Achieving food security is a major challenge globally, with millions of people facing malnutrition or hunger. The geopolitical situation and the COVID-19 pandemic have raised concerns about a global food crisis. This article discusses the factors that threaten food security, the potential of alternative crops in addressing the crisis, and the key aspects of introducing these crops in new regions.