ABSTRACT

Food shortages not only result from population increase but also from increased demand for food by populations newly lifted out of poverty. China is a notable example. An increasingly affluent population demands a greater supply of meat and other food resources. As this leads to more demand for animal feed, fewer crops are available to feed humans. Food prices are driven up for people still dependent on rice and corn. The recent food riots seen in developing nations in Africa, Asia and South America reflect the social consequences. The impact of land use for biofuel production is also significant.