ABSTRACT
This chapter considers several key issues relating to population, food and hunger. The topics addressed include the size and distribution of the contemporary ‘world food problem’, differences in levels of food availability, food production, trade and aid between the main world regions, and international differentials in food security. We also examine the relationship between current levels of national food availability and rates of population growth. The aim of the chapter is to help set the scene: to provide essential background for our subsequent consideration of past trends and future prospects.
