Singapore, Ireland and the US were rated the top three in food security for a second straight year, despite new metrics this year such as food costs, infrastructure and nutritional standards. When the impact of climate change and depletion of natural resources are included, “all countries suffered a drop in their overall scores, highlighting the vulnerability of global food systems against threats such as drought, flood and rising sea levels,” Corteva said.
But nations heavily dependent on food imports saw their rankings decline significantly. While Singapore was down 11 places, the United Arab Emirates fell nine spots and the Philippines eight, according to the release.
The index report also found that more than 30% of countries have insufficient amounts of Vitamin A, needed for normal vision, a healthy immune system and organ functionality. Around a quarter were deficient in zinc, vital for a functioning metabolism and immune system. It also showed food prices are rising worldwide, with Venezuela and Syria seeing the sharpest increases.
The insights revealed by the report “allow all stakeholders in the food ecosystem to clearly understand the current challenges that are hindering our progress towards a more food-secure world,” said Dana Bolden, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability at Corteva.
