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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

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Assessment of Social Transmission of Food Preferences Behaviors
Published on: January 25, 2018
World food trends and prospects to 2025
1Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom. T.Dyson@lse.ac.uk
Summary
Global food production is improving, but Sub-Saharan Africa faces challenges. Future cereal trends suggest sufficient supply for growing demand by 2025, though increased global trade and agricultural volatility are expected.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Food Security Studies
- Global Economics
Background:
- Humanity has made progress in food production, yet challenges persist, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Global population growth is increasing demand for food, especially cereals.
- Regional disparities in food supply and demand are becoming more pronounced.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review global and regional food production trends and future prospects.
- To analyze the impact of demographic changes on food demand and supply.
- To identify key challenges and opportunities in global agriculture up to 2025.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical food production and consumption data.
- Projection of cereal yield trends and demand expansion.
- Assessment of regional agricultural capacities and trade patterns.
Main Results:
- Cereal yield trends are projected to meet most of the demand increase by 2025.
- A significant expansion in global food trade is anticipated due to demand-supply mismatches.
- Increased water use efficiency and nitrogen fertilizer dependence are expected.
- Information-intensive agricultural management will become more crucial.
- Heightened harvest variability, especially in North America, is a concern.
Conclusions:
- While overall food trends are positive, global agriculture faces increasing volatility.
- Despite progress, a significant number of undernourished people will likely remain in 2025.
- Adapting to demographic shifts requires enhanced global cooperation and sustainable agricultural practices.
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