The Future of Food Security

Welcome to Institute Insights, where TBI experts bring to life our work enabling political leaders to drive change that transforms lives.

In recognition of World Food Day, this edition focuses on the urgent global challenge of food insecurity. Policy Advisor Hermione Dace explores how cutting-edge technologies can revolutionise food security worldwide and Senior Advisor Grant Merrick delves into Africa’s potential for agricultural transformation, highlighting the role of innovation in driving productivity and economic growth. Advisor Mark Scott shares insights into how energy reforms and irrigation can build long-term resilience in Malawi’s agricultural sector.

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How Technology Can Secure Global Food Systems

Having enough to eat is a fundamental human need, yet roughly one in 11 people go to bed hungry every night. ?

Food insecurity is caused by multiple factors, including climate change, conflict, poor soil health, water stress and the wrong policy choices. Without action the situation is set to worsen, as rising temperatures, record-breaking heatwaves, droughts and floods increasingly affect agricultural production.?

However, the 21st-century technology revolution means that the tools available to address food insecurity are rapidly increasing, including everything from advances in satellite technology to precision agriculture and gene-edited resilient crops. And these methods are only being further enhanced by the AI revolution. ??

Governments need to create the right conditions for these technologies to be deployed at scale. At a high level, there are three main priorities that leaders need to implement in order to harness the opportunities. ?

First, countries must innovate the machinery of government itself, so that it is better equipped to plan for and respond to food-security challenges, as well as making better policy choices. This will require governments to optimise their approach to collecting and analysing data, harnessing satellite technology and AI. They will also need to use technology to improve how they engage with other actors in the food system, such as farmers and the private sector. ??

Second, governments must take steps to help deploy the technologies that can help address the urgent food crises that many countries are facing. Multiple tools and technologies already exist that can help boost agricultural productivity, such as precision agricultural practices, smart irrigation and improved seeds. However, scaling them will require more innovative funding mechanisms and a more sophisticated approach to educating farmers on the tools and techniques available. ?

Third, developed-country governments must invest in innovation to find and scale technologies that can help the world adapt to climate impacts into the future; these include alternative proteins and next-generation climate-resilient crops. ?

It’s with this global imperative in mind that TBI supports governments on strategy, policy and delivery, as they look to achieve their food-security goals. ?

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Embracing Technology for Africa’s Agricultural Transformation?

The agriculture sector is a key employer in Africa, thanks to large areas of arable land and a young workforce. Yet Africa is a net importer of food and suffers from food insecurity – and this is in large part due to low productivity, weak infrastructure and climate challenges. ?

However, new technologies present an unprecedented opportunity for the continent’s governments to transform agriculture by creating self-sufficient, resilient and sustainable food systems. This, in turn, will support higher incomes, more jobs and economic growth.?

Technological advancements – including artificial intelligence, digital IDs for farmers, satellite imagery and real-time data platforms – can revolutionise farming by enabling data-driven decision-making. These tools can help with the monitoring of crops, forecast weather, track markets and enhance breeding programmes. With AI-driven analysis, governments can generate actionable insights that drive higher productivity, more resilient food systems and improved policymaking. ?

Governments will play a central role in fostering this transformation by crafting policy, investing in technology and creating an enabling environment for innovation. To unlock agriculture’s potential, they must work closely with the private sector and local communities, ensuring that new technologies are affordable, accessible and tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers. This collaboration is essential for addressing barriers such as digital literacy and infrastructure limitations. ?

This is why TBI works with governments and technology partners to advise on new products and forward-thinking approaches, such as supporting a unified agriculture-data platform in Kenya to improve decision-making. It’s the kind of expertise that leaders can use to turn bold ideas into reality.?

Building Resilience Through Irrigation and Energy Reforms in Malawi?

Malawi has long faced the devastating impacts of climate change, with extreme weather events such as droughts and floods increasingly threatening agricultural production and food security. This year alone, El Ni?o has severely disrupted harvests, pushing many farmers to the brink. With nearly half the country’s expected crop yields affected , the government declared a state of disaster in early 2024, calling for international relief. However, long-term resilience demands more than emergency aid: it requires systemic change. As such, TBI has been actively working with the government to foster long-term solutions for food security. ?

One key way to bolster Malawi’s agricultural sector is through irrigation. Currently, only 4 per cent of the country’s cropland is irrigated, leaving most farmers vulnerable to unpredictable weather. Irrigation offers a stable and reliable water supply, extending the growing season and enabling multiple crop cycles per year. This improves food security and allows farmers to diversify into high-value crops, boosting their incomes while safeguarding livelihoods. Moreover, irrigation systems can serve as the foundation for climate-smart farming practices, such as AI-driven precision agriculture, which optimises water usage and improves efficiency.?

Despite the potential benefits, high electricity costs have historically limited the expansion of irrigation systems in Malawi. In response, TBI has played a pivotal role in developing a new agricultural electricity tariff, which was implemented in September 2023. This reform has introduced a more flexible, cost-effective pricing structure, significantly reducing the burden on small- and medium-scale farmers. These changes have already begun to make irrigation more accessible and affordable.?

TBI played a leading role in developing this tariff, overseeing key aspects such as designing the pricing structure, organising stakeholder meetings, and engaging with decision-makers. We also collaborated closely with the Presidential Delivery Unit and government partners to ensure that the initiative was successfully implemented.?

By expanding irrigation coverage and easing energy costs, the country is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and long-term food security. With continued innovation and investment, Malawi’s farmers can look forward to a more prosperous and stable future.?

Read Towards Resilience: How Irrigation and Energy Reforms Can Secure Malawi’s Agricultural Future .

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