The Role of Digital Technology in Improving Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities
The Role of Digital Technology in Improving Food Security:
Challenges and Opportunities
Lecturer Geronimo Răducu BRĂNESCU1
Abstract
In today’s world, where artificial intelligence and digital technologies are widely used, this study seeks to
investigate their impact on food security activities. The key role of digital technology in this area is highlighted, in
particular in addressing challenges and providing opportunities for safe and affordable food for the whole population.
The article discusses how supply chain monitoring and tracking, smart agriculture implementation, and the use of data
analytics and artificial intelligence can all help to ensure the food system’s sustainability and efficiency. These can be
supplemented successfully with communication and awareness via mobile applications and online platforms that increase
consumer engagement and responsibility. On the other hand, the article also highlights the challenges associated with
the intensive use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in terms of accessibility and data security. To
summarize, rational use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence is critical for developing a sustainable, safe,
and crisis-resilient food system.
Keywords: food security, digital technology, artificial intelligence.
JEL Classification: K24, Q18
DOI: 10.62768/PLPA/2024/13/2/06
Please cite this article as:
Brănescu, Geronimo Răducu, „The Role of Digital Technology in
Improving Food Security: Challenges and Opportunities”, Perspectives
of Law and Public Administration 13, no. 2 (June 2024): 247-254
Article History
Received: 10 February 2024
Revised: 12 March 2024
Accepted: 25 March 2024
1. Introduction
Background and importance of food security. Food security is a fundamental concept in an
ever-changing world. In light of global population growth and turbulence in the global food
production and distribution system, guaranteeing universal and sustainable access to adequate food
becomes a significant challenge.2
Food security refers to the availability, accessibility and appropriate use of food for each
individual. It is closely linked to health, the economy and the environment. As of 2020, more than
820 million people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger or malnutrition, highlighting the scale of
the problem and its impact on billions of people experiencing nutritional deficiencies. 3
Key Factors Influencing Food Security:
Population growth: The global population has grown significantly in recent decades and is
projected to reach around 9.7 billion people by 2050. This demographic growth puts immense
pressure on existing agricultural and food systems, while jeopardising food security. 4
Climate change: Climate change has a significant impact on agricultural production. Extreme
phenomena such as drought, floods and heat waves can destroy crops and drastically reduce
agricultural yields. Rising global average temperatures are also affecting the distribution of water
resources and soil productivity, thereby increasing the risk of food insecurity. 5
Geronimo Răducu Brănescu - Transylvania University of Braşov, .
Securitatea şi siguranţa alimentară, Managementul integrat şi strategic al combaterii
inteligente a crizei alimentare globale, bazat pe bioeconomie şi ecoeconomie, in Bogdan Alexandru, Oprean Letiţia, Oprean Constantin
(eds.), Editura Academiei Romane, Bucharest, 2012, pp. 72-140.
2
“What the EU is doing to increase global food security – European Commission,” accessed March 1, 2024, https://commission.europa.
eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/eu-actions-enhance-global-food-security_ro.
4 “The impact of demographic change in Europe – European Commission,” accessed February 29, 2024, https://commission.europa.
eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/new-push-european-democracy/impact-demographic-change-europe_ro.
5 Mónica Silvana González, “Report on the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations in developing countries | A9-0115/2021
| European Parliament,” accessed February 29, 2024, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2021-0115_RO.html.
1
2 Doru Bănăduc, Simona Oancea, Letiţia Oprean,
Perspectives of Law and Public Administration
Volume 13, Issue 2, June 2024
248
Urbanization: The continuous growth of the global urban population leads to the need to adapt
food production and distribution systems to meet the needs of these communities. The importance of
developing urban and peri-urban agriculture becomes indispensable to ensure an adequate and
sustainable supply.
Globalisation and international trade: International trade has brought both benefits and
challenges in terms of food security. Opening up international markets may allow access to cheaper
and varied food, but import dependency and price volatility can create vulnerabilities in a country’s
food security.
Food security is crucial for sustainable development and human well-being. People who do
not have access to adequate food experience a variety of negative consequences for their health and
development, from malnutrition and related diseases, to long-term effects on their ability to engage
in activities characteristic of today’s society.
Stressing the importance of food security for the stability of society and governance, it plays
a crucial role in maintaining social and political stability. Lack of access to food or rising prices can
generate social unrest and political instability.6
In addition, food security plays an important role in the economy. For example, the
agricultural sector is the main source of employment for rural communities and contributes
significantly to the GDP of many countries. Ensuring access to safe and high-quality food supports
economic development and poverty reduction.
The Role of Digital Technology in Agriculture and Food Security. Digital technology plays
an increasingly important role in agriculture and has a significant impact on food security. It brings a
number of advantages and innovations that help optimize agricultural processes and increase
production, which can ultimately support food security.
Crop monitoring and management: Digital technologies such as soil sensors, drones and
satellite imagery enable farmers to monitor and manage crops more efficiently. They provide realtime information on soil quality, irrigation needs and the general condition of plants. Farmers can
make decisions based on accurate data and intervene quickly to prevent and manage problems such
as diseases or pest invasions. This more precise control over crops can help increase the yield and
quality of agricultural production.
Precision farming: Digital technologies such as GPS and guidance systems help to perform
more accurate agricultural operations. Farmers can manage their resources, such as seeds, fertilisers
and pesticides, more efficiently, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact. This is important
for long-term food security, as it helps conserve reso (...truncated)
