Short on time? Read our one-minute summary and get all the facts:
- A study has claimed that out of 186 nations, only Guyana is fully self-sufficient in food production – every other country relies on imports for at least one major food group.
- Many nations rely heavily on just a few trading partners for key foods, making them highly vulnerable to war, disasters, or export bans.
- While most countries overproduce meat and dairy, fewer than a quarter grow enough vegetables, and less than half manage enough pulses or starchy staples.
- Over a third of countries can’t meet basic nutrition needs in more than two food groups.
- "Building resilient food supply chains is imperative for ensuring public health," said Dr Jonas Stehl, lead author.
- Experts say importing food can be efficient and practical, but low self-sufficiency makes countries more vulnerable in a crisis.
- Not all bad news: With targeted investment and smarter farming, most countries could boost self-sufficiency – especially in plant-based food – but global cooperation remains essential.
Find out which countries are most at risk in our full story: Only one country in the world produces all the food it needs, study finds.
