In a thought-provoking article, four experts from the University of Malta shed light on the intricacies of food security in Malta and its implications. Food security, defined as reliable access to adequate, affordable, and nutritious food, has long been a concern for Malta.
A Historical Perspective
Prof. Carmel Cassar, Director of the Institute of Maltese Studies, points out how even in the era of the Knights of St John, Malta struggled with food scarcity. Grand Masters consistently echoed their concerns in official documents, painting Malta as the “sterilissima isola” or the most sterile island.
Global Factors
Dr Rachel Radmilli, a member of the Mediterranean Foodways Platform at the Mediterranean Institute, underscores the role of global geopolitics in food security. Past wars and current conflicts, like the Ukraine war, along with pandemics, have spurred efforts to boost local food production.
Challenges in Agriculture
Recent data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) reveals a significant decline in Malta's agricultural output. The agricultural labor force has decreased by 26.7% in the last decade, and the volume of fruits, vegetables, and livestock has also diminished.
Innovative Solutions
Prof. Everaldo Attard, Director of the Institute of Earth Systems (IES), highlights the potential of precision agriculture enabled by new technologies. Initiatives like IRRIGOPTIMAL aim to address water scarcity through real-time data collection and AI-driven irrigation control.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Communities
Prof. Suzanne Piscopo, alongside Andre Bonello on behalf of Caritas, delves into the impact of food security on vulnerable populations, particularly low-income households. Their study provides insights into the cost of nutritious, sustainable meals for these communities.
The Future of Food Security
While Malta cannot become self-sufficient, steps are drastically needed to reduce the country’s risks. Despite the challenge of self-sufficiency, sustainable food security remains an attainable goal, with the right approach.
Visit the THINK website for the full article and in-depth analysis.
