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The hidden role of small-scale farmers in global food security

Author

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  • Taherzadeh, Oliver
  • Mogollón, José

Abstract

In our globalised food system, farmers meet domestic and transboundary food needs. As a result, the contribution of farmers to domestic food production is a poor proxy for their role in national food security. This study offers the first global assessment of how small-, medium-, and large-scale farmers contribute to global food security. We find that the role of small-scale farmers in national and global food security has been significantly underestimated due to the localised focus of previous studies, particularly in high-income nations. Future research must account for the differentiated roles, impacts, and vulnerabilities of farmers within a global context.

Suggested Citation

  • Taherzadeh, Oliver & Mogollón, José, 2024. "The hidden role of small-scale farmers in global food security," SocArXiv ajnsk, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:ajnsk
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/ajnsk
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lowder, Sarah K. & Sánchez, Marco V. & Bertini, Raffaele, 2021. "Which farms feed the world and has farmland become more concentrated?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    2. Lowder, Sarah K. & Skoet, Jakob & Raney, Terri, 2016. "The Number, Size, and Distribution of Farms, Smallholder Farms, and Family Farms Worldwide," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 16-29.
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