Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #145

A. Food security, as defined by the United Nations, exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. This is a complex issue with four key dimensions: availability (the supply of food), access (the ability of people to obtain it), utilisation (the proper biological use of food, requiring a diet providing sufficient energy and essential nutrients), and stability (ensuring these dimensions are maintained over time).

B. Achieving global food security faces a confluence of mounting challenges. A growing global population, projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, is increasing the overall demand for food. At the same time, climate change is disrupting agricultural systems through more frequent and intense extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Environmental degradation, including soil erosion, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity, further threatens agricultural productivity.

C. Economic and social factors also play a critical role. Poverty is a primary driver of food insecurity, as people may lack the financial resources to purchase food even when it is available. Conflict and political instability are major disruptors, destroying crops and infrastructure and displacing populations, making it impossible for them to produce or access food. Inefficiencies and waste within the global food supply chain, where it is estimated that one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted, also exacerbate the problem.

D. Addressing food insecurity requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. This includes investing in sustainable agricultural practices that are resilient to climate change, reducing food loss and waste, and improving market access for smallholder farmers. Social protection programs, such as food assistance and cash transfers, are essential to ensure the most vulnerable populations can access the food they need. Ultimately, tackling the root causes of poverty and conflict is fundamental to achieving the long-term goal of a world free from hunger.