Food

Polity Resources Series

by Jennifer Clapp

We all need food to survive, and forty percent of the world's population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Yet control over food is concentrated in relatively few hands. Turmoil in the world food economy over the past decade - including the food price crisis, intensification of land grabs, and clashes over rules governing global food trade - has highlighted both the volatility and vulnerability inherent in the way we currently organize this vital sector. At the same time, contrasting extremes of both undernourishment and overnourishment affect a significant proportion of humanity. There is also growing awareness of the serious ecological consequences that stem from industrial models of agriculture that are increasingly spreading worldwide. The revised and updated second edition of this popular book aims to contribute to a fuller understanding of the forces that influence and shape the current global food system. In it, Jennifer Clapp explores how the rise of industrial agriculture, corporate control, inequitable agricultural trade rules, and the financialization of food have each enabled powerful actors to gain fundamental influence on the practices that dominate the world food economy. A variety of movements have emerged that are making important progress in establishing alternative food systems but, as Clapp's penetrating analysis ably shows, significant challenges remain.

Genres: Food, Nonfiction, Social Science

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2011

Reviews

[Megan Hogan]

I had to read this book for class, but it was truly so so SO boring. The presentation of the topic and the material itself was so dry and disconnected from anything I could even remotely relate to. Just watch “Food Inc” instead

[Sascha]

It has a style that is more academic than I would prefer. The chapters are, it seemed to me, independent so that a person could just read a single chapter. This led to some repetition, which made it a little more dry. Still interesting, but it should not have been a first read into the topic.

[Anna Fensel]

Very clear introduction to the food sector. Not only from the perspectives of eaters and growers, but also different aspects of policies, regulations, processing, technical developments, supply chains, economics, markets, marketing, politics.

[Liepa Ivanauskas]

Read the 3rd edition for class.

[Sjanne Schoone]

Largely focused on the USA (of course). However, interesting to read how the food sector is structured by large investors and how hard it is for this sector to adapt to the quickly changing world.

[Mario Arkanian]

Great book. It sheds some light into how our global food system works and how it came to be like this. Although due to the nature and topics of the book it can sometimes be a bit dry, it is an excellent entrance to anyone interested in the topic. Very recommendable!

[Polly Krize]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ms. Clapp has provided an invaluable look at global food production and its effects on not only our planet but also humanity. From the industrialization of food production, food shortages, and inequitable trade agreements, we must ask ourselves in whose hands ultimately should control of a basic necessity for all human beings lie. More and more the consumer needs to be aware of where food is coming from, how it is grown and transported. Must read!

[Nick Harris]

Clear and unemotive, if striving a little too hard for balance.

[Thom van der Molen]

Interessant boek over hoe imperialisme verwoven zit in onze voedselsystemen, en hoe de toekomst eruit zal zien.