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 in recent decades has highlighted a number of vulnerabilities and contradictions inherent in the way we currently organize this vital sector. Extremes of both undernourishment and overnourishment affect a significant proportion of humanity. And attempts to increase production through the spread of an industrial model of agriculture has resulted in serious ecological consequences.
 
The fully revised and expanded third edition of this popular book 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 over the practices that dominate the world food economy and result in uneven consequences for both people and planet. 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

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2011

Reviews

[Megan Hogan · Rating 1 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mario Arkanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Thom van der Molen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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