Protein Security and Alternative Crops: Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract Food insecurity is one of the most significant challenges facing the global population. A major aspect of food security is the provision of a sufficient protein intake of adequate nutritive value. Currently, wheat, maize, and rice correspond to approximately half of the global plant-based protein intake. As these foods/crops are dietary staples globally, they are central to discussions on food and protein security. Here we argue that protein security is highly affected by the availability of diverse plant protein sources, and we briefly investigate the complicated nexus that forms amongst the aforementioned staple crops, crop diversification, and protein security. Our work emphasizes the importance of incorporating protein-rich alternative crops as part of broader agricultural diversification strategies to strengthen protein security. Policies that aspire to promote alternative crops should address agricultural diversification at all levels, account all the actors of the agrifood value chain, and prevent cooptation by the “Colossi” of the agrifood sector.