INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY INTO PHYSICS FOR FOOD SECURITY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABILITY

This paper discusses the role of physics applications in achieving food security as part of the Sustainable Development Goals and other international efforts to eradicate hunger. It highlights scientific and technical applications that can address the four dimensions of food security: availability, access, utilization, and stability. Though not exhaustive, the paper provides illustrative cases of how every component of the food system – from farm to market – can potentially be improved through physics integrated with technology. Various technologies can address concerns such as climate change, water scarcity, high food prices, distribution networks, micronutrient deficiencies, food contamination, droughts, conflict, and price volatility. New and existing technologies to combat biotic and abiotic stresses, raise crop and livestock productivity, improve soil fertility, and make water available can potentially increase food production. Storage, refrigeration, transport, and agro-processing innovations can enhance food accessibility, while the production of high-nutrient staple crops can improve utilization and combat malnutrition. However, effectively using these scientific and technical applications, tools, and techniques requires know-how, skills, and the ability to adapt, diffuse, and apply technologies to local food security challenges. The paper concludes by recommending that the Nigerian government encourage and equip physicists nationwide to leverage physics as a foundational basis for science and technology to positively impact food security.