In this article, the authors mention “Five interlinked transformations” as the main driving force that is shaping the production of food agriculturally in Asia – urbanization, dietary diversification, evolved food supply chains, advanced agricultural-related markets, and the transition to machine-led farm technology. It also evaluates the relationship of the different components and their correlation to having reliable, nutritionally adequate food sources. References were made to previous research in the area of changing consumption baskets signifying the shift towards more processed food. Furthermore, the paper discusses the complexities brought about by the swift integration of public and private markets - the marked implications on Asia’s food security. Timmer then concludes by highlighting the balance of the two sectors and the role government can take in the modernization of agriculture. Thus, this article presents a well-rounded argument by illustrating the crucial parts played by the five factors. It delivers an overarching understanding of threats to food security faced in Asia and can help further establish the possible risks associated with locavorism in Singapore.
This paper explains locavorism as a developing consumer belief with individuals known as locavores championing the consumption of local produce. The research aims to understand the complex viewpoints through a theoretical structure despite the ambiguity of locavorism as a concept. It investigates the inter-dependence of those dimensions in the structure, as locavores desire domestic commodities as oppose to imported food. Thus fostering a sense of community within their particular locale over a shared perception. Furthermore, studies were tailored to distinguish and evaluate the motivations influencing consumption habits. The results from the empirical analysis drew correlations between the United States respondents’ impulses and the author’s developed framework as possible indicators of locavorism. However, the authors did not dive further into the drivers of the respondents’ preconceived biases. In all, this article will help in the examination into the psyche of a locavore, which will set the basis of my research as I explore other possible socio-economic implications relating to Singapore’s food security.
In this article, the authors examine the prevailing system of economic theories that undercuts the declared merits of eating local food. The objective of the paper is to encourage primed decision-making that will attribute to the enhancement of the global food system. It then assesses the boons and banes associated with locavorism and evaluates the potential drawbacks from the standpoint of an economist. References were made to previous research in the areas of pressing environmental and economic issues in correlation to the food movement. Furthermore, they argued that locavores ignore economies of scale and the relative advantages in production, as the general purpose of an economist is to maximize efficiency. The insights also highlight international trade for its ability to balance inequalities in the world’s food economy. Therefore, this paper leads a comprehensive argument in the disfavor of locally produced food. It can serve as a primer for further research into the threats to Singapore’s food security associated with the consumption of local food.
