Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Population (in billions)
10
8
2000
6.1 billion
Less
developed
countries
6
4
2
0
More developed countries
Year
Figure 5.2 World population growth
Source: United Nations, “World Population Prospects,” The 1998 Revision.
GINI coefficient
<.25
.25-.29
.35-.39
.45-.49
.50-.54
>.60
.30-.34
.40-.44
.55-.59
No data
Figure 5.3 Countries of the world by Gini coeffi cient
Source: CIA - The World Factbook 2009.
The world is becoming more urbanized as well, with more people moving into cities. The
attraction of urban areas is due in part to the jobs available at these business hubs. In 2008,
for the fi rst time in human history, the world's population was evenly split between urban
and rural areas. In 1975, only one-third of the world's population lived in urban areas.
So, not only will the sheer numbers of people on the planet increase, but it is also likely
that the numbers of individuals with the ability to pay for products will increase. If current
reforms are merely sustained in the countries with food security defi cits, it is likely there will
be improved food security for an increasing number of people. The translation is thus: oppor-
tunities for food and agricultural businesses will continue to grow; and the international
marketplace will offer increased possibilities.
 
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search