Why Our Food Systems Need to Change

Food systems face three interconnected challenges.

The first is human well-being. Hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and diet-related illnesses coexist in communities around the world.

The second is environmental pressure. Water scarcity, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change threaten agricultural productivity.

The third is economic instability. Farmers face uncertain incomes, fluctuating prices, supply disruptions, and changing market conditions.

Wali emphasized that solutions cannot address these problems independently. A crop that conserves water but provides no reliable income may struggle to attract farmers. A nutritious food that consumers cannot afford or prepare conveniently may never achieve widespread adoption.

Building resilience therefore requires considering the entire journey from agricultural production to processing, distribution, and consumption.

Rediscovering Millets: Ancient Grains for a Changing Climate

Millets offer an important example of how traditional agriculture can contribute to modern food security.

These grains, including pearl millet, finger millet, and other varieties, have long been cultivated in parts of Asia and Africa. Many are adapted to dryland conditions and can perform well where water availability is limited.

Wali explained that climate resilience should become a central consideration when selecting and promoting crops. In particular, he emphasized the importance of agricultural diversification rather than relying excessively on a narrow range of staples.

India provides a compelling case study. Following decades in which rice and wheat dominated agricultural priorities, renewed attention to millets has encouraged research, product development, entrepreneurship, and policy support.

However, simply encouraging farmers to grow different crops is not enough.

Farmers need dependable markets, and consumers need compelling reasons to purchase the resulting products. That requires coordinated action across the food system.

Making Climate-Friendly Food Desirable

For climate-resilient foods to become part of everyday diets, environmental benefits alone are unlikely to persuade consumers.

As Wali observed, “Taste is something that’s very crucial for any food item.” He identified taste, affordability, convenience, familiarity, nutrition, and availability as essential factors influencing food choices.

This insight helps explain why millet innovation has expanded beyond traditional grain preparations.

Entrepreneurs are developing millet-based cookies, muffins, breakfast cereals, beverages, burgers, and even ice cream. These products demonstrate how traditional ingredients can be adapted to contemporary eating habits.