Open Access

South Asia is the most densely populated region in the world, with a current population of 1.8 billion (one-fourth of the global population), which is projected to increase to more than 2 billion by 2050. This rapid population growth will put significant pressure on agriculture and food systems. Despite being an agricultural powerhouse, South Asia has high levels of food insecurity, with many people suffering from malnutrition and hunger. It is also among the region’s most vulnerable to climate change. It relies heavily on intensive farming practices, leading to several challenges in agriculture and food systems that bear directly on food production and security. Further, the highest concentration of agrifood system workers is in South Asia, with 793 million people. South Asia is also home to more than 600 million young people (ages 15–35), who make up around one-half of all agrifood system workers.

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Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)