Includes bibliographical references (p. 163-192) and index.

Introduction : twenty-first century challenges to food security -- Food security and the global food system -- From local to global : shifts in world food systems -- Global trends impacting food security -- Ensuring proper nutrition : the challenge of malnutrition in an era of global change -- Managing global environmental change : the environmental impacts of agriculture and food production -- Optimizing food safety : threats to health and food security from disease, contamination, and biological weapons -- Conclusion : sustainable food security.

Despite great global effort, events of the early 21st century clearly demonstrate that food remains a pressing challenge which has significant implications for security. This book provides a detailed and comprehensive introduction to the major issues impacting global food security today.