Global interdependence, meaning countries needing one another for trade, technological revolutions and resource management, is more questioned than ever. However, there are countries that have become models because they can produce solely for their own nation. Such is the case of Guyana, a country in the northern zone of South America whose shores border the Atlantic. Well, this country you may never have heard of has done something incredible: it is the only country capable of feeding its entire population with what it produces locally. What does this mean? That it doesn’t need other countries to survive, unlike the rest of the world.
This fact, revealed in a study published in Nature Food, shows how the combination of fertile land, favourable climate, and low population density has made possible what seems impossible elsewhere. 186 countries were analysed and their basic diets compared based on the Livewell model of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in seven key food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, fish, plant proteins, and starchy foods.
The result? Only Guyana met all the requirements… but… how has Guyana achieved this and not other countries?
The keys to Guyana’s self-sufficiency
Mainly, Guyana is not a highly populated country, with 3.5 habitants per km². This means that its low population density has allowed it to maintain an agricultural model that adapts to the citizens’ needs.
Moreover, this country has a tropical climate, and combined with its farmland, it offers ideal conditions to produce fruits, vegetables, grains and animal proteins without relying on imports.
Note that, although it’s a small country, Guyana leads in high-efficiency farming techniques! It has also strengthened agricultural policies to guarantee sustainability. Exactly, Guyana has achieved a balance that many only dream of: ensuring complete, healthy diets using only its own resources.
The other side: countries in food crisis
While Guyana leads in food self-sufficiency and Europe and South America can produce at least five food groups, the study reveals that more than a third of the countries analysed cannot even produce two of the seven basic groups.
Afghanistan, Qatar and Yemen fail to produce sufficient quantities of any of the seven groups, and regions like sub-Saharan Africa face severe shortages of meat, dairy and vegetables.
On the other hand, only 44% of countries meet their dairy needs and 65% meat, but for example, to meet fish needs, only one in four countries can be considered self-sufficient.
Why is dependence dangerous?
Perhaps you haven’t realized it, but more and more countries are increasingly tense, and depending on any country for survival is a clear example of vulnerability… and of obedience.
In the event of any tension or misunderstanding, these “strong” states (let’s call them that for now) could cut ties and jeopardize the subsistence of entire countries. For example, Central America depends almost exclusively on the U.S. for basic foods.
The study gives the example of what happened with the blockade of the Suez Canal in 2021, when the container ship Ever Given ran aground, interrupting one of the world’s most important trade routes for six days and causing major global trade delays. And yes, it caused shortages and supply chain delays around the world. And it was just six days!
What does self-sufficiency mean in today’s world?
Mainly, that self-sufficiency doesn’t depend only on agriculture, but also on political will, investments in technology, and distribution policies. In fact, most countries with food deficits don’t lack arable land, but rather government support and economic resources. Incredible, right?
A future with more challenges than certainties
Projections for 2032 point to improvements in self-sufficiency of meat and plant proteins, but advances in dairy and fish will be much more limited. Only smart investments and international cooperation can close those gaps.
In an increasingly hostile and uncertain world, only 16% of countries manage to produce enough legumes, nuts and seeds… And we think that luxury is fancy bags or expensive cars… but the real luxury is being able to eat a varied diet every day!
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