A single nation is alleged to cultivate all the sustenance it requires, according to a recent report
In a world where hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns, Guyana stands out as the only country that produces enough food to be fully self-sufficient. According to a 2025 study, Guyana is the sole nation among 186 countries that can meet its basic nutrition needs in all food groups [2][5].
On the other end of the spectrum, developed nations like Japan face significant challenges in food self-sufficiency. In 2023, Japan's calorie-based food self-sufficiency rate was a mere 38%, significantly lower than countries such as the United States, France, or Australia, which have rates exceeding 100% [1]. Japan's low rate is primarily due to a strict calculation method that excludes meat and dairy produced from animals fed on imported feed.
While Japan is a key example of a developed nation with low food self-sufficiency, other countries facing food security challenges are not explicitly named in the study. Countries like Cameroon, which are grappling with multiple crises impacting food availability, are not included in the results [4].
Global cooperation remains essential for increasing food self-sufficiency. With targeted investment and smarter farming, most countries could boost self-sufficiency, particularly in plant-based food. Every other country relies on imports for at least one major food group. This dependence can make countries more vulnerable in a crisis, as they are heavily dependent on a few trading partners for key foods. Importing food can be efficient and practical, but low self-sufficiency increases vulnerability.
In addition, less than half of countries manage enough pulses or starchy staples, and most countries overproduce meat and dairy, but fewer than a quarter grow enough vegetables. Building resilient food supply chains is crucial for public health, according to Dr Jonas Stehl.
As we strive towards a more food-secure world, Guyana serves as a beacon of self-sufficiency. However, the challenges faced by other nations, like Japan and Cameroon, highlight the need for global cooperation and investment in agriculture and food production.
- In light of Guyana's self-sufficiency in food production, it becomes evident that the country prioritizes its health-and-wellness lifestyle by ensuring access to a balanced diet from all food groups.
- On the contrary, developed nations, such as Japan, struggle with food self-sufficiency due to a reliance on imported feed for livestock, which ultimately impacts their nutrition and environmental-science.
- Climate change and its impacts on agriculture underscore the need for smarter farming methods and investment in food production, as shown by the food insecurity faced by countries like Cameroon.
- A more sustainable approach to food production, focusing on plant-based food, could bolster food self-sufficiency, thereby reducing a country's exposure to food-and-drink price volatility and associated risks.
- Beyond food self-sufficiency, it is crucial to build resilient food supply chains that prioritize the growth of diverse food groups, including vegetables, for overall public health and wellness, according to Dr Jonas Stehl.
