Emerging Technologies in the Global South Food Industry: Prospects and Challenges

Currently, our globe is experiencing unparalleled but linked environmental, societal, and economic challenges resulting from climate change, industrialisation, pandemics, and conflicts, among other factors. Ensuring food safety is an utmost priority that goes beyond national boundaries and has a global impact on individuals’ health and overall welfare. Nevertheless, the methods and endeavours necessary to guarantee food safety in the Global South must be customised to address its distinct difficulties and circumstances. The Global South necessitates a unique set of endeavours that are based on fairness and cater to the requirements of these countries. Considering this, a multitude of cutting-edge digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and 3D printing, are being more and more utilised in smart farms and smart food factories to enhance the results of the food system. The promise for efficient digital and ecological transitions can be realised through the increasing acceptance of vegetal advances and the utilisation of Industry 4.0 technology throughout the food supply chain in the Global South. By adopting a strategy that prioritises these cutting-edge digital technologies, the countries in the Global South can establish the foundation for a more secure and improved food future for their people. Therefore, this chapter examines many highly promising developing technologies in the food business, along with the challenges that must be surmounted to fully exploit their potential in the Global South.