Food security in Malta

Abstract

We need to discuss food security in developed yet vulnerable states such as Malta. It may sound surprising that a European Union (EU) member state and a Commonwealth member is at risk of essential food shortages. Malta, an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean, has one of the highest population densities in the EU living on a total land area of 316 km. The geographic location further compounds vulnerability due to the negative impacts of climate change – Malta is becoming arid. Insularity presents three obvious problems: access, logistical costs and competition for resources. Malta’s rural areas are managed mainly by a few part-time farmers. The small size of Malta together with its demography leads to additional pressure, which is exacerbated by the construction industry and associated land take up. Malta is the EU member state with most built-up areas. Seasonal tourism also adds further pressure on demands for space and food resources. Aggressive takeover of rural land, diminishing human resources and fluctuating demographics means that Malta has to rely on food importation. This has consequences.