Aquaculture food system in the context of food security of Ukraine

Iermakova Olga
D. Sc. (Economics), Professor, Head of the Department of Economic and Ecological Development of Seaside Regions, State Organization “Institute of Market and Economic&Ecological Researches of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine”, Professor of the Department of International Economic Relations, Odesa National Economic University, Odesa, Ukraine, E-mail: impeer@ukr.net , ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9815-3464

Cite this article:

Iermakova O. (2024) Aquaculture food system in the context of food security of Ukraine. Ed.: V.V. Kovalenko (ed.-in-ch.) and others [Akvaprodovolcha systema v konteksti prodovolchoi bezpeky Ukrainy; za red.: V.V. Kovalenko (gol. red.)], Scientific Bulletin of the Odesa National Economic University (ISSN 2313-4569), Odesa National Economics University, Odesa, No. 12 (325), pp.13-20.

Abstract

The research aims to analyze the current state of food security in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the contribution of aquatic food systems to ensuring sustainable and equitable access to food resources. Food security remains a critical issue in Ukraine due to ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, which exacerbate the risks associated with insufficient self- sufficiency and overreliance on imports. The study evaluates the integration of aquaculture systems into the broader food supply chain and their potential to address key gaps in national food security. The methodology employed in this study involves comprehensive monitoring of food security indicators, including daily caloric intake, economic accessibility, self-sufficiency, and import dependency. These indicators were assessed using recent statistical data, official reports, and international benchmarks. Special attention was paid to the dynamics of fish and seafood consumption, as well as the domestic production capacity in the context of aquaculture development. The findings indicate that Ukraine demonstrates a significant shortfall in self-sufficiency in fish and seafood production, with only 19.2% of domestic demand being met by local sources in 2021. Simultaneously, import dependency has reached an alarming level of 84.1%, which is almost three times the threshold criterion for sustainable food systems. The insufficient availability of locally produced aquaculture products, coupled with high economic and infrastructural barriers, undermines the resilience of Ukraine's food systems. Furthermore, the study identifies a growing disparity in dietary access between socio-economic groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address inequality. The practical significance of the research lies in formulating strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening the aquatic food system in Ukraine. These include policy measures to stimulate local production, investments in sustainable aquaculture technologies, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance domestic supply chains. By addressing these structural weaknesses, the research provides actionable insights to reduce import dependency, improve food security, and promote sustainable development of aquaculture within the national economy. The findings contribute to the global discourse on sustainable food systems by offering a regional perspective that integrates economic, environmental, and social dimensions. This study underscores the importance of adopting a systemic approach to food security, where aquaculture serves as a vital component of sustainable development strategies, ensuring long-term resource management and resilience against external shocks.

Keywords

food security, aquatic food systems, fish products, sustainable development, economic accessibility.

JEL classification: H560; I120; L660; Q180; DOI: https://doi.org/10.32680/2409-9260-2024-12-325-13-20

UD classification: 639.3/.6:338.439]:351.862.6(477)

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