Once again, Guyana is making headlines—not for oil, but for food. The country has earned the rare distinction of being the only one out of 186 nations assessed that can fully feed its population without relying on imported food. This means Guyana is completely self-sufficient in food production, a remarkable achievement in today’s globalized and increasingly unstable food systems.
The findings were published in a study featured in Nature Food and reported by Hatty Willmoth, trends editor at BBC Science Focus. The research analyzed each country’s ability to meet its population’s nutritional needs based on seven major food groups: fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish, meat, plant-based proteins, and starchy staples.
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A Unique Global Standing
While several countries showed strengths in certain food groups, Guyana was the only country that was self-sufficient in all seven. According to the report, China and Vietnam followed closely behind, each managing to produce enough food in six out of seven categories. In contrast, Afghanistan, UAE, Iraq, Macao, Qatar, and Yemen were the least self-sufficient, producing insufficient quantities in every category.
The study found that 65% of countries worldwide overproduce meat and dairy, exceeding the actual dietary needs of their populations. However, there was a global shortfall in plant-based proteins and vegetables. Less than half of the countries produced enough legumes, nuts, seeds, and starchy carbohydrates. Alarmingly, only 24% grew enough vegetables to meet local demand.
What the Research Says
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Göttingen in Germany and the University of Edinburgh in the UK. They measured domestic food production against nutritional requirements based on the WWF Livewell diet, which emphasizes a balanced, sustainable approach to eating—more plant-based foods and fewer items high in salt, fat, and sugar.
Lead author Dr. Jonas Stehl, a doctoral researcher at the University of Göttingen, noted:
“Low self-sufficiency is not inherently bad… There are valid and often beneficial reasons why a country may not produce the majority of the food it needs.”
He explained that geographic and climatic factors—such as limited rainfall or poor-quality soil—can prevent nations from growing enough food. In such cases, importing food may be more cost-effective. However, he also warned:
“Low levels of self-sufficiency can reduce a country’s capability to respond to sudden global food supply shocks such as droughts, wars or export bans.”
Regional Trends and Global Context
The research showed that Europe and South America are generally closer to achieving self-sufficiency, while small island nations, Arabian Peninsula countries, and low-income states are more dependent on imports.
Only one in seven countries were self-sufficient in five or more food groups, highlighting just how rare Guyana’s status is.
The topic of food self-sufficiency has regained attention due to global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, which exposed vulnerabilities in global food supply chains. According to Dr. Stehl:
“The resurgence in interest might also reflect broader political shifts, including growing nationalism and a desire among some to reduce dependence on foreign countries.”
He emphasized that regardless of political motivations, “building resilient food supply chains is imperative for ensuring public health.”
Guyana’s achievement offers a powerful example of what’s possible when local agriculture is prioritized. As climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical conflict continue to affect food access, Guyana stands out not just as a success story—but as a potential model for others.
