Change in the climate and other factors affecting agriculture, food or poverty: An opportunity, a threat or both? A personal perspective

In November 2014 I suffered a major stroke and was unable to work. I recently began to ‘wake up’ and have been able to re-engage with literature and discussions on agricultural development and climate change. I am surprised how familiar I am with much of the debate, but disappointed that major issues receive little attention – such as the impacts of climate change on smallholder agriculture, conservation of biodiversity and the need for reform of global financial institutions. In this short ‘perspective’, I comment on issues where there has been little academic attention over the past seven years and new issues that have arisen such as animal-free foods and artificial intelligence. I conclude by suggesting where attention needs to be focused. I expect this to be my final contribution to the literature.