The Intersection of Rural Criminology and Food Security: The Impact of Organised Criminal Groups in the Rural Space: Kreseda Smith

Farming feeds the population, but the escalating victimisation of farmers globally by organised criminal groups is leading to impacts across a range of UN Sustainable Development Goals having a significant effect on farmers and the wider population. Organised criminals are targeting critical physical equipment such as tractors, tools, and other machinery. As criminal entrepreneurs, they are able to identify business opportunities such as the counterfeiting of agrochemicals and disruption of food chain security, and the provision of forced labour for agricultural work. As organised criminals find their way into the rural space, there are potential implications on the aspirations set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, leading to additional issues affecting poverty, zero hunger, health and wellbeing, decent working conditions, and peace and justice. This chapter provides an exploratory commentary on how organised criminality impacts agriculture, farming, and food security globally in light of the Sustainable Development Goals.