Global Data Visualizations
Total food availability by country
The total food supply, in metric tons (MT), of the food vehicle that is available for human consumption.
Interpretation
The interactive chart shows food availability data (in metric tons [MT] per year) by country. Food availability takes into consideration volumes produced domestically, imported, exported, losses from waste, seed, or feed purposes, and only includes amounts intended for human consumption. The total volume of food available presents the opportunity for food fortification if all food could be fortified.
Indicator and term descriptions
Total food available: The total annual food supply of the food vehicle in question that is available for human consumption, measured in metric tons (MT).
Additional information about this indicator
How to download data
Follow these steps to download data from the visualization as an Excel or CSV file:
- Click on the “Data” tab at the bottom of the visualization window.
- Hover over the header row of the table until an ellipses (three dots […]) appears.
- Click on “more options” and a drop-down menu will appear. Select “Export data.”
- In the new window, select the export format that best supports your needs and click the “Export” button.
Considerations
- GFDx uses food availability data from FAO for maize flour, oil, rice, and wheat flour. Food availability is not the same as food intake and may overestimate total volume of food consumed, and thus nutrient contribution, if there is significant waste or loss of that food.
- This visualization does not take into consideration the proportion of food that is industrially processed. In the long-term, industrially processed foods are more feasible to fortify (both for producers and for regulatory agencies monitoring fortification).
Methodology
GFDx populates its database through a bi-annual survey, aiming to reach 196 countries. In between survey cycles, the GFDx database is updated when new information is received directly from fortification partners and/or national stakeholders. To share data for your country, please contact us at info@fortificationdata.org.
For more information about GFDx methodology and indicators: GFDx Data Dictionary.
Data sources
- Total food availability data for maize flour, oil, rice, and wheat flour are drawn from the most recent version of FAO Supply Utilization Accounts.
- Salt intake are from Powles, et al. 2017.
- Country classifications of income status and geographic region are from the World Bank and the United Nations, respectively.
Other resources
Total food availability data for maize flour, oil, rice, and wheat flour are drawn from the most recent version of FAO Supply Utilization Accounts.
Suggested citation
Global Fortification Data Exchange. Chart: Total food availability by country. Accessed dd/month/yyyy. [http://www.fortificationdata.org.]