Our world today duels with the qualms of the economic systems we have wrought. The illusion of control we claim to have over them quickly dissipates when we consider the impulsive, almost mechanical response we all play out within them. These systems, driven by profit and market forces, perpetuate inequalities that make it nearly impossible to guarantee universal access to basic necessities. Essential goods, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, remain inaccessible to many, not simply because of scarcity but due to the manner in which they are distributed and commodified. A paradigm shift is urgently needed—one that separates the provision of basic needs from market dynamics.
Instead of the prevailing currency system, we need purpose-oriented currencies—currencies that are designed to buy specific things. This is especially useful in segregating basic needs from other items that are purchased. We could begin with food, a resource we tend to have in plenty but still waste in significant amounts. What needs to happen is that every person alive should have a specific amount of money ascribed to them each month, enough to buy as much food as any human being would require. This amount would be determined based on local market prices to reflect the varying costs in different areas.
Food would have its own designated currency, and it would be illegal to exchange this currency for other items or conventional money. The law would enforce the exclusive use of the food currency for food purchases, safeguarding the intent of the system. The burden will be on suppliers to ensure that they get all this food money wherever it is as it will be evenly and equally distributed throughout the population.
To ensure this system works, regulations around food prices must be strengthened to prevent price escalation. Individuals authorised to sell food would be registered, and food producers would no longer sell directly to consumers. Instead, authorised distributors would purchase food from producers in agriculture and fisheries and handle sales at state-fixed profit margins per region. This framework would initially apply to raw, unprocessed food. Processed foods and luxury items like restaurant meals or catering services for events would also be subject to strict regulation of the amount and quality of food they purchase. The incentive to supply food to restaurants and food processors because it is more lucrative shall be greatly discouraged.
Every stage of the food cycle would be critically regulated and monitored. Suppliers would receive incentives to distribute food to remote regions, ensuring no one goes without or is exploited due to scarcity.
Once this model is firmly established, it could be extended to other sectors, such as housing, utilities, and medical care. The main objective would be to diminish the aggressive profit incentives that currently dominate the provision of basic needs. To encourage participation, tax incentives would be offered to companies that align themselves with and support this system.
Bbumba,
15th November 2024.