This 2012 Global Food Policy Report is the second in an annual series that provides an in-depth look at major food policy developments and events. Initiated in response to resurgent interest in food security, the series offers a yearly overview of the food policy developments that have contributed to or hindered progress in food and nutrition security. It reviews what happened in food policy and why, examines key challenges and opportunities, shares new evidence and knowledge, and highlights emerging issues.
In 2012, world food security remained vulnerable. While talk about hunger and malnutrition was plentiful, it remains to be seen whether current and past commitments to invest in agriculture, food security, and nutrition will be met. New data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations suggest that the world will fall short of achieving the first Millennium Development Goal of halving the prevalence of undernutrition by 2015. Translating commitments into action is thus even more urgent.
Evidence points to a number of steps that would advance food and nutrition security. Investments designed to raise agricultural productivity—especially investments in research and innovation—would address one important factor in food security. Research is also needed to investigate the emerging nexus among agriculture, nutrition, and health on the one hand, and food, water, and energy on the other. In addition, by optimizing the use of resources, innovation can contribute to the push for a sustainable “green economy.” Boosting agricultural growth and turning farming into a modern and forward-looking occupation can help give a future to large young rural populations in developing countries.
Beyond investing in research and innovation, more can be done in other areas to improve food security.
Donors can pay more attention to gender when designing development projects. Policymakers can take into account the global repercussions of their domestic agricultural policies. This is true not only for the developed countries, but also for Brazil, China, and India—emerging players in world agricultural markets whose actions will have a sizable impact on future food security. Building poor people’s resilience to shocks and stressors would help ensure food security in a changing world. In any case, poor and hungry people must be at the center of the post-2015 development agenda.
