The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) recently released its 2013 Global Food Policy Report. The Report outlines recent achievements, goals, and challenges in food policy amidst the impending Post-2015 Agenda.
Significant strides have been made in the last thirty years.
According to recent estimates by FAO, the number of people living in conditions of chronic hunger has declined in the last three decades by close to 15%. In order to fully eliminate hunger and undernutrition by 2025, however, the international community will have to increase its sustainability efforts and long-term strategic investments in community and environment.
As an organization that is committed to advancing human dignity and eradicating hunger, The Hunger Project understands the challenges faced by many underserved communities and the importance of forging strong partnerships between districts and governments in order to address food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
Highlights of the 2013 Sustainability Report
India’s Food Security Act: Since the adoption of the National Food Security Act, an estimated two-thirds of India’s 1.2 billion people are now entitled to fixed rations of subsidized grains.
Food Safety in China: In response to growing food safety concerns, China’s General Food and Drug Administration has been tasked with developing and monitoring safety standards for food and drug production, distribution and consumption.
Sustainable agriculture is a viable channel to achieve food security in an environmentally responsible manner. According to the IFPRI report, “Growth in the agriculture sector is shown to reduce poverty three times faster than growth in any other sector—manufacturing, industry, or services.”
Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP): CAADP celebrated its tenth anniversary. The program was launched to increase investment in agriculture by having countries commit 10% of national budgets to agricultural development. Increased public spending on agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa was limited to a few countries including: Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Latin American food exports continued to increase: Brazil became the world’s largest exporter of soybeans in 2012-2013. During the same period, Argentina and Brazil became the two largest exporters of coarse grains.
Information and communication technology needs to be better integrated into agricultural practices. Mobile phones, for instance, improve farmers’ production decisions by providing real-time market information. By simultaneously enhancing existing production systems and technologies, food-insecure communities will build a stronger foundation for more progress in food access, utilization, and stability.
Learn More
- Read the full report for additional information about major food policy reforms, enhanced agricultural production, and sustainable development goals.
- Learn more about Building Resilience Through Local Capacity
- Read more about the Post-2015 Agenda
