Global Food Crises

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that the number of undernourished people leapt from 920 million in 2008, to 1.02 billion in 2009. Relatively higher food prices currently observed are likely to further hamper the purchasing power and nutritional status of low-income populations in 2010.

Despite the ongoing food-supply crises, food security is NOT a priority on the multi-lateral policy agenda for world governments. Additionally, the Doha Round of trade Negotiations is losing momentum in providing needed guidance on this urgent matter.

In the current context, governments responsible for ensuring food distribution must establish firm measures to boost economic recovery, reduce public debt, and create well-functioning financial markets. They must also take action that mitigates the detrimental effects on food production brought on by climate change.