Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), writes that ‘tackling postharvest losses is not rocket science’, but does require the coordinated effort of many actors. The WFP addresses postharvest loss under its ‘Purchase for Progress’ pilot capacity-building and training program, currently working in 20 countries. http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/improving-global-food-security-r-analysis-528272
Global Food Market Far Improved From Crisis Years
The FAO reports that though rising, food prices this year are not peaking, much unlike in 2008 and 2011 when high volatility led to unrest and rioting. FAO says the lack of financial speculators is helping to moderate prices. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/global-food-market-far-improved-from-crisis-years/article12036490/?cmpid=rss1
Joint FAO, IFAD, WFP News Release: Food Security to be at Centre of Africa Development Agenda
The three Rome-based UN agency heads called for food security and nutrition to be the center focus of the international development agenda for Africa. The leaders stressed the importance of focusing investments and initiatives on smallholder farmers and rural development, and especially for women and girls. http://www.ifad.org/media/press/2013/26.htm?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonua%2FMd%2B%2FhmjTEU5z17%2BwtX6CygYkz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMSsRlN6%2BNFAAgAZVnyRQFHuWDeZg%3D
Linking Smallholder Farmers to Markets in Africa
The G8 increasingly emphasizes the importance of market linkages for smallholder farmers in Africa. International debates and conversations, captured in two recent reports, focus on 5 priorities for how markets can function better for smallholders. Several organizations on the ground are promoting a market focus, such as FANPRAN, Farm Africa, the One Acre Fund, and others. […]
Advancing Global Food Security: The Power of Science, Trade, and Business
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs released the report, ‘Advancing Global Food Security: The Power of Science, Trade, and Business’, at their recent symposium in Washington, D.C. The report sites reducing loss as an essential element to sustainable intensification of agriculture. The Council also covered postharvest loss in a commentary piece leading up to the event. http://www.thechicagocouncil.org/UserFiles/File/GlobalAgDevelopment/Report/2013_Advancing_Global_Food_Security.pdf
IFPRI Strategy 2013 – 2018: Food Policy Research in a Time of Unprecedented Challenges
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) published a strategy report for the next 5 years in food policy research. Their first strategic area is ‘ensuring sustainable food production’, which encompasses reduction of waste within the food system. Read the full report here, or see highlights here. http://www.ifpri.org/publication/ifpri-strategy-2013-2018 Full report: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/gi40.pdf Highlights: http://www.ifpri.org/sites/default/files/publications/strategy2013hl.pdf
Commentary – Prioritizing Reduction of Food Losses and Waste for Food Security
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs released the report, ‘Advancing Global Food Security: The Power of Science, Trade, and Business’, at their recent symposium in Washington, D.C. The report sites reducing loss as an essential element to sustainable intensification of agriculture. The Council also covered postharvest loss in a commentary piece leading up to the event. http://globalfoodforthought.typepad.com/global-food-for-thought/2013/05/commentary-prioritizing-reduction-of-food-losses-and-waste-for-food-security.html?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRonuqTOc%2B%2FhmjTEU5z17%2BwtX6CygYkz2EFye%2BLIHETpodcMSsZnNa%2BNFAAgAZVnyRQFHuWDeZg%3D
High Level Consultation (HLC) on Hunger, Food Security and Nutrition in the Post 2015 Development Framework: Joint Chairs and co-Leads Synthesis Report
The High Level Consultation on Hunger, Food Security, and Nutrition in the Post 2015 Development Framework published a vision report on how to sustainably end hunger, insecurity, and malnutrition by 2025. Their pathway outline includes three main components: 1) sustainable and resilient food production and consumption, 2) good nutrition for all, and 3) agents of transformation. http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/post2015/sites/post2015/files/files/Synthesis%20document%204th%20April.pdf
“Enormous Opportunity” for Ending Hunger in Africa
The FAO Director General recently met with senior delegates from African nations to prepare for a High-level meeting in June between international leaders. Discussions occurred around the growing opportunities for ending hunger in Africa, which are due to advancements in political will, partnerships, and collaboration. Promoting rural infrastructure development was listed as a food security program priority […]
Feeding 9 Billion: What Research Do we Prioritize to Find Solutions?
Cross-sector representatives met in April for the first Food Security Futures Conference. Participants discussed how to accomplish the wide array of food security goals on the international agenda, and agreed that public and private research is essential. The conference produced a list of priorities, one being to develop better metrics for evaluating food systems. http://www.ifpri.org/blog/feeding-9-billion-what-research-do-we-prioritize-find-solutions