Food security tests and answers

The world saw last week its population reach 7 billion, a milestone that raises critical questions of who will feed the rapidly expanding number of people on the planet.

“Whether you are number 7 billion or number 7 billion and one, all of us, in this generation and the next, must have enough safe, nutritious and affordable food,” said Kanayo F. Nwanze, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

“As the population grows exponentially, we must support smallholder farmers so that they can feed themselves and contribute to the world’s food supply. And, at the same time, ensure that those who need to buy food have the income to do so,” he added.

Fifty years ago, the population was half of what it is now. According to the United Nations Population Division, the world population is expected to increase to 8 billion by 2025, and by 2050, it will be 9.3 billion.

IFAD calculates that food availability must increase by 70 percent over the next 40 years if it is to keep pace with demand.

“Having more mouths to feed is certainly a challenge at a time when already 1 billion children, women and men are chronically hungry. But it also presents an opportunity to increase the productivity and income of smallholder farmers, those already producing up to 80 percent of the food consumed locally in developing countries,” Nwanze added.

Korea imports more than 90 percent of its food from overseas. In response to the growing need of the country and lack of available agricultural land, the Korean government has been steadily securing its food supply overseas.

The government purchased more than 325,000 hectares of land in Mongolia earlier this year to secure more food resources.

Foreign embassies have been promoting their countries as a viable and attractive destination for Korean farmers to harvest food needed for the country.

In response, Korean firms are active in 16 countries, harvesting produce such as corn and wheat.

The Samsung Economic Research Institute’s report “New Food Strategies in the Age of Global Food Crises,” echoes this policy and adds that the government needs to provide “comprehensive support for domestic firms striving to build food production bases abroad, and pay for it through overseas agricultural development funds.”

IFAD’s Rural Poverty Report for 2011 highlights the need to make smallholder agriculture more productive and profitable through a new agenda for sustainable agriculture.

The report adds that this new agenda must capitalize on the changing market conditions and new market opportunities.

One area in which Nwanze sees potential is by improving cereal yields and integrating smallholder farmers into high-value national, regional and international markets.

“Governments, development agencies and the producers themselves have key roles to play in the transformation of agriculture into a thriving sector,” he said.

Nwanze added that future food security also depends on whether rural areas create opportunities for young people.

“Agriculture must be a viable and attractive option, and young entrepreneurs should be provided with finance and other resources so that they can grow small businesses and build vibrant rural communities,” he said.

By Yoav Cerralbo (yoav@heraldcorp.com)