The FAO’S lates SOFI report examines similar issues and looks in particular at recent effects of high and volatile food prices. Its key points are as follows:
- Small import-dependent countries, especially in Africa, were deeply affected by the food and economic crises.
- High and volatile food prices are likely to continue.
- Price volatility makes both smallholder farmers and poor consumers increasingly vulnerable to poverty.
- Large short-term price changes can have long-term impacts on development.
- High food prices worsen food insecurity in the short term.
- High food prices present incentives for increased long-term investment in the agriculture sector, which can contribute to improved food security in the longer term.
- Safety nets are crucial for alleviating food insecurity in the short term, as well as for providing a foundation for long-term development.
- A food-security strategy that relies on a combination of increased productivity in agriculture, greater policy predictability and general openness to trade will be more effective than other strategies.
- Investment in agriculture remains critical to sustainable long-term food security.
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