Hunger in a world of plenty

«Plainly, only a coordinated multilateral response will have an impact. First, and most immediately, governments have to provide funds to help stave off crises. That means providing the World Food Program with at least $500 million to cover existing funding shortfalls. In addition, developing countries need money to buy seeds, fertilizer and feed. The FAO puts that price tag at between $1.2 billion and $1.7 billion. The World Bank will make a start by doubling its aid to the agriculture sector in Africa from $450 million to $800 million.
Over the longer term, investment in agricultural infrastructure is essential to ensure that crops get from the fields to the market. Energy efficiency must also increase. Perhaps the most important step forward would be the successful completion of the Doha Round of trade negotiations — as originally intended. These talks were supposed to focus on developing country needs. That meant lifting barriers to agricultural markets in developed countries. Sadly, that ambitious — and critical — objective has not been met. As a result, trade-distorting agricultural subsidies and protection continue, hurting the world's poorest and weakest citizens. Enough is enough. »

The Japan Times online