We do not see many references these days to the food crisis in the news. It has been eclipsed by economic fears. But we are still not out of the woods. I call it our forgotten crisis - because it has not gone away.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 10 February 2009

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The Global Food Security Crisis

The extraordinary rise of global food prices in early 2008 posed a major threat to global food and nutrition security and caused a host of humanitarian, human rights, socio-economic, environmental, developmental, political and security-related consequences. In particular, it presented challenges for low income food deficit countries, and severely affected the world’s most vulnerable. It threatened to reverse critical gains made toward reducing poverty and hunger as outlined in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The soaring prices stemmed from the cumulative effects of long-term trends, like the increasing demand of food due to the growing world population and a decline in agricultural investment, more immediate supply and demand dynamics, including those related to the rapidly increasing oil prices and diversions of maize to ethanol production, and responses like hoarding which exacerbated price volatility. Altogether, the crisis exposed underlying structural problems in the food systems of poorer countries, partly linked to serious distortions in world food markets (associated with production subsidies in rich countries and trade tariffs), that predispose to price spikes and problems with food availability. Climate-related events like droughts, floods and environmental degradation have further negative effects on many developing countries.

Already before the rapid rise in food prices, some 854 million people worldwide were estimated to be undernourished. It is estimated that the current crisis has increased the number to more than one billion undernourished people in the world.

While food prices on world markets have come down in the fall of 2008, the average levels are still higher in 2009 than they were two years ago. At the same time, lower prices on global markets have not fed through to lower prices on local markets within many developing countries. Prices are likely to rise again, and to stay volatile for a while. The global economic downturn has further increased the hardships of the most vulnerable as both formal and informal economies contracted, trade volumes declined, and remittances decreased.

The High-Level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis (HLTF)

The dramatic rise of global food prices and the crisis it triggered led the United Nations (UN) Chief Executives Board in April 2008 to establish a High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on the Global Food Security Crisis. The Task Force brings together the Heads of the UN specialized agencies, funds and programmes, as well as relevant parts of the UN Secretariat, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Trade Organization. It is chaired by the UN Secretary-General and coordinated by his Special Representative for Food Security and Nutrition, David Nabarro. The primary aim of the Task Force is to promote a comprehensive and unified response to the challenge of achieving global food security along the lines of its Comprehensive Framework for Action (CFA). The CFA sets out the joint position of HLTF members, and aims to be a catalyst for action by providing governments, international and regional organisations, and civil society groups with a menu of policies and actions from which to draw appropriate responses. It pursues a twin-track approach: It outlines activities related to meeting the immediate needs as well as activities related to the longer-term structural needs, focusing on smallholders, and enabling them to realize their right to food, sustain an increase income and ensure adequate nutrition.

The HLTF’s Programme of Work focuses on support to effective and coordinated action in countries, advocacy for funds for both urgent action and long-term investment, broad engagement by multiple stakeholders and accountability of the international system.

Benchmarks

• In June 2008 the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) convened the High-Level Conference on Food Security and the challenges of climate change and bio-energy in Rome. It concluded with a Declaration that includes calls for increased food production, fewer trade restrictions and increased agricultural research.
• At the G8 Summit in Hokkaido Toyako, Japan, in July 2008, leaders issued a Statement on Food Security that emphasized the urgency of short term needs, the need to provide immediate access to fertilizers particularly to small holder farmers, express their commitment to reversing the decline in food aid and investment and recognized the UN's coordinating role including their support for the High-Level Taskforce and the Comprehensive Framework for Action. G8 Leaders committed to including food security on their agendas in 2009.
• In January 2009, Spanish Prime Minister Rodriguez Zapatero and the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon convened the High Level Meeting on Food Security for All in Madrid. At the meeting, there was widespread support for the CFA’s twin-track approach that addresses food security in a comprehensive way. Participants agreed on an urgent need for a substantial scale up and better coordination of resources, and highlighted the value of a broader and deeper engagement of all stakeholders by ensuring the participation of governments, civil society, businesses, scientific researchers and both international and regional organizations.
• At the G8 Summit in L’Aquila, Italy, in July 2009, 26 nations and 14 international organizations launched the ‘L’Aquila Food Security Initiative’. They pledged USD 20 billion over three years and agreed on a comprehensive and coordinated approach, partnering with countries to help implement their national food security strategies. The approach is spelled out around 5 principles: 1. Investment in country-led plans; 2. A comprehensive approach that includes support for humanitarian assistance, sustainable agriculture development and nutrition; 3. Strategic coordination of assistance; 4. A strong role for multilateral institutions, 5. Sustained commitment of financial resources.
• During the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Secretary-General Ban and US Secretary of State Clinton co-hosted the side-event ‘Partnering for Food Security’ (26 September). Over 130 countries participated in this meeting which focused on the five principles of the L’Aquila Initiative. Secretary-General Ban and Secretary Clinton tabled the proposal titled ‘Partnering for Food Security: Moving Forward’, reflecting the emerging consensus and encouraging coordination and collaboration, while ensuring accountability.
• In November 2009, FAO convened the ‘Summit on World Food Security’ in Rome, Italy. Participants adopted a declaration which pledges renewed commitment to fight hunger and embraces the five L’Aquila Principles, newly coined as ‘Rome Principles’. FAO members endorsed the revitalization of the Committee on World Food Security to become a more inclusive international platform.