FOODSECURE

Exploring the Future of Global Food and Nutrition Security

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'One of the biggest challenges facing global society today is the widespread and growing presence of hunger and food insecurity. Given that the lead time for some social and technological solutions is long, a long-term framework on global food and nutrition security (FNS) is required. FoodSecure aims at improving the resilience of the food system, by providing a means to mitigate risks and uncertainties in the world food system caused by economic and climatic shocks while providing for sustainable economic growth. The project provides an analytical toolbox to experiment, analyse, and coordinate the effects of short and medium term policies, thereby allowing for the execution of consistent, coherent, long-term strategies with desirable consequences.

The FoodSecure collaboration responds to the challenge of food shortages and volatility by providing stakeholders, in the EU and beyond, with the capacity to assess and address the short term and long term challenges of food and nutrition security both effectively and sustainably. The project draws on an expert, multi-disciplinary, science team to provide a complete set of knowledge to inform and guide decision makers and other stakeholders in formulating strategies to alleviate food shortages.

The food system is analysed in relationship to the ecosystem, energy, and financial markets, all of which are potential sources of shocks that can disrupt the food system. In addition, it is examined in light of fundamental societal trends and changing attitudes towards food consumption and production. The project emphasises the diversity of challenges of FNS in countries and regions. The project delivers new empirical evidence on the drivers of global FNS, and classifies regions and livelihood systems in typologies . A harmonised data system and modelling toolbox are developed for forecasts (on short term) and forward looking (towards 2050) on future hunger. A support for effective and sustainable actions will include the identification of the critical pathways for technological and institutional change and for EU policies in the areas of development aid, climate change, trade, common agricultural policy and renewable energy, including sustainability criteria.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Food prices seem to change with the wind. Food pricing must be integrated into the global outlook of food and nutrition security for policymakers to battle the drivers of hunger and malnutrition.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Researchers on the project 'Exploring the future of global food and nutrition security' (http://www.foodsecure.eu (FOODSECURE)) have set out to collect and study what drives volatility in the pricing of food. There are no easy answers as agriculture innovations, climate change, energy demands, population growth and unequal income distribution are all factors affecting today's market. The data collected will give policymakers and stakeholders fresh information with current and relevant data.

FOODSECURE is assessing effective and sustainable long- and short-term strategies. Volatility modelling will include factors like effects of excessive price volatility on the poor, as well as food and nutrition security.

Results to date include a research network conceptually linking the long- and the short-term price volatility issues, and definitions and policy strategies reflecting on existing indicators. Specific issues have been studied, like the impact of EU policies on rice markets and consumer attitudes towards palm oil. Additional research has been carried out on domestic stabilisation policies in developing countries in times of excessive food price volatility.

Innovation will continue to be a main driver in strengthening the global food and security network. Technology, as in many other industries, has been the main factor of growth in agriculture. This growth in technology is somewhat country-specific and relevant data are being gathered. Much of this work has been uploaded onto an easy-to-use interface on the project website.

The issues addressed through this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of global food and nutrition security.