Dr Andrea Porro
Secretary General, World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO)
Learn how and why economically, socially and environmentally sustainable agriculture can address global food security challenges.
Food is a fundamental human right. It is at the heart of the culture, tradition, value and conviviality of any healthy community. Food comes from ‘real agriculture’ — the hard work of farmers who cultivate crops, raise livestock and produce fibre while safeguarding natural capital and maintaining social relationships in their communities.
Global food security challenges
Silver bullet solutions don’t exist; a lab cannot replace 10,000 years of history and work on the land with nature. Despite farmers’ efforts to ensure that safe, nutritious and sufficient food is available, hunger persists. Paradoxically, people who feed the world often suffer the most from hunger, especially in developing countries.
Geopolitical instability, climate change, population growth, volatile input and product prices as well as food loss and waste threaten food security. These impact agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods and highlight the interlink of political stability and food security.
Fair pay and market access
To enable farmers to ensure global food security, attention should be placed on fair remuneration for their products and services, facilitating access to markets and political stability. Climate financing, subsidies and climate-resilient innovation should be accessible and tailored to farmers’ needs.
Climate financing, subsidies and
climate-resilient innovation should be
accessible and tailored to farmers’ needs.
Key actions for food security
- Establish an open, fair and rules-based global trading system:Farmers need stable market access at all levels, and all actors in the food chain must cooperate, sharing responsibilities, risks and values.
- Invest in agriculture to increase productivity and quality:Investments should prioritise farmers’ training, particularly for youth and women. Political stability and an enabling environment are prerequisites for effective investments.
- Support sustainable food production:Sustainable production involves costs that farmers should not bear alone. Legislation should prioritise sustainability and unlock investments for innovation, making it accessible and affordable to all farmers.
Embrace inclusivity and innovation
To end hunger and achieve global food and nutrition security, we must embrace diverse agricultural systems, promote inclusivity and transparency and encourage innovation while preserving farmers’ values. Decision-makers and researchers must engage farmers and their organisations and consider their practical needs and experiences while acknowledging the diversity of global agriculture.
