Agriculture development and food security: progress on the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit on Food Security

Reducing the number and proportion of people who suffer from hunger and malnutrition is one of today’s most difficult challenges. Efforts have been made more difficult by higher and more volatile food and fuel prices, political conflict, and persistent underinvestment in agriculture, food and nutrition. Many countries lack the social safety nets necessary to avert disasters such as the famine currently affecting Somalia. Long-term investments in sustainable agriculture—interlinked with efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change, alleviate poverty, empower women, improve market access, and manage ecosystems and natural resources—are not happening quickly enough. Country-led responses supported by the international community must be intensified to meet the internationally agreed goals by 2015.