Walk the Talk: Ending Hunger by 2025, a Conversation with Dr. Shenggen Fan

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Shenggen Fan, head of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), discusses the global challenges of food security, agricultural research, and the need for long-term investment in the face of rising food prices. He highlights the urgent need for political commitment, international cooperation, and integrated approaches to food production, health, and environmental sustainability. Emphasizing the lessons from past food crises, Dr. Fan calls for a shift in how we approach agricultural policy to ensure a secure, nutritious, and sustainable food future for all.

Takeaways

• 😀 Despite progress, over 870 million people still suffer from hunger, and over 2 billion people face micronutrient deficiencies globally.
• 😀 The 2007-2008 food crisis highlighted the fragility of global food security, leading to renewed commitments to invest in agricultural research.
• 😀 Long-term investments are essential for agricultural growth and food security, as agriculture cannot be treated as a short-term issue.
• 😀 Dr. Schengen Fan advocates for developing countries to build their own research capacities, allowing them to generate and implement policy solutions locally.
• 😀 Food security is a political issue, with countries often prioritizing national food access during crises, but global cooperation is key to more efficient solutions.
• 😀 Agriculture faces increasing pressure from resource limitations such as water and land, making sustainable management more critical than ever.
• 😀 Climate change is a significant threat to agriculture, but technological advances in crop varieties can help mitigate these challenges by enhancing productivity and nutrition.
• 😀 A holistic approach, combining agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and nutrition, is needed to address global food security effectively.
• 😀 The world’s growing middle class is changing global food consumption patterns, putting additional pressure on the food supply system.
• 😀 Emotional and political factors heavily influence food security discussions, as seen in debates over organic versus conventional food production methods.
• 😀 IFPRI’s mission is not only to maximize food production but also to improve health and nutrition outcomes through better food choices and agricultural innovations.

Q & A

What major global event did Dr. Schengen Fan refer to as a turning point for food security discussions?

Dr. Schengen Fan referred to the 2007-2008 food price spike as a critical event that highlighted vulnerabilities in the global food system, prompting renewed focus on food security.

What were the key highlights of IFPRI’s 2012 Global Food Policy Report?

The key highlights included emphasizing the fragility of global food security, the ongoing hunger of 870 million people, the lack of micronutrients affecting over two billion, and the need for long-term agricultural investment and global cooperation.

How did the Green Revolution impact global agriculture, and why is repeating it not viable today?

The Green Revolution successfully increased food production but relied heavily on land and water, resources that are now limited. Dr. Fan emphasized that a repeat of the Green Revolution isn't feasible due to resource constraints and the evolving demands of agriculture.

What are some of the emerging trends in global food security that Dr. Fan highlighted?

Dr. Fan highlighted the increasing issues of hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity levels, which complicate the global food security situation.

Why does Dr. Fan emphasize the importance of 'walking the talk' in food security investments?

Dr. Fan stresses the importance of ensuring that commitments made by policymakers are followed through with actual implementation to avoid the complacency that led to previous food security crises.

What is the significance of building local research capacity in developing countries, according to Dr. Fan?

Dr. Fan emphasized that building research capacity in developing countries is crucial for empowering those nations to generate their own policy recommendations and solutions, rather than relying on foreign advice.

How does food security intersect with global trade and agricultural protectionism?

Food security is deeply political, with countries using trade policies and production strategies to secure food for their populations. Dr. Fan advocated for global cooperation to ensure food security, as local crises can be mitigated through international trade and reserves.

What role does water management play in food security, and what are the challenges mentioned by Dr. Fan?

Water management is critical for agriculture, but Dr. Fan noted that progress in this area has been slow, with some regions actually moving backwards. He stressed that better water use is essential for long-term agricultural sustainability.

What is the 'noxious approach' to agriculture that Dr. Fan proposes?

The 'noxious approach' integrates agriculture, health, environment, and nutrition, aiming to produce more food with fewer resources (water, land) while improving nutrition and reducing carbon emissions.

How does climate change impact global agriculture, and what adaptation strategies does Dr. Fan recommend?

Climate change affects agricultural productivity, posing threats to many countries. Dr. Fan suggests adopting new technologies, developing drought-resistant crops, and implementing better water and land management to adapt to these changes.