New Agriculturist: News brief - Farming First calls on G8 leaders to prioritise food security

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Farming First calls on G8 leaders to prioritise food security

Farming First calls on G8 leaders to prioritise food security

The guide reviews all of the major global and regional food security initiatives currently in place
Farming First

Ahead of the G8 summit, the Farming First coalition has launched a food security guide in which they call on policymakers to promote a clear joint focus on a common goal of food security, to increase transparency regarding pledged funding, and to engage a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that efforts succeed. "African countries rely on their agricultural sectors not only as the basis for their food security but as a key driver of broader economic development," says Dr. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, chief executive officer for FANRPAN. "World leaders have pledged their commitment to food security, but now it is time to make sure these promises translate into fewer people going to bed hungry each night."

The report also states that returning farmers to the centre of policy decisions is fundamental to ensure sustainable development. "There can be no food security without farmer security. Farmer leadership is critical in developing food security strategies and implementing the commitments that the G8 made last year in L'Aquila," explains the president of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers, Ajay Vashee. "Agricultural policies must reflect the key role which farmers play in producing our food and supplying our markets in the face of a changing climate and increasingly limited access to natural resources."

The need to specifically target women because of their critical role in agricultural production and household food procurement, and provide farmers with the technology, knowledge and financial services they need are also highlighted by the guide. "Governments should invest in their agricultural sectors and devise long-term agricultural development strategies supporting the development of local agricultural markets and farmers' ability to answer market demands," the report concludes.

Date published: June 2010