Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 11/2013

Feed the world? The challenges of global food security

Costanza Caputi

June 2013

European Union Institute for Security Studies

Abstract

Food security is a highly complex, multi-faceted global challenge that involves many aspects. Virtually every policy area is connected to food security: from the economics of food price formation to environmental stress, from financial market dynamics to energy production and supply. Despite the complexities of the food system and its current difficulties, policymakers should focus on the core issue of food insecurity: primarily by establishing a resilient and sustainable agricultural system suitable to the needs of small farmers. And the EU, as one of the largest donors of development aid, might consider doing more abroad of what it is doing at home; supporting farmers through spending on agriculture and rural development.