JournalTOCs

Followed Journals

Journal you Follow: 0

Sign Up to follow journals, search in your chosen journals and, optionally, receive Email Alerts when new issues of your Followed Jurnals are published.
Already have an account? Sign In to see the journals you follow.

Most Followed Journals

Top Publishers

Top Subjects

Global Food Security

[4 followers] Follow
Full-text available via subscription

Subscription journal
ISSN (Print) 2211-9124
Published by Elsevier

[2556 journals]

Second generation biofuels and food crops: Co-products or competitors?
- Abstract: Publication date: Available online 14 May 2013
  Source:Global Food Security
  Author(s): Wyatt Thompson , Seth Meyer
  Stylized experiments of an economic model show that second generation biofuels can hurt or help food security. Impacts depend critically on whether the feedstock competes with traditional crops or is a co-product in their production. Dedicated biomass, like warm season grasses, likely competes at least somewhat with food crop production. To the extent that agricultural land is allocated to dedicated biomass, food prices will increase. Biofuel from crop residues, such as corn stover and wheat straw, can lead to more land in these uses, potentially reducing food and feed prices. Second generation biofuel impacts also depend on policy mechanisms and market context. For example, the US biofuel mandates that encourage new biofuels might limit their ability to displace other biofuels.
  
  PubDate: 2013-05-17T00:32:15Z
Adapting crops and cropping systems to future climates to ensure food security: The role of crop modelling
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): Robin B. Matthews , Mike Rivington , Shibu Muhammed , Adrian C. Newton , Paul D. Hallett
  Food production systems in the next decades need to adapt, not only to increase production to meet the demand of a higher population and changes in diets using less land, water and nutrients, but also to reduce their carbon footprint and to warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns resulting from climate change. Crop simulation models offer a research tool for evaluating trade-offs of these potential adaptations and can form the basis of decision-support systems for farmers, and tools for education and training. We suggest that there are four areas in adapting crops and cropping systems that crop modelling can contribute: determining where and how well crops of the future will grow; contributing to crop improvement programmes; identifying what future crop management practices will be appropriate and assessing risk to crop production in the face of greater climate variability.
  Highlights ► Crop simulation models are key tools to evaluate tradeoffs involved as cropping systems adapt to climate change and future demands. ► At the plant level, such models can help evaluate the costs and benefits to the plant of significant changes in physiological processes. ► Crop models can help evaluate and optimise alternative crop management practices, such as conservation agriculture. ► Crop models can provide a way of integrating different crop-related knowledge into decision-support systems.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Delivering food security without increasing pressure on land
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): Pete Smith
  The challenge of feeding 9 to 10 Billion people by 2050 may seem like a big enough challenge in itself, but we also need to achieve this feat whilst, at the same time, reducing adverse impacts of food production on a whole range of ecosystem services. One suggested response is “sustainable intensification” which entails delivering safer, nutritious food from the same area whilst maintaining ecosystem service provision. In this review, I examine sustainable intensification and consider alternatives such as management of food demand and waste reduction. I conclude that sustainable intensification has a role to play, but this must be accompanied by fundamental change in global food systems.
  Highlights ► Food production can increase by expanding agricultural area or increasing per-area productivity. ► Expanding agriculture into forests and natural areas is environmentally damaging. ► To meet future food demand per-area productivity must increase, through “sustainable intensification”. ► Sustainable intensification will be challenging, and will not be without environmental impact. ► The need for sustainable intensification can be reduced my managing demand and reducing food waste.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Biofortification: Progress toward a more nourishing future
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): Amy Saltzman , Ekin Birol , Howarth E. Bouis , Erick Boy , Fabiana F. De Moura , Yassir Islam , Wolfgang H. Pfeiffer
  Biofortification, the process of breeding nutrients into food crops, provides a sustainable, long-term strategy for delivering micronutrients to rural populations in developing countries. Crops are being bred for higher levels of micronutrients using both conventional and transgenic breeding methods; several conventional varieties have been released, while additional conventional and transgenic varieties are in the breeding pipeline. The results of efficacy and effectiveness studies, as well as recent successes in delivery, provide evidence that biofortification is a promising strategy for combating hidden hunger. This review highlights progress to date and identifies challenges faced in delivering biofortified crops.
  Highlights ► Biofortification is a sustainable strategy for delivering micronutrients. ► The strategy is targeted to rural populations in developing countries. ► Both conventional and transgenic methods are used to breed micronutrient-dense crops. ► Biofortified sweet potato delivery increased micronutrient intakes in target populations. ► Efficacy and effectiveness studies provide evidence for the promise of biofortification.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Transforming agriculture in China: From solely high yield to both high yield and high resource use efficiency
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): Jianbo Shen , Zhenling Cui , Yuxin Miao , Guohua Mi , Hongyan Zhang , Mingsheng Fan , Chaochun Zhang , Rongfeng Jiang , Weifeng Zhang , Haigang Li , Xinping Chen , Xiaolin Li , Fusuo Zhang
  The challenges facing agriculture in China are probably more severe than ever before. We have developed an integrated technology system in which the focus is on achieving both high crop productivity and high resource use efficiency (“double high” technology system) to ensure food security and environmental sustainability. The components comprise (1) significantly increased grain-yield through high-yield crop management, i.e. an optimal cropping system design and management well adapted to climate conditions; (2) greatly increased nutrient-use efficiency through root/rhizosphere management to optimize the nutrient supply intensity and composition in the root zone to maximize root/rhizosphere efficiency; (3) improved soil quality to ensure long-term food security by managing soil organic matter and eliminating soil physical, chemical and biological constrains and (4) enhanced agricultural sustainability through resource and environment management by increasing resource use efficiency, reducing nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing negative ecological footprints. In our work in major agricultural regions of China, this system has been successfully tested and demonstrated through well-organized farmer associations, enterprises with improved products and government extension networks. The new “double high” concept has the potential to become an effective agricultural development path to ensure food security and improve environmental quality, especially in China and other rapidly developing economies where agricultural intensification must achieve and must be transformed from low-efficiency systems to achieving high yields with high resource use efficiency.
  Highlights ► We examined future transformation of agriculture in China. ► China must increase grain yield, resource use efficiency and protect environment. ► We proposed a “double high” model with high-yield and high resource-use efficiency. ► Food security and environment protection can be harmonized by the concept. ► New technologies and unique transfer ways in China support such as transformation.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
research4life
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Is body mass index an appropriate proxy for body fat in children?
- Abstract: Publication date: Available online 6 April 2013
  Source:Global Food Security
  Author(s): Colleen M. Doak , Daniel J. Hoffman , Shane A. Norris , Maiza Campos Ponce , Katja Polman , Paula L. Griffiths
  As the global prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity spreads to low and middle income countries, there is an increasing need for researchers to assess overweight and obesity in populations where child undernutrition still prevails. Although BMI (body mass index) cutoffs are widely used in research and project evaluations, they have only recently been included in WHO definitions for overweight and obesity in children. This review describes the history of how and why BMI was introduced as a proxy for adiposity in children, the scientific evidence and examples from epidemiological studies. Overall, BMI continues to be a valuable measure in children if the underlying assumptions of the criteria and cut-off values are considered. However, where BMI is associated with height, in children, we recommend using weight for height z-scores.
  Highlights ► In 1832 Quetelet introduced weight/stature3 as a body mass index for adults. ► In 1921, Rohrer introduced weight/stature3 to account for the dimensions of infants. ► Height has been found to be associated with height in some populations of children. ► There are known population differences in height, maturation and body composition. ► Current cutoffs for BMI may overstate obesity and overweight relative tounderweight.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Managing food price instability: Critical assessment of the dominant doctrine
- Abstract: Publication date: Available online 9 April 2013
  Source:Global Food Security
  Author(s): Franck Galtier
  Ever since the late 1980s, the management of agricultural price instability has been dominated both in academic and political circles by a single doctrine. Its domination is so strong that almost all research on this topic has since been abandoned. Based on a very extensive review of the theoretical and empirical literature, this paper provides a critical assessment of this doctrine as applied to grains. An examination of the degree to which the underlying assumptions of the doctrine are confirmed in real grain markets, and the effects generated if they are not, showed that the doctrine substantially underestimates (i) the magnitude of price instability generated by grain markets, (ii) the degree to which farmers and consumers in developing countries are exposed to this instability, and (iii) the resulting effects on welfare (including macroeconomic and long-term consequences). Shifts from doctrine recommendations are therefore justified. In particular, some kind of stabilization of grain prices appears to be necessary, both within developing countries and on international markets.
  Highlights ► We assessed the dominant doctrine on managing food price instability. ► The doctrine overestimates the ability of grain markets to stabilize prices. ► It underestimates DC farmer and consumer exposure to grain price instability. ► It underestimates the welfare effects of this exposure. ► Stabilizing grain prices in DCs is welfare-improving.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
FAO International Scientific Symposium (ISS) on the Measurement and Assessment of Food Deprivation and Undernutrition
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): David Dawe
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Towards better measurement of household food security: Harmonizing indicators and the role of household surveys
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): Calogero Carletto , Alberto Zezza , Raka Banerjee
  A variety of indicators are currently used for food security analysis, monitoring, and programming, and most agencies have their preferred variant on methods of data collection, aggregation, and analysis. This lack of consensus is reflected in an inefficient multiplicity of survey instruments collecting information on various dimensions of food and nutrition security, with tremendous variation in the content, quality, and quantity of the information collected. No single existing survey instrument will ever be able to collect all needed indicators at the desired periodicity, and no single institution has either the mandate or the ability to measure and monitor food security in its many dimensions on a global scale. However, with better coordination across institutions and survey efforts, the state of food security measurement worldwide can be greatly improved. This paper attempts to identify the elements of a strategy, built around a combination of short-term fixes and long-term methodological advancements, to reverse the existing trends of poor coordination and slow methodological innovation in food security measurement and monitoring. International focus on a small dashboard of indicators, collected on a regular basis by different stakeholders through a number of available data collection options, is feasible and can be partially achieved by repurposing existing surveys to better suit food security monitoring goals.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
From complexity to food security decision-support: Novel methods of assessment and their role in enhancing the timeliness and relevance of food and nutrition security information
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): Nancy Mock , Nathan Morrow , Adam Papendieck
  Food and Nutrition Security Information (FNSI) is a critical tool for achieving food and nutrition security, yet FNSI efforts to date have not produced the intended impacts on policy and program decision making, largely due to shortcomings in available technologies and frameworks. The article reviews the evolution of FNSI efforts in the context of emerging technology and data collection techniques. A conceptual framework is provided to describe the evolution towards an FNSI characterized by integrating conventional and novel approaches to the collection, analysis and communication of information into a value stream that supports decision-making to achieve food security. Conclusions include the need to streamline and expand coverage of conventional information tools such as household surveys while facilitating the rapid uptake of analytical tools that leverage the novel, numerous, and rich data streams enabled by emergent information and communication technologies and dramatic increases in connectivity.
  Highlights ► Review the evolution of FNSI in the context of emerging technology. ► Decision support for food and nutrition security conceptualized as complex systems. ► Novel methods involve users as the drivers of FNSI decision support value stream. ► Broad trends in ICT are influencing the next major evolution of FNSI.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Generating evidence on individuals' experience of food insecurity and vulnerability
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): Agnes R. Quisumbing
  Many indicators of food security and vulnerability are reported at the household level, preventing policymakers from identifying how differences among individuals within the household affect individual food security and vulnerability. Using examples from three recent studies from Uganda, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia, the paper illustrates how using individual – rather than household-level measures allows a better understanding of three dimensions of food security: agricultural productivity, impacts of development interventions on well-being, and coping mechanisms in response to shocks. It then discusses methods to elicit information on individual experiences of food security and vulnerability, including the use of measures of gender disaggregation that go beyond headship, the use of individual measures of well-being, and modifications of household level questions on coping mechanisms.
  Highlights ► The paper reviews gains from using individual vs. household indicators of food security. ► Using sex of the household head vs. sex of the plot manager underestimates gender differences in agricultural productivity. ► Using household consumption and assets vs. individual nutritional indicators leads to different conclusions about agricultural programs. ► Standard questions about household coping mechanisms can be easily modified to look at vulnerable groups within the household.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Towards overcoming the food consumption information gap: Strengthening household consumption and expenditures surveys for food and nutrition policymaking
- Abstract: Publication date: March 2013
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 2, Issue 1
  Author(s): John L. Fiedler
  The dearth of nationally representative dietary assessment studies continues to severely constrain the nutrition evidence base and throttle the pace of global progress in improving nutrition. Despite their shortcomings, household consumption and expenditures surveys (HCESs) are increasingly being used to address the food and nutrition information gap because they contain a great deal of information about food acquisition and consumption; are done once every 3–5 years in more than 125 countries; have large samples (∼8500 households); are statistically representative at subnational levels; and are much less costly than other dietary assessment data sources. To date, the nutrition community's role has been that of a passive user of HCES that have already been conducted. Many HCES shortcomings, however, stem from design and implementation issues. If the nutrition community, with its unique skills and experiences were to get more proactively involved in the design, implementation and analyses of HCES, they could be strengthened substantially as a tool for evidence-based food and nutrition policy. This article describes the evolution in the use of HCES in addressing food and nutrition issues, identifies HCES shortcomings and distills a shared agenda and a strategy for the nutrition community to work on, together with already existing HCES stakeholders, to strengthen HCES. A two-tiered approach and process for implementing this work is described. The first tier of the approach consists of addressing a common set of activities at the global level, while the second tier is more country-level work that builds on a combination of the global-level work—including the adoption and implementation of some of outcome of the first tier activities—but may also include more idiosyncratic, country-specific work. The common global-level activities consist of addressing common, cross country, technical issues of questionnaire and survey design, implementation and data processing activities at the global level. A 115-country assessment of these aspects of HCES is already being conducted jointly by the World Bank–FAO–International Household Survey Network. This work aims to distill better practices and lessons, recommend alternative ways to address common HCES shortcomings, and establish a global research agenda for improving understanding and identifying tradeoffs involving critical issues. The second tier of the approach consists of recognizes that HCES design and methodology has to be adapted to each country's policy needs and strategies, while reflecting each country's technical and financial constraints and building on its own experiences. Second tier activities are country level activities, and they are where the real work of strengthening HCES has to be done. That work should consist of the merging of the two tiers of the approach to create a partnership for implementing rigorous, experimental studies of the major, unsettled measurement issues confronting HCES, while providing a more sound foundation of evidence for nutrition policy.
  Highlights ► Household consumption and expenditures surveys (HCESs) are increasingly used in nutrition analysis. ► We describe the appealing characteristics of HCES that have contributed to this trend. ► We identify HCES shortcomings for nutrition analysis. ► We distill a shared agenda and strategy for the nutrition community to work with existing HCES stakeholders to strengthen HCES.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
research4life
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
What do we need to know about global food security?
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Kenneth G. Cassman
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Global land availability: Malthus versus Ricardo
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Eric F. Lambin
  Extensive and rapid conversion of productive lands around the world in response to multiple demands for land raises the concern that we risk running out of productive land globally. I discuss two competing views on the global availability of productive land. In an interpretation of a Malthusian view, a limited stock of suitable land leads to a strict competition between land uses and, eventually, to a shortage of productive land, with negative welfare impacts. In the Ricardian view, it becomes economically feasible to bring marginal land into use as prices of land-based commodities increase. Even though the stock of suitable land is finite, a geographic redistribution of land use, trade, and investments in land resources give access to more resources, but it comes at ever increasing economic, environmental and social costs. Global food security increasingly involves trading off food for nature.
  Highlights ► Multiple land uses compete for productive land that is increasingly scarce. ► Land use zoning can decrease conflicts between land uses. ► Ecological costs of land conversion is a greater concern than supply of suitable land. ► Food security involves trading off food for nature for sustainable food production. ► The “peak land” metaphor should be avoided as soil is a renewable resource.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Integrating the complexity of global change pressures on land and water
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Christoph Müller , Hermann Lotze-Campen
  Global agriculture is facing multi-faceted challenges, interacting with changing societies and changing environmental conditions. Major transitions in current agricultural systems are required to meet these challenges. Transition pathways need to be analyzed and facilitated in a much broader perspective, including the interaction with societal structures, non-food markets, and the Earth system. Especially the globalization of agricultural production offers potentials to increase productivity but can also endanger food security through volatile food prices or dispossession of rural poor. It thus requires better regulation and suitable institutional settings. Integrated assessment models are helpful tools for analyzing the complex interactions and for deriving multi-targeted development pathways.
  Highlights ► The growing pressure on land and water requires globally coordinated management. ► The interaction of agriculture with other sectors is intense. ► Need to be considered in assessments of future development paths. ► Integrated assessment tools are suitable starting points for better scientific understanding and policy advice.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Nitrogen and water resources commonly limit crop yield increases, not necessarily plant genetics
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Thomas R. Sinclair , Thomas W. Rufty
  Frequently, improved plant genetics is viewed as the path to increased crop yields. However, in this manuscript, we argue that yield increases most often result from a combination of improved genetics and increased availability of nitrogen and water resources. At this time, it is likely that resource availability is the main impediment to yield increase in many cropping systems. In developing regions, it appears that nitrogen availability limits crop yield. In developed regions, rainfall and water availability commonly impose a substantial constraint on further crop yield increase. Strategies are examined to enhance resource accumulation and use in cropping systems of the future.
  Highlights ► Historic yield increases associated with greater supply of nitrogen and water. ► Nitrogen for seeds needs to be accumulated in vegetative stage. ► Nitrogen accumulation in vegetative tissues limited by their storage capacity. ► Water use is quantitatively related to maximum yield. ► Yield in developed countries now often limited by water availability.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Megatrends in agriculture – Views for discontinuities in past and future developments
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Prem S. Bindraban , Rudy Rabbinge
  Despite great concerns to meet the ever growing food demand in the past, megatrends in agriculture has resulted in growing food availability per person and reducing adverse environmental impact. The bleak future that is portrayed to secure sufficient food for all can be resolved with increased ecological literacy and compliance with production ecological approaches. Yet, these opportunities may not be easily attained, certainly so with dominating dogmatic views on agro-ecological practices that do not comply with or even reject basic ecological principles.
  Highlights ► Ecological literacy leads the way to optimal use of scarce natural resources. ► Agriculture and the food system show both gradual improvements as well as technological and paradigm shifts to increased production efficiency and food security. ► Future demand for food and several non-food items can be met, when production ecological principles are pursued. ► Bright future development may be jeopardized by dogmas that do not comply with or even reject basic ecological principles.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Evolution not revolution of farming systems will best feed and green the world
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): David J. Connor , M. Inés Mínguez
  The challenge to properly feed a world population of 9.2 billion by 2050, that must be achieved on essentially currently cropped area, requires that food production be increased by 70%. This large increase can only be achieved by combinations of greater crop yields and more intensive cropping adapted to local conditions and availability of inputs. Farming systems are dynamic and continuously adapt to changing ecological, environmental and social conditions, while achieving greater production and resource-use efficiency by application of science and technology. This article argues that the solution to feed and green the world in 2050 is to support this evolution more strongly by providing farmers with necessary information, inputs, and recognition. There is no revolutionary alternative. Proposals to transform agriculture to low-input and organic systems would, because of low productivity, exacerbate the challenge if applied in small part, and ensure failure if applied more widely. The challenge is, however, great. Irrigation, necessary to increase cropping intensity in many areas cannot be extended much more widely than at present, and it is uncertain if the current rate of crop yield increase can be maintained. Society needs greater recognition of the food-supply problem and must increase funding and support for agricultural research while it attends to issues of food waste and overconsumption that can make valuable reductions to food demand from agriculture.
  Highlights ► World food supply must increase by 70% to feed a population of 9.2 billion by 2050. ► Farmers require greater support to achieve greater yields and more crops on current cropped area. ► Major genetic advance may be required to maintain current rate of yield gain. ► Extra land needed for low-yield systems conflicts with nature conservation. ► Minimization of waste has more potential than dietary change to reduce food demand.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Oil palm expansion transforms tropical landscapes and livelihoods
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Jeffrey Sayer , Jaboury Ghazoul , Paul Nelson , Agni Klintuni Boedhihartono
  Oil palm is a highly profitable crop adapted to the humid tropics and the area devoted to this crop is likely to expand significantly in the future. It has many environmentally favourable attributes over its full life cycle. When well managed it has a positive carbon balance and when grown in a landscape mosaic it can play a role in biodiversity conservation. It has driven rapid economic growth in several tropical developing countries and contributed to the alleviation of rural poverty. Abuses during periods of rapid estate expansion into areas of natural forest and onto the lands of poor rural communities have led to criticism by environmental and social activists. With good governance oil palm can make valuable contributions to development and the resulting prosperity may free people to invest in better environmental practices.
  Highlights ► Oil palm has good environmental qualities but uncontrolled expansion has caused social and environmental harm. ► Oil palm has made major contributions to alleviating rural poverty; oil palm has a better carbon balance than many other crop. ► Oil palm in landscape mosaics can provide good biodiversity outcomes. ► Poor governance has allowed predatory corporations to expand their land holdings at the expense of poor people. ► Prosperity frees people to invest in longer term environmental sustainability.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Can experience-based household food security scales help improve food security governance?
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
  Experience-based food security scales (EBFSSs) have been shown to be valid across world regions. EBFSSs are increasingly been included in national food and nutrition assessments and food hardship items have been added to regional and global public opinion polls. EBFSSs meet the SMART criteria for identifying useful indicators. And have the potential to help improve accountability, transparency, intersectoral coordination and a more effective and equitable distribution of resources. EBFSSs have increased awareness about food and nutrition insecurity in the court of public opinion. Thus, it’s important to understand the potential that EBFSSs have for improving food and nutrition security governance within and across countries. The case of Brazil illustrates the strong likelihood that EBFSSs do have a strong potential to influence food and governance from the national to the municipal level. A recent Gallup World Poll data analysis on the influence of the “2008 food crisis” on food hardship illustrates how even a single item from EBFSSs can help examine if food security governance in different world regions modifies the impact of crises on household food insecurity. Systematic research that bridges across economics, political science, ethics, public health and program evaluation is needed to better understand if and how measurement in general and EBFSSs in particular affect food security governance.
  Highlights ► Experience-based food security scales (EBFSSs) are increasingly been used by governments. ► EBFSSs may influence food security governance from the national to the municipal level. ► EBFSSs can help document if food security governance modifies the impact of crises. ►EBFSSs transdisciplinary research is needed to improve food security governance.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Confronting food price volatility
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): David Dawe
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Why stable food prices are a good thing: Lessons from stabilizing rice prices in Asia
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): David Dawe , C. Peter Timmer
  This paper describes the benefits and costs of managing food price instability in the context of promoting economic growth and poverty reduction in order to improve food security. Some key costs of stabilizing domestic food prices include disruption of international markets, crowding out of private traders if government procurement is too large or destabilizes expectations, and large financial costs if the gap between domestic and world prices is too large, although a well-run program need not incur most of those costs. In poor countries, stable staple food prices help prevent poor farmers and consumers from falling into poverty traps, promote farm-level investment, and encourage investment throughout the economy by reducing the “noise” in prices of other goods and by promoting social and political stability. Because of these benefits, domestic rice price stabilization has been an integral part of the development vision in Asia.
  Highlights ► Stable food prices help poor farmers and consumers avoid poverty traps. ► Stable food prices promote investment and growth in poor countries. ► Stable rice prices have been part of a strategic development vision in Asian countries. ► Cost-effective food price stabilization is challenging to implement, but feasible.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
International agreements to manage food price volatility
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Christopher L. Gilbert
  The 2007–08 food price surge has prompted renewed concerns in relation to food security. I ask whether the International Commodity Agreements of the second half of the twentieth century may have lessons for new international agreements on food security. The answer is largely negative. It is important to avoid politicization of the discussions and to recognize differences across food commodities. I second the De Gorter and Just (2010) proposal for conditioning biofuel mandates on grain prices but also see a role for rice food security stocks as an expedient until export controls become subject to WTO disciplines.
  Highlights ► Commodity agreements have little relevance to food security arrangements. ► The 2008 rice market problem was availability in the face of export restrictions. ► Rice policy needs WTO export disciplines plus an international food security stock. ► Volatility of other grains prices resulted from the biofuels energy price link. ► A policy of price-contingent mandates would moderate volatility.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Managing food price instability in East and Southern Africa
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): T.S. Jayne
  This article intends to provide pragmatic guidance for avoiding the more severe problems of food price instability in east and southern Africa. I first summarize the empirical record of food price stabilization efforts in the region, and highlight recurrent aspects of farm survey data with implications for price stabilization strategies. I highlight the understudied problem of strategic interactions between the public and private sector in food markets, associated problems of credible commitment, and how such problems are often at the heart of food crises frequently witnessed in the region. It is argued that by accepting a moderate level of price fluctuation within established bounds under a rules-based approach to intervention, African governments will reduce their chances of facing severe food crises.
  Highlights ► While price stability may contribute to economic growth, stabilization policies have often not stabilized prices. ► Recurrent patterns in survey data can guide effective policy responses to price instability. ► Strategic interactions between the public and private sectors often precipitate food crises. ► Rules-based approaches to stabilizing the food system may help to avoid severe food crises
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Experience with managing foodgrains price volatility in Asia
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Ralph W. Cummings Jr
  Governments in Asia used foodgrains price stabilization as a major policy instrument beginning in the 1960s. Food stabilization policies in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Thailand – which had many similarities, with appropriate differences – produced clear successes in benefitting poor consumers and producers and increasing agricultural and overall economic growth. However, changes will have to be made to cope with future conditions. Three key lessons can be learned from more than four decades of price stabilization: first, public foodgrains price stabilization can contribute positively to increased agricultural growth and overall economic development; second, a high level of government commitment in terms of improved incentives, institutions, and investments is essential for success, price stabilization is only one part of the package; and third, conditions change as times change. Arguably the public sector has a role to play in price stabilization. However, improving parastatals-centered policies will require opening up the economy, facilitating private trade to compete on a level playing field with public parastatals, and using public policy to regulate and supplement, rather than replace, the private market. The government should let the market determine the returns to various crops and limit its role to facilitating the market to operate efficiently and effectively, protecting the vulnerable, and reducing price risk. Accordingly, a system that meets these characteristics includes: first, strengthening and reinforcing the private market; second, protecting poor consumers; third, protecting small producers; and fourth, stabilizing market prices. Market prices should be stabilized, using private trade as a first response, based on transparent rules somewhere within a band bordered by free on board (f.o.b.) prices as the lower bound and cash, insurance, and freight (c.i.f.) costs (including trade margins) as the upper bound and by using a variable tariff policy. The institutional requirements are demanding but attainable. Analytical capability should be improved. We also suggest that it may be time to reconsider regional and/or international mechanisms or understandings to respond to food crises. But in the end, political decisions prevail. The ultimate challenge is to improve understanding of political economy.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Government trade restrictions and international price volatility
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 2
  Author(s): Kym Anderson
  National governments dislike food price volatility to varying extents. When some of them use trade measures to insulate their domestic market from international food price fluctuations, that volatility is amplified. This in turn prompts more countries to follow suit. However, when both food-exporting and food-importing countries so respond, each group becomes less capable of preventing domestic price volatility. This paper examines empirically the extent of insulation in both groups of countries, and also in high-income versus developing countries. It also provides an estimate of the contribution of such government actions to international food price spikes. A multilateral agreement to limit such government responses would reduce the need for all countries to so intervene, and allow more-efficient generic social protection policies to deal with the most vulnerable cases.
  Highlights ► Fluctuations in trade barriers contribute to international price instability. ► Both food-exporting and food-importing country groups vary their trade barriers. ► Such reactions by each country group undermines the other's attempt to stabilize. ► A multilateral agreement to persist is needed to limit these offsetting unilateral actions.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
research4life
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
The 2011–12 Famine in Somalia: Introduction to the Special Edition
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Daniel Maxwell , Nicholas Haan , Kirsten Gelsdorf , David Dawe
  On July 20, 2011, the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) and the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit for Somalia (FSNAU) operated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, declared a Famine in several areas of the southern part of the country. There had been warnings of the deteriorating situation for some period of time prior to the declaration, but a variety of factors delayed the response. Then humanitarian actors scrambled to scale up a response. The Somalia famine of 2011–2012 thus touched on many familiar themes, and also raised many new ones. This special issue of Global Food Security analyzes the famine—mostly from the perspective of humanitarian actors themselves: analysts, practitioners, and managers of the response. This article introduces the special issue and notes the main questions that the special issue tries to address.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
The 2011 Somalia famine: Context, causes, and complications
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Daniel Maxwell , Merry Fitzpatrick
  On July 20, 2011, the UN declared a famine in southern Somalia, affecting some 3.1 million people. Although largely described by the media as being caused by drought, the Somalia famine of 2011 was caused by multiple factors—including drought, but also conflict, rapidly-rising global food prices, and other long-standing, structural factors. The response to the famine was substantially complicated by several more factors, which combined to make the crisis worse. These include constrained humanitarian access, and the absence of the World Food Programme. This article analyzes these factors, and poses a set of questions, many of which are addressed by other articles in this issue.
  Highlights ► We describe the context in Somalia leading up to the famine. ► Drought, conflict, an underlying livelihoods crisis, and rising food prices were the main causes. ► Control by Al-Shabaab and counter-terrorism laws were major complicating factors. ► Absence of major food aid agencies further complicated the response. ► The famine was due to the confluence of all these causes and factors.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Famine in Somalia: Evidence for a declaration
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Peter Salama , Grainne Moloney , Oleg O. Bilukha , Leisel Talley , Daniel Maxwell , Peter Hailey , Christopher Hillbruner , Louise Masese-Mwirigi , Elijah Odundo , Michael H. Golden
  Objective On 20 July 2011, for the first time since 1991–1992, the United Nations declared famine in parts of Somalia. Here, we report the methods, data and analysis that underpinned this declaration along with the review of trends in mortality and malnutrition. Methods During July 2011, 16 population-based nutrition and mortality surveys were conducted in southern Somalia. Data on food access, collected through seasonal assessments and monthly monitoring, were analyzed using Household Economy methods. Results In 11 of 16 survey locations, the prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition exceeded the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification threshold for Phase 5 (Famine) of 30%. In five areas, Crude Death Rates exceeded the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Phase 5 (Famine) threshold of 2/10,000/day. In agro-pastoral zones of the south, where access was most limited, more than 20% of households faced extreme food shortages. Comment Survey findings and analysis confirm that a famine occurred in parts of southern Somalia during 2011 and raise the question of why strong early warning analysis did not trigger an earlier, better funded and more effective, response.
  Highlights ► We detail the methods used in assessing food access, malnutrition, and mortality. ► We compare these results to the IPC Famine thresholds. ► We explore the challenges of data collection in such a complex emergency. ► We highlight the recent improvements in evidence based food security analysis. ► We recommend more ro/bust links between data and accountability for response.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
When early warning is not enough—Lessons learned from the 2011 Somalia Famine
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Chris Hillbruner , Grainne Moloney
  Starting in July 2011, the United Nations made a series of public famine declarations for southern Somalia, based on joint technical analysis by the USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) and the FAO-managed Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit for Somalia (FSNAU). During the 11 months prior to the Famine declaration, early warning was provided by FEWS NET and FSNAU, including a specific Famine warning in March 2011. While early warning has been provided in advance of many past food crises, these early warnings were notable in terms of the timeliness, quantity and quality of the warning provided, and the use of a formalized Famine definition. However, in the absence of incentives for early action, preventable food security emergencies are likely to persist, regardless of the quality of the early warnings that is provided.
  Highlights ► We describe the providers of early warning analysis in Somalia. ► We explain the early warning analysis that preceded the famine declaration. ► We highlight the successes and limitations of the early warning process. ► We identify the lessons learned and implications for policy and programming. ► Even in the presence of early warning there are few incentives for early action.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
No access: Critical bottlenecks in the 2011 Somali famine
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Ken Menkhaus
  The principal obstacle to effective humanitarian response in the 2011 Somali famine was lack of access to famine victims. Poor access can be traced to five distinct bottlenecks: (1) Al-Shabaab's obstructionist policies, which prevented most international aid agencies from operating in the famine zones; (2) US suspension of food aid into areas of Somalia controlled by Al-Shabaab, and other constraints on aid agencies related to counter-terrorism legislation; (3) chronic insecurity pre-dating Al-Shabaab and US policies, which led most aid agencies to suspend or close operations in south Somalia by 2009; (4) diversion of food aid by armed groups and corrupt officials in the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) which controlled the capital Mogadishu; and (5) a “privilege gap” in Somali society, in which low status groups lacked the social capital to access relief aid, remittances, and lateral transfers from fellow Somalis. All five of these impediments must be addressed if humanitarian access is to be improved in the future.
  Highlights ► Impediments to humanitarian access in the 2011 Somali famine are examined. ► Five bottlenecks to humanitarian access are analyzed. ► Bottlenecks include Al-Shabaab obstructionism, counter-terrorism laws, and insecurity. ► All 5 problems of access remain unresolved.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Hidden dimensions of the Somalia famine
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Nisar Majid , Stephen McDowell
  This article adopts a socio-political lens in order to better understand the Somalia famine. As a result it draws out important continuities with the famine of the early 1990s as well as specific food security and vulnerability characteristics within Somalia which have largely been absent in discussions of the famine to date. ‘Minority’ populations were most affected in both famines and this identity overlaps with specific geographic areas and more sedentary, rural and agriculturally based livelihoods, distinct from other population groups. We argue that these dimensions, important in understanding long-term marginalization processes and outcomes, also help to understand the differential levels of risk and other complicating factors in the 2011 famine.
  Highlights ► A socio-political analysis was conducted to identify under-recognized famine causal factors. ► Dependency on agricultural labor was a key characteristic of the famine affected population. ► As in 1991, the 2011 famine affected population was predominantly drawn from two distinct ‘minority’ identity groups. ► Years of marginalization created high levels of risk specific to certain wealth and ethnic groups. ► Risk analysis including socio-political factors can improve famine predictive abilities.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Early warning, late response (again): The 2011 famine in Somalia
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Sue Lautze , Winnie Bell , Luca Alinovi , Luca Russo
  One of the main questions that emerge from a review of the 2011 Somalia Famine is why early warning information did not lead to early action in Somalia in 2010 and 2011. Despite the timely alerts and stark predictions released over a period of 11 months, insufficient measures were taken to prevent malnutrition, morbidity, mortality and livelihood stress. To help answer this question, this article takes a common framework for analyzing early warning failures and tests it against the actual experience of early warning and response in Somalia, including the content and communication of the early warning information, the institutional context of the early warning system, the broader political environment and the logistical obstacles to launching a timely and adequate response. This article concludes with a review of the implications of the systematic problems of late response to early warning, including the need to refocus early warning and support to communities and in-country institutions and systems (“providers of first resort”) and to clarify rights, resources, responsibilities and recourse within the international system of assistance providers (“providers of last resort”).
  Highlights ► We ask why early warning information failed to lead to early crisis risk management. ► Political factors and institutions weaknesses were barriers to early response. ► We offer directions for reform of humanitarian action in Somalia. ► We argue that “providers of last resort” cannot also be first responders.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
When business is not as usual: Decision-making and the humanitarian response to the famine in South Central Somalia
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Christina Hobbs , Mark Gordon , Brian Bogart
  In July 2011, following years of protracted crisis, famine was declared in South Central Somalia. Humanitarian agencies and donors overcame significant obstacles to drastically increase life-saving food assistance and respond to the crisis. This did not occur until famine was declared; however, this article provides insight into how and when actors made strategic response decisions to the unfolding crisis. It explores the dynamic and complex nature of, both, the operational context and food security situation in South Central Somalia, while also highlighting the challenges the humanitarian community faced in developing a consolidated understanding of the crisis in the period leading up to the Famine Declaration. The article concludes by discussing key implications for supporting better response decisions in Somalia and other complex emergencies.
  Highlights ► In early 2011, operational uncertainties and associated risks affected decision-making. ► Humanitarian actors faced difficulty determining how and when to drastically alter responses. ► There was insufficient harmonization of response decisions among humanitarian actors. ► The Famine Declaration triggered a transformation of the food assistance response. ► Timely life-saving assistance requires strong coordination and pre-existing operational capacity.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Risk-averse to risk-willing: Learning from the 2011 Somalia cash response
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Degan Ali , Kirsten Gelsdorf
  In 2011 the humanitarian community faced a difficult question. Could large-scale cash transfers provide an effective alternative to food aid delivery in South Central Somalia to avert a famine? Ultimately, between August 2011 and May 2012, more than 81 million US dollars in the form of unconditional cash grants, vouchers and cash for work were provided to over 1.7 million people in South Central Somalia leading to an improvement in humanitarian conditions. Despite this eventual accomplishment, months of protracted debate went by before there was broad endorsement for large-scale cash and voucher programming, delaying critical action. While the full impact of this cash program is still being determined, lessons can already be drawn. Admittedly, in 2010 and 2011 the challenges and risks associated with successful aid delivery in Somalia were significant. The debate around cash forced agencies to re-examine these operational risks and better analyze and articulate necessary mitigation strategies, most which were not specific to cash-based responses. It also led actors to not only raise the standards for programming through the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Inclusive Community Based Targeting tools, but also helped create forums where mistakes could be discussed and solutions found. However, delays in endorsement also exposed some of the limitations of current decision-making and funding mechanisms that may hinder humanitarian actors' ability to act in critical circumstances. Reviewing these lessons may not only lead to an increased acceptance and scope of cash programming in Somalia, but, if applied more broadly, could lead to more effective humanitarian responses globally.
  Highlights ► We review the cash and vouchers response to the 2011 Somalia famine. ► Protracted debate on large-scale cash distribution delayed critical action. ► Cash and voucher programs can be done at scale in insecure environments. ► A shared approach to monitoring and evaluation is possible and improves learning. ► We need new approaches for humanitarian decision making and funding for cash at scale.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Nutritional response to the 2011 famine in Somalia
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Erin McCloskey Rebelo , Marc-André Prost , Simon Renk , Shalini Guduri , Peter Hailey
  Over the past decade Somalia has experienced an unrelenting nutrition crisis. In late 2010, early warning systems alerted of a deteriorating food security situation and continued to do so until Famine was declared in July 2011. In the build up to the famine, nutrition response from nutrition was late owing to conflicting and inadequate nutritional information, complex decision process for intervening in access-restricted Al-Shabaab controlled areas, and lack of agreed nutrition specific early warning triggers for action. Once famine was declared existing programs to manage acute malnutrition were significantly scaled-up and large food and cash based preventive programs were designed attempting to systematically link food security with nutrition treatment programs. This article describes what information was available and how it was used to trigger the nutrition response before and during the famine. Responses are primarily approached through a geographical lens given the variety of contexts in south Somalia and their influence on program design, but also address specific groups and needs. An attempt is made to analyze and recommend actions needed to address key factors that delayed and affected the response.
  Highlights ► Six months prior to the famine the situation was critical though not unusual. ► In the build up EWS and monitoring data failed to detect rapid and large deterioration. ► Lack of access meant the decision process was slow and the response late. ► Treatment services were scaled-up and linked to food security interventions. ► The famine calls for redefining triggers for action in the nutrition sector.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z
Global implications of Somalia 2011 for famine prevention, mitigation and response
- Abstract: Publication date: December 2012
  Source:Global Food Security, Volume 1, Issue 1
  Author(s): Nicholas Haan , Stephen Devereux , Daniel Maxwell
  The famine in Somalia 2011–2012 is a call for critical reflection and improvement. This article reviews lessons emerging from the series of articles in this special edition of Global Food Security, and identifies global implications for famine prevention, mitigation, and response in five key areas: the delay in response, the criteria for declaring a famine, the response, humanitarian space, and accountability. Three areas are identified for further research, including implications of Somalia 2011 for practice and policy; linkages to the resilience agenda and the imperative to prevent—not just respond to—famine; and implications for famine theory. Whether or not famines continue to be part of human existence or are finally relegated to history depends on how well we learn from the experience of Somalia 2011–2012, and how well this learning is incorporated into future policy and practice.
  Highlights ► We summarize main conclusions from the special issue articles on the 2011 Somalia famine. ► We summarize main proximate and underlying causes of the Somalia famine. ► We examine the delayed response, criteria for declaring famine, and the response itself. ► We analyze humanitarian space, accountability, and implications for policy and practice. ► We examine the implications for resilience, and for prevention of future famines.
  
  PubDate: 2013-04-22T23:03:18Z