Tropentag, September 16 - 18, 2015 in Berlin, Germany "Management of land use systems for enhanced food security – conflicts, controversies and resolutions"

Building a Resilient Global Food System

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Director General, United States of America

Abstract

The world is facing a barrage of shocks that have become more frequent, intense, and increasingly evolving in unexpected ways. The adverse effects of climate change, conflict, and rising agriculture-related risks to health, among others, contribute to a vulnerable food system that threatens food security and nutrition of many. Building resilience to these challenges is critical especially to help the poor gain the ability to prevent, cope with, and fight off shocks, as well as prosper after shocks and crises. Resilience is more than just a buzzword‰it is about bridging the gap between short-term relief and long-term development goals at the global, national, community, and individual levels. It is also a systems way of thinking that can help to ensure nutritious foods for everyone at all times without damaging the planet. Efficient investments which target the weakest nodes and individuals are, however, critical to build a resilient global food system. This presentation will provide an overview of shocks that affect the global food system, highlight lessons learned from IFPRI's recent 2020 Resilience Conference, and outline recommendations for effective global food and agriculture governance.

Keywords: Resilience

Contact Address: Shenggen Fan, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Director General, New York, United States of America, e-mail: s.fancgiar.org