Discussion: training manuals on food security

Contribution by Michael A Roy from CBRMP-LGED, Bangladesh

Thanks for arranging the discussion. The topic is very crucial and has been raised in time. The introductory paper is also has rightly put the matter to guide the discussion.

To address the issue it may need some concerted efforts with diverse strategies. From a farmer to global leader should understand the crisis in a harmony and become responsive to the needs. The main challenge is how the message will be disseminated so that it may reach all and make them responsive.
The responsibilities lie on

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  International organisations/forums/ institutes to form right convention
  
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  Donor with proper strategy, focus and covenants
  
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  Government to frame policy, regulation and programme to address the needs
  
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  Institutions like civil society, NGO to stage campaign and advocacy
  
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  Institutions for agriculture research to develop new appropriate technologies
  
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  Market to become more responsive under proper regulation 
  
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  Communities  to become aware of the situation and with the voice on the needs
  
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  Farmer to produce more
  

All the above are to be happened and it may only be possible with mutual cooperation and commitment among above stakeholders

Farmer should have to be assisted with proper technologies and other assistances including incentive by concern institutions and government.  Communities should be assisted by civil societies and NGOs to become aware of the situation and raise voices for their needs to the causes. Market should be regulated rightly by the government and other agencies to give access of the people to purchase food and sell their produce at right prices. Research institutions should be assisted by the government with proper funding and scope to develop effective and efficient technologies. Donor should be careful and more focused with their funding and proper compliances with covenants should be in place to ensure the use of fund for right causes with results. International organisations should frame conventions in a manner that can stir the world and make the concern committed to the causes.
If it works, don’t think the world will face any food crisis. However for formulating any convention, policy, and strategy massive interactions are required among extended numbers of stakeholders. This open discussion in this regards really deserve thanks again towards that.
Michael A Roy

CBRMP-LGED

Bangladesh

Contribution by Stanford Blade from Alberta Agricultural Research Institute, Canada

Dear Dr. de Haen and members of the Forum:

I find this discussion very fascinating. The depth and range of expertise of the individuals responding to the question(s) posed by Dr. de Haen is remarkable. The experience of participants is obvious as each person shares their perspective. We are shaped by what we have seen and accomplished.
In order to interpret my views (and biases), I am a plant breeder by training who grew up on a large dairy farm in western Canada. I have spent years in the CGIAR system (sub-Saharan Africa) as a doctoral student, research scientist and DDG-Research. I currently work within the Canadian R&D system setting strategy and investing in innovative ideas which will benefit producers, processors and consumers. I have just had an article published in Canada's national newspaper that identified Dr. Borlaug as my hero.

(http://v1.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090929.IREM29ART2147//TPStory/Obituaries).

Contributors have articulated the problems (as well as the opportunities) to feed the world in 2050 with great skill. At the risk of being redundant I will list my top three suggested areas of focus:
1. Invest in technology development and translation - society has always underestimated our ability to increase productivity.
2. Release the potential of farmers - provide the tools for farmers to succeed (market access, credit, risk management, acknowledgment of local knowledge).
3. Develop a balanced policy perspective that addresses economic, social and environmental sustainability (trade liberalization, value chain development, climate change, water issues)
My frustration with the Forum (and my own list) is that I have heard most of the same issues debated ad nauseum for the past 30 years. This is not to diminish the importance of these elements, but if we are to make progress with any of these issues we need to get the attention of people outside of our usual participant roster.
I would like to address the question of how we raise the level of global interest (and specifically that of decision makers who have the capability of directing resources) to the issues that will allow the world to be fed in 2050. How do we increase the excitement and engagement of the global group (municipal, provincial/state, national and international) that must balance investment in agri-food systems/communities with that of education, healthcare and other "competing" demands?
One suggestion:
Position agriculture as a "solution provider" - we can sequester carbon, enhance nutritional density, increase biodiversity, manage wetlands, be an economic driver in rural economies, increase the amount of calories made available and deliver a host of other answers to global issues. When leaders meet to debate an issue (healthcare, climate change, economic development), their first thought should be "how can agriculture help us with that"?
Other "crazy" ideas that need refining (as motivators to enhance public pressure to increase investment in agriculture):
Measure food production per capita, and publish a list in the Economist every year of which countries have increased their productivity. Perhaps an "enhanced value" ratio (value-added production/raw commodity exports) could be highlighted.
Create national programs where urban kids (and adults...and maybe political leaders) spend time in rural areas with farm families.
Create an "X Prize" by establishing a baseline of productivity/quality and have regional groups compete with each other to increase outputs for a significant prize. Or maybe a prize for a technological practice that doubles yield in a crop, system or region.
In summary, I agree that it is absolutely necessary to discuss how we will feed the world in 2050, but it may be just as important to discuss how will we generate global interest, engagement and support from individuals and organizations who do not currently see themselves as having any role in agriculture.
Stanford Blade, Ph.D., P.Ag.

Executive Director

Alberta Agricultural Research Institute

Canada