Report warns of regional food security challenges

The Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) recently released its third annual Global Agricultural Productivity Report at the World Food Prize Symposium in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

“The 2012 GAP Report determines that we cannot meet future global food demand unless agricultural productivity increases are achieved in every region of the world,” continued Zeigler. “To maximise the output of every resource committed to food production, we must facilitate public and private sector investments in developing nations, the application of science and information-based technologies, liberalised trade, and other policies that will foster this ambitious mandate by 2050.”

The 2012 GAP Report includes GHI‘s updated GAP Index, an annual measurement on global and regional agricultural productivity growth against regional growth in food demand.

The following are select regional findings from the 2012 GAP Report:

• Sub-Saharan Africa – Only 13% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s total food demand in 2050 can be met if the region’s TFP rate remains constant. This significant gap will need to be closed through investments in productivity improvements, selective expansion, intensification, and trade.

• Middle East and Northern Africa – The Middle East and Northern Africa region will be able to satisfy 83 percent of total food demand in 2050 by maintaining its current TFP rate. With increasing demands on limited water supplies, investments in the agricultural value chain will be needed to maintain or advance food production levels. The remainder will need to be met through trade and safety net programs.

• East Asia – Due to increased and changing food demands, East Asia will be able to satisfy 74% of total food demand in 2050 by maintaining its current TFP rate. The remainder will need to be met through imports and productivity increases.

• Latin America and the Caribbean – The region encompassing Latin America and the Caribbean will produce a substantial food surplus by 2050 if the current TFP rate is maintained. However, investment is needed in infrastructure and continued productivity improvements to maximise the region’s prospects to become a net food exporter.

About the Global Harvest Initiative:

The Global Harvest Initiative (GHI) is a private-sector voice for productivity growth throughout the agricultural value chain to sustainably meet the demands of a growing world.