Virtual Forum: Role of the Americas in Global Food Security
The Americas can be seen as one of the world’s leading breadbaskets, in grains, coffee, livestock, produce and many other sectors. Yet food insecurity is present in all member states. Vulnerable populations are affected everywhere and it is more acute during natural hazards, health crises, chronic food waste or civil strife. But it is not solely an issue of national food availability and trade.
Millions of people remain undernourished, with large differences between countries and within the countries themselves. This is often due to impoverishment: economic access is a major factor deciding food insecurity. It is in most regions an income problem, though physical and cultural access also play a role.
How we feed ourselves also determines our well-being. Several regions suffer from multiple health issues from malnutrition to obesity. Food literacy is paramount as is the role of food labeling and dietary education. However, the whole system can easily be under threat from unexpected shocks like COVID-19 but also chronic long-term threats like climate change. This IICA dialogue series with universities across the Americas will debate these issues as they focus on the continent’s future food security, be it issues of food quality, safety, affordability, health, sustainability, resiliency, policy, technology, and acting climate smart.
