The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is set to make a significant contribution to the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE-2024). This triennial event, organized by the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE), will take place from 2 to 7 August 2024, in New Delhi, India, at the prominent National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex.

Under the theme “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems,” ICAE-2024 will offer a unique platform for agricultural academic institutions and researchers to convene, exchange knowledge, and actively contribute to the global agricultural research community. This prestigious conference attracts about a thousand participants from around the world, fostering collaboration and innovation in addressing agricultural economic problems.

FAO’s distinguished presence

FAO's delegation to ICAE-2024 features several eminent experts including Maximo Torero, Chief Economist; David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA); and Cristian Morales Opazo, Senior Economist (ESA). Other notable members are Ana Paula de la O Campos, Antonio Scognamillo, Rebecca Pietrelli and Aslihan Arslan, Economists (ESA); Ibrahima Diouf, Economist (FAO Senegal); and Joshua Kafotokoza, Econometric Specialist (ESA). Clemencia Cosentino, Director of the Independent Office of Evaluation (OEDD) will also participate, as well as Erdgin Mane, Policy Officer and Marwan Benali, Economist from the Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP).

These experts will present important research and insights and contribute to discussions on the urgent need for transformation in agrifood systems. They will focus on innovations, policies, and behavioural changes required to make these systems more sustainable, resilient and inclusive, as detailed below:

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Friday, 2 August 2024

• 8.30–18.30 (IST) | Maximo Torero: Assessing the Impacts of International Agricultural Research: New Methods, Rigorous Evidence, Better Decisions [SPIA Fest 2024]
  A1 (Upper Ground Floor, NASC Complex)
• 9.00–18.00 (IST) | David Laborde: Regional Integration, Sustainability and Food Security in South Asia [IATRC Pre-Conference Workshop]
  C6 (First Floor, Convention Centre)

INVITED PANELS

Sunday, 4 August 2024

• 13.30–15.00 (IST) | Aslihan Arslan and Maximo Torero: Opportunities and Challenges of Using True Cost Accounting for Agrifood Systems Transformation
  C3 (First Floor, Convention Centre)
• 13.40–13.50 (IST) | David Laborde: How Can Policy Simulations Support Agrifood Systems Transformation to Achieve SDGs within a 1.5 Degree Roadmap?
  C3 (First Floor, Convention Centre)

Monday, 5 August 2024

• 10.30–12.00 (IST) | David Laborde and Maximo Torero: The 50x2030 Initiative: Improving Food Security and Rural Livelihoods with Innovative Data Approaches
  C1 (First Floor, Convention Centre)

Wednesday, 7 August 2024

• 11.30–11.45 (IST) | David Laborde: When Policy Responses Make Things Worse: The Case of Export Restrictions on Agricultural Products
  C4 (First Floor, Convention Centre)

ORGANIZED SYMPOSIA

Saturday, 3 August 2024

• 13.30–13.50 (IST) | Ana Paula de la O Campos: Resilience of Agrifood Value Chains: Principles and Frameworks for Measurement and Policy
  C1 (First Floor, Convention Centre)
• 14.00–14.15 (IST) | Antonio Scognamillo: Lessons from Sri Lanka's Agrochemical Import Ban: Can the EUDR Anticipate and Prevent Unintended Effects?
  C5 (First Floor, Convention Centre)

Monday, 5 August 2024

• 8.30–10.00 (IST) | Maximo Torero: Repurposing agriculture subsidies – a global perspective
  C3 (First Floor, Convention Centre)

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

• 11.00–11.20 (IST) | Ana Paula de la O Campos: Advancing Frontiers in Impact Evaluations within Real-World Scenarios: An Exposition of Fao's Efforts in Assessing Agrifood and Climate Action Initiatives
  C3 (First Floor, Convention Centre)
• 11.20–11.40 (IST) | Marwan Benali: CSA and Labor Implications – Lay of the Land
  N1 (Ground Floor, NASC Complex Office Block)

Wednesday, 7 August 2024

• 13.30–15.00 (IST) | David Laborde: Recent Fertilizer Price Spikes in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policy Responses and Lessons for Sustainable Supply-Chains
  C1 (First Floor, Convention Centre)

PRESENTATION OF PAPERS

Saturday, 3 August 2024

• 14.30–14.50 (IST) | Marwan Benali: Gender Pay Gaps Among Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Wage Workers: A Cross-Country Examination
  C9 (Ground Floor, Convention Centre)
• 14.30–14.50 (IST) | Ibrahima Diouf: Resilience of Global Value Chains in the Face of the War in Ukraine: A Small Farm Enterprise Perspective
  G1 (Ground Floor, International Guest House)

Sunday, 4 August 2024

• 16.10–16.30 (IST) | Erdgin Mane: Women’s Employment in Agrifood Systems
  G1 (Ground Floor, International Guest House)
• 16.30–16.50 (IST) | Cristian Morales Opazo: Assessment of Sustainability in Cocoa Farms in Ecuador: Application of a Multidimensional Indicator-Based Framework
  N6 (Second Floor, NASC Complex Office Block

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

• 11.00–11.20 (IST) | Cristian Morales Opazo: Using Stochastic Production Frontiers to Find Priority Areas to Decrease Poverty and Increase Production in Mexico's Agriculture: Sugar Cane, White Maize, Milk, and Cattle
  N6 (Second Floor, NASC Complex Office Block)
• 13.30–13.50 (IST) | Cristian Morales Opazo: Anticipating Household Vulnerability to Food Insecurity during Large-Scale Crises
  N8 (Second Floor, NASC Complex Office Block)
• 14.10–14.30 (IST) | Erdgin Mane: Why Are Women More Food Insecure Than Men? Exploring Socioeconomic Drivers and the Role of COVID-19 in Widening the Global Gender Gap
  N8 (Second Floor, NASC Complex Office Block)
• 14.30–14.50 (IST) | Rebecca Pietrelli: Can Digital Agriculture Spillover Good Practices? Experimental Evidence from Uganda
  N2 (Ground Floor, NASC Complex Office Block)
• 14.30–14.50 (IST) | Antonio Scognamillo: Too Fast, Too Soon: Assessing the Early Impact of the Import Ban of Agrochemicals in Sri Lanka
  C5 (First Floor, Convention Centre)
• 14.30–14.50 (IST) | Aslihan Arslan: National Food Systems’ Capacity to Absorb Supply Disruptions
  N6 (Second Floor, NASC Complex Office Block)

POSTER SESSIONS

Saturday, 3 August 2024

• 15.05–15.10 (IST) | Joshua Kafotokoza: Waiting for the Storm to Pass: Revisiting the Relationship between Climate Shocks and Food Security
  Poster area G (Convention Centre)
• 15.10–15.15 (IST) | Ana Paula de la O Campos: Redefining Prosperity: Global Trends in Household Livelihood Strategies with a Spotlight on Sub-Saharan Africa
  Poster area K (Convention Centre)

FAO’s participation underscores the organization’s commitment to advancing agricultural economics to foster sustainable development. FAO's team will bring valuable perspectives on how to reshape agrifood systems to better support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Networking event for young researchers

FAO is also spearheading the FAO Young Researchers Networking Event, which will be held on 4 August at 19.00 (IST) at The Lalit Hotel. This event aims to attract emerging researchers and foster collaborative efforts between FAO, universities, and research centres worldwide. It seeks to create a dynamic environment where young talents can interact with FAO professionals and renowned scholars, discuss innovative ideas, and explore opportunities for joint research projects.

By fostering these interactions, FAO intends to cultivate the next generation of researchers dedicated to advancing sustainable and resilient agrifood systems, ensuring food security for all, and leaving no one behind.

If you are a young researcher eager to engage with FAO and connect with world-leading experts in food and agriculture, don’t miss this opportunity! Sign up for the event here by Thursday, 1 August, 23:59 (GMT+5:30). Selected applicants will receive an invitation to the event.

Historical context and significance of ICAE

The first ICAE conference was held in Dartington Hall, England, in 1929. Since then, ICAE has become a major global event, with the IAAE working to improve rural conditions through agricultural economics. This year's theme, "Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems," addresses urgent issues like hunger, malnutrition, obesity, and environmental impacts.

To address these challenges the 2-day conference will feature a comprehensive programme that will include presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, symposia, plenary sessions, and workshops on topics such as sustainable diets, innovations, agroecology, gender equity, and the true cost of food.

Looking ahead

The 32nd ICAE promises to be a landmark event in the field of agricultural economics, with FAO’s participation enhancing the conference’s impact. The insights and collaborations forged at ICAE-2024 will undoubtedly contribute to more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems worldwide. As the global community gathers in New Delhi, the event will serve as a catalyst for transformative change, aligning agricultural practices with the urgent need for sustainability.