Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Food and nutrition insecurity and climate change are, more than ever, the two major global challenges humanity is facing. These challenges are inextricably linked, and so should be the world’s responses. The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE) is conducting a study on climate change to facilitate and inform the policy decision-making of CFS members and invites you to provide your views on the aspects that should be considered.

The thirty-sixth session of Committee on World Food Security asked the newly created High Level Panel of Experts to undertake a study on aligning international agricultural investment with food security concerns.  We invite you to comment on the Version 0 draft of the document.

The thirty-sixth session of Committee on World Food Security asked the newly created High Level Panel of Experts to undertake a study on Price Volatility.  We invite you to comment on the Version 0 draft of the document.

One of the consequences of the 2007/08 food price crisis was the emergence of a number of new institutions and initiatives that were intended to strengthen global capacities to respond to such situations. You are invited to share views on how an effective global food governance system should work and on what major issues are to be addressed in order to ensure an adequate and safe food supply for all humans at all times.

Women make significant contributions to the rural economy in developing countries, however their yields are on average around 20-30 percent lower than men’s. According to the latest SOFA Report, these women frequently lack the resources and opportunities to make the most productive use of their time. What are the obstacles that women face, and most importantly what are the policies, programs and projects that can unleash their potential to boost food security and to take part in economic and social development?

The HLPE of the CFS was mandated with carrying out a study on price volatility in agriculture. Has the HLPE identified the key policy instruments to reduce the frequency and magnitude of price shocks, manage risk, strengthen coping strategies and improving resilience at all levels? Do you have any innovative ideas of possible examples of these policy instruments?

The HLPE of the CFS has also received the mandate to undertake analysis and formulate policy recommendations on land tenure and international investments in agriculture and seeks you feedback on the scope of the analysis. Have important elements been omitted? Should any of the elements be left out?

The impact of biofuel production on food security remains a controversial issue. A number of initiatives have been established to develop voluntary sustainability standards for the certification of biofuels. Among them, the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels (RSB) has developed a voluntary, third-party certification system for biofuel sustainability which encompasses environmental, social and economic principles and criteria, including on food security.

Protracted crises, as described by the latest State of Food Insecurity - SOFI report, affect 22 countries worldwide and pose an ongoing and fundamental threat to both lives and livelihoods, from which recovery becomes progressively more difficult over time. While many solutions are well known or have been at least partially adopted, there are evident barriers to effective programming that are worth investigating.

 

Responses to food insecurity and malnutrition in emergencies have expanded dramatically in the past 5-10 years and improved needs assessment has increased willingness of donors to fund new alternatives to general food distribution and targeted feeding programs. However, the analytical process required to make intelligent choices among these new options has not always kept up. How can this process be improved?