Insights from the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture

With only seven harvest seasons left until 2030, the clock is ticking louder than ever. The timeframe to eradicate global isn’t just a countdown but a call to action. Immediate and effective measures are needed now. 

Two young leaders explain their involvement ending hunger: 

Achieving zero hunger by 2030 is a complex task that has been further exacerbated by climate change and economic constraints. These issues test our resolve and ability to maintain international solidarity.  

During the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), participants shared their thoughts on how to end hunger. The message is clear: zero hunger by 2030 is not just a dream; it’s a goal within our reach, provided we act with urgency and purpose. 

There is a plan  

For Claudia Müller, Parliamentary State Secretary of Germany, a multifaceted approach is needed. She provided four recommendations. 

First, embrace sustainable production by adopting eco-friendly and productive agricultural practices; second, build a sustainable and diversified value chain to bolster the entire food supply process; third, address the  issue of post-harvest loss and waste to enhance food availability and security; and fourth, put humans at the center by focusing on the most vulnerable groups and ensuring their  improved access to food and resilience against food insecurity.  

Evidence-based and data-driven solutions 

Policies and actions need to be grounded in solid evidence and research. This was one of the most critical points made during the GFFA and widely acknowledged in the strategies presented.  

An evidence-based approach is essential to ensure that interventions are not only effective but also efficient in the use of resources. By relying on data and scientific research, decision-makers can craft policies and initiatives that enhance the likelihood of impact in every facet of the food value chain from production and processing to distribution and consumption. 

This approach is not just reactive but proactive, foreseeing and mitigating the inherent tensions resulting from the trade-offs in food system transformation. Achieving a balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity requires that one aspect does not overshadow the others. 

The role of market and finance in supporting sustainable agriculture.  

The GFFA highlighted the need for innovative financial solutions, including blended finance. These financial mechanisms are crucial for fueling investments into sustainable agriculture and food systems, offering a bridge between traditional funding and the necessary resources for sustainable development. According to Jo Puri from IFAD, incentives are needed to drive sustainable practices.  

Both positive and negative incentives shape behavior and practices in agriculture. This could range from providing subsidies for farmers who adopt sustainable farming methods to implementing penalties for practices that are harmful to the environment. Additionally, consumer incentives for purchasing sustainable products could play a crucial role in shifting market demand towards more sustainable options. These incentives are key levers in accelerating the transition to sustainable agricultural practices.  

As the GFFA showed, we need to rethink how we approach our goal to end hunger. It more than an aspiration but a target that we can achieve with the right policies in place.