Food security

Yield increases of staple crops have slowed, yet more food will need to be grown in the next 33 years than in the 10,000 years since the agricultural revolution began. Production and distribution will be challenged by population growth, dietary change, climate change and environmental decline. A diverse range of affordable and nutritious food – in particular, fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts – is limited in many markets, especially for the poor. Most of the growth in food required will need to come from increases in productivity across the food chain, and in harmony with the natural environment. Additionally, maintenance of active food markets and open trade are challenged. Food price crises have the potential to return in the future for various reasons including climate change, which increasingly creates correlated shocks in global and local food markets.

CGIAR and the Sustainable Development Goals

CGIAR research to improve food security and nutrition contributes strongly to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and targets for the 2030 agenda, to address: