World food prices have risen dramatically during the past year. Poor harvests caused by droughts and floods, escalating oil prices and protectionist policies have led to large increases in the prices of staple crops such as maize and wheat. African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries must not only cope with the current food crisis, but devise policies to ensure food security for future generations. Global food production will have to rise by at least 70% by 2050 to keep pace with population growth.
This is the first in a series of policy briefs by CTA. The peer-reviewed CTA Policy Briefs address a broad range of agricultural and rural development-related issues. Topics presented are taken from findings and conclusions from the Brussels Development Briefings, Regional Development Briefings and key CTA events. They are available in print and online in English and French.
In contrast to other policy briefs, these provide essential information not only for the policymaker but for all those involved in furthering agricultural and rural development. They should help to initiate greater dialogue between those creating policies and those in the field in ACP countries