The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue The 2009 Borlaug Dialogue: Food, Agriculture, and National Security in a Globalized World

The Iowa Hunger Summit ...... 4

Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton: Continuing the Borlaug Legacy ...... 5

Patricia Woertz: Innovation, Investment, Partnership ...... 6

Ellen Kullman: Increasing Quantity, Improving Quality ...... 7

H.E. Gerda Verburg: The Critical Challenge of Sustainability ...... 8

Conversation: Global Agricultural Yields — Trends and Threats ...... 10 Margaret Catley-Carlson, Jason Clay, William Dar, Seyfu Ketema, Jeffrey Simmons, Weibin Yan

The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates Dedication Ceremony ...... 16

Conversation: Poverty, Hunger, and Food Security in Crisis Areas ...... 18 Per Pinstrup-Andersen, Malik Zahoor Ahmad, Tom Arnold, Chelston Brathwaite, H.E. Faida Mitifu, Frances Stewart Amb. Kenneth Quinn President, Bill Gates: Supporting the World’s Poorest Farmers ...... 24 The World Food Prize Foundation Conversation: Intelligence and Security Perspectives on Agriculture ...... 27 Mathew Burrows, Raymond Gilpin, Dennis McGinn

President’s Welcome Jeffrey Sachs: Food at the Center of Global Crisis ...... 32

Ten years ago, the World Food Prize more than 65 countries. As one senior foun- ficers, government officials, and other lead- Indra Nooyi: Closing the Nutrition Gap ...... 34 International Symposium was a half-day dation executive noted: “We meet a more di- ers and thinkers who participated. event attracting only about 50 people from verse array of people at the World Food Prize It is our great hope that their presen- The Secretary’s Roundtable: Cooperation in Food and Agriculture ...... 36 outside of Iowa. in Des Moines than at any other conference tations will help illuminate the challenge Hon. Tom Vilsack, H.E. Amin Abaza, H.E. Gerry Ritz, Carlos Vazquez Ten years ago, it is safe to say that ag- we attend anywhere around the world.” our globalized agricultural system may face riculture was unlikely to be found on the This decade-long effort culminated in as countries react to what they perceive as Conversation: Will a Food-Secure World Require New Global Institutions? ...... 42 agendas of foreign ministers or the Secre- our 2009 symposium entitled “Food, Agri- threats to their national security induced by Sir Gordon Conway, Mark Cackler, Louise Fresco, Kanayo Nwanze, Amb. Richard Williamson tary of State. culture, and National Security in a Globalized food shortages, price rises, and changes in Over the last decade, working closely World,” with close to 1,000 participants. the climate. Roger Thurow: Outrage and Inspire ...... 48 with our founder Dr. Norman Borlaug, my It was our great honor to welcome Bill Global agriculture faces numerous staff and I have strived to build the World Gates and to have him give his first speech challenges in the coming years. It was H.E. Joaquim Chissano: Securing Africa’s Livelihoods Through Agriculture ...... 50 Food Prize into one of the most stimulating ever on agriculture and bringing the Green humbling to have noted economist Jeffrey conferences each year bringing together ex- Revolution to Africa here at the Borlaug Sachs declare, “We need a venue to address Conversation: Gender in Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health ...... 52 perts from agriculture, development, educa- Dialogue. We also recognized Dr. Gebisa these challenges. And I would hope that the Catherine Bertini, Namanga Ngongi, Geeta Rao Gupta, Mahabub Hossain tion, and government. We have endeavored Ejeta of Ethiopia as our 2009 World Food World Food Prize can be the venue.” to pick cutting-edge topics and to address Prize Laureate. Several persons told me that they felt Conversation: Assessing Progress in Global Agriculture ...... 58 subjects that we believe warranted much It was likewise a special privilege to this was our “best conference ever.” While Joachim von Braun, Marco Ferroni, Brian Halweil, Hans Herren, J.B. Penn greater attention by foreign policy officials, have remarks by Secretary of State Hillary I was, of course, pleased, I was so sorry that such as: the role of biotechnology in devel- Clinton and to feature Secretary of Agricul- Norm was not able to be here. I think he Gebisa Ejeta: The African Green Revolution Need Not Be a Mirage ...... 64 opment; the threat of agroterrorism; global ture Tom Vilsack along with the ministers might have felt his dream about the World water insecurity; and the dual global chal- of agriculture from Burkina Faso, Canada, Food Prize being seen as the “Nobel Prize for The 2009 World Food Prize Laureate: Gebisa Ejeta ...... 66 lenges of obesity and malnutrition. Egypt, and the Netherlands. Food and Agriculture” was coming true. As a result, each year participation has This book of symposium highlights cap- To honor Norm, I hope you will mark Conversation: Agriculture and Climate Change — Being Part of the Solution ...... 68 expanded as has the length of our confer- tures their remarks and comments, as well as October 13-15 on your calendar and plan Hans Herren, Peg Armstrong-Gustafson, Michael Hansen, Anita Idel, Helena Paul, John Reganold ence. The “Borlaug Dialogue” is now a those of the CEOs, NGO leaders, journalists, to join us for the 2010 World Food Prize three-day event, with people attending from research scientists, educators, intelligence of- and Borlaug Dialogue. The World Food Prize Global Youth Institute ...... 74  The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 

More than 500 community leaders turned out for the third annual Iowa Hunger Summit to take part in panel discussions and attend a “Hunger Luncheon” featuring Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. The event also involved leaders of the Iowa Department of Agriculture, the Community Food Security Coalition, and Doctors Without Borders. Iowa Hunger Summit Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton U.S. Secretary of State he 2009 Iowa Hunger Summit interfaith and com- on October 13 for the third year munity responses to kicked off the World Food Prize hunger in Iowa, food events with a full-day program fo- security and urban Tcused on Iowans’ diverse grassroots efforts to agriculture nationally, confront hunger both at home and abroad. Native American per- Continuing the Borlaug Legacy More than 500 community leaders and spectives on agricul- citizens from around the state attended the ture and health, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent struggle with chronic hunger. to work in support of country-led plans “Hunger Luncheon” featuring Vicki Escar- the global epidemic of the following video message, which was shown I had the privilege of speaking at the to collaborate and coordinate with other ra, president and CEO of Feeding America, child malnutrition. at the outset of the 2009 Borlaug Dialogue: World Food Prize announcement ceremony stakeholders, to build partnerships with the whose keynote remarks focused on the one Participants also I want to send my congratulations and June. I spoke of Dr. Ejeta’s commitment to private sector, universities, foundations, and in eight Americans currently experiencing offered their thoughts thanks to you for coming together to dis- strengthening the entire agricultural sup- NGOs – and to be held accountable for this hunger in their lives. and feedback to U.S. cuss an issue that the Obama administration ply chain, especially in developing nations. commitment and our efforts. The luncheon also included First Lady Department of Agri- has as a top priority of our foreign policy – Since that time, we have been hard at work, In the case of global hunger, actions Mari Culver and Bishop Richard Pates, who culture officials in a lis- Hunger Luncheon attendees were served meals used by Iowa-based global hunger and food security. This year’s across numerous departments of our gov- much speak more loudly than words. We both reflected on the legacy of Iowans like tening session on how programs in their international or domestic hunger-alleviating work. meeting occurs against the backdrop of a ernment, to shape a comprehensive agricul- want to work alongside you and partner Norman Borlaug and their dedication that to achieve President great loss. The passing of one of the world’s ture-led development plan to tackle global countries to advance plans for combating all may have enough to eat. In keeping with Obama’s goal of eradi- great humanitarians, one of agriculture’s hunger. In doing so, we look to the work hunger and poverty. But first we need your the theme, participants enjoyed meals re- cating child hunger in the United States by nounced that in 2009 Iowans donated at most brilliant pioneers, and the namesake of people like Dr. Ejeta and Dr. Borlaug to feedback on the strategy we have created. flecting Iowa-based anti-hunger programs. 2015, learned more about hunger and nu- least $8.72 million, distributed more than and father of this prize – Norman Borlaug. guide our thinking. Please visit www.state.gov and let us Joining this year were attendees of the trition issues from the many exhibitors with 15.6 million pounds of food, and volun- Dr. Borlaug always reminded us that the Over the past few weeks I’ve had the know what you think. We cannot let the Community Food Security Coalition’s 13th information available, and shared with each teered over 451,000 hours to the fight against Green Revolution was never won, that there privilege to share our plan to tackle chronic perfect be the enemy of the good. The time annual conference, held concurrently in Des other the results and impact of their own hunger – an increase from the 2008 totals. are many whose lives have not yet been im- hunger. We seek to strengthen agricultural to act is now. So we are eager to begin, and Moines. Over the course of the day, Hunger work to counteract food insecurity for those For more information, or to plan to proved by agricultural development. Now, development and nutrition while maintain- we hope we will see you at the table. Thank Summit participants heard presentations in need. take part in the 2010 Hunger Summit, we have the opportunity to continue his ing our commitment to emergency food you all very much. from leaders and experts on topics including As part of the event, organizers an- please visit www.iowahungersummit.org. work, to reach those communities that still aid. Our approach reflects our commitment  The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 

ticularly in irrigation and rural roads. This Opening Session week the FAO estimated that the investment required in developing countries to support Patricia Woertz expansion in agricultural output would Chairman, President & CEO, amount to about $83 billion a year, [includ- Archer Daniels Midland Company ing] in storage and processing facilities. While basic infrastructure is generally Ellen Kullman the responsibility of government, the pri- CEO, vate sector can play an important role by DuPont making investments that help build global markets and create economic opportunity. Her Excellency Gerda Verburg At ADM we’re investing to expand our Minister of Agriculture, global storage, transportation, and process- The Netherlands ing networks. We are completing the larg- est portfolio of capital investments in our in infrastructure, in research, to ensure that 107-year history – about $2.5 billion – sub- nothing that we already farm goes to waste. stantially to increase the capacity to process 10 percent of the world’s grain production, crops. [And as] we look to tomorrow’s larger or about 220 million tons, is lost in mishan- crop yields, we know those crops will pro- dling or post-harvest operations. Estimates Patricia Woertz duce more biomass. So we’re working to ex- Ellen Kullman put that percentage even higher for African plore ways to sustainably harvest the crop Chairman, President & CEO, nations, a little over 17 percent. waste for animal feed, biofuel feedstock, or CEO, Archer Daniels Midland Company The FAO has also pointed out that the [to] generate steam or electricity. DuPont world wasted, for example, 48 million tons If agriculture is going to fulfill the po- of rice in 2008 – enough to feed 184 million tential that many see, we will also need Innovation, Investment, Partnership people, or approximately one-fifth of those strong, mutually beneficial partnerships Increasing Quantity, Improving Quality who are undernourished. Yet little has been – from farmers to consumers, with govern- While millions of people in the world soybeans with just a 4 percent increase in done to address this issue. Fully 95 percent ments, communities, civil society as well. In I’d like to start by sharing a quotation: who are consuming sufficient calories, as lack sufficient nutrition, rising prosperity crop area. of research dollars directed at agriculture are Brazil, we’re collaborating with a sustainable “I am cautiously optimistic. Despite all of many as half of them are considered mal- has actually allowed millions more to eat At ADM we’ve looked at productivity focused on production, while only 5 percent farming group, Alançia da Terra, [to] help today’s gloom and doom, we live longer in a nourished, lacking suitable amounts of es- more sustainably, to have better diets than gains that might be realized if we could close are focused on this toughie of post-harvest soybean growers improve yields without better life than all previous generations. But sential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to ever before, thanks in much part to the the gap between productivity in the devel- handling and infrastructure. expanding in any ecologically sensitive ar- solutions to problems can be synthesized ensure good health. advances of agriculture and to agricultural oped world and in the developing world. We Protecting the crops we harvest is criti- eas. In India, we partner in a program that and implemented only by well-informed, As the human population grows, more productivity. Today we’re looking for ag- conducted a survey of all land currently in cal to be able to reach those who need it provides guidance to farmers on soil testing, clear-thinking minds with positive points of people will grow hungry, and fewer will have riculture to do even more. Because of the production and asked, “What if all 15 of the most and ensure we make the most of the land preparation, seed selection, fertilizer ap- view. You can’t hope to win the game of life access to the nutrients that their bodies need growing population – particularly by the top-producing nations or regions were able land, water, and energy that we already use. plication, and the post-harvest management with negativism.” The person speaking was – unless there are innovations that can meet middle of the century – demand for food to achieve somewhere between just 70 and We also need to make investment in critical process. In Côte d’Ivoire, we’ve developed Dr. Norman Borlaug. His words are excel- the different needs of different people in dif- will double. Energy from traditional sources 80 percent of the best yields on records?” transportation, processing, and storage in- several initiatives to help cocoa farmers grow lent advice for all of us here today: Be well- ferent places around the world; that’s the key. will be insufficient to meet global demand Without bringing a single acre of new pro- frastructure to ensure that we’re able to han- higher-quality beans under environmentally informed, think clearly, maintain a positive [It’s] so significant [that] about 50 percent of by that same timeframe. Many people look duction into play, we dle tomorrow’s larger and socially responsible conditions. point of view. He will be missed, but we our research dollars at DuPont are dedicated to agriculture to help fill some of that gap would see an increase crops, to collect and As we pursue innovation, investment, honor him in a special way if we try to mir- to increasing global food production. But as well. And this is all against a backdrop of of 50 percent in store food crops and ror his spirit and outlook as well as continue we believe it must be done in a sustainable “Protecting the crops we harvest and partnership, it will help ensure that somewhat constrained natural resources and global maize, up to collect biomass, and agriculture can meet the world’s growing the work he advanced so exceptionally dur- manner to reduce agriculture’s environmen- growing environmental challenges. 52 percent in wheat, is critical to be able to reach to continue deliver- needs for food, fiber, fuel, and energy in a ing his lifetime. tal footprint and conserve the very precious Just as with the Green Revolution, our and as much as 41 those who need it most and ing crops from sur- very sustainable way. We need to address Agricultural output will need to double resources available to us. When it comes to efforts to meet agricultural challenges of this percent in rapeseed ensure we make the most of the plus areas to deficit frankly and thoroughly the concerns associ- by 2050 to adequately feed the about 9.3 bil- increasing global food productivity, there is century begin with innovation. Between production. land, water, and energy that we areas in regions in a ated with this [and] also together work on lion people expected to be alive at that time. no one-size-fits-all solution. The challenge 1981 and 2007, world corn production Innovation on already use.” timely and very cost- the solutions to those concerns. Any ambi- This will need to occur as available arable before us is one of quantity and quality grew 56 percent, while acreage dedicated to the farm and im- efficient manner. tion this big, any vision this big, will have land and resources remain unchanged and, – enough food for all, and all the food nutri- that corn production only grew 10 percent. proved yields alone, IFPRI noted last issues. But with continued innovation, in- in some areas, decrease. Worldwide, more tious and healthy. That’s like creating 153 million virtual acres though, will [not] be sufficient to meet year that reducing the number of people vestment, and partnership, we are confident than one in six people are already starving, In the next nine years alone, we can in- of arable land. What’s more, in just the last the global demands. They have to be ac- worldwide living in poverty by 50 percent that agriculture can create viable, sustain- roughly the equivalent of the populations of crease corn and soybean yields by 40 percent. ten years, farmers were able to meet sharp companied by investment. Both industry would require between $14-28 billion in able solutions to some of the world’s most the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Paki- increases in the demand for corn, meat, and and government must continue to invest agricultural research and infrastructure, par- pressing needs. stan, and Bangladesh combined. For those Kullman, continued on page 9  The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 

tion and adaptation measures. including weather and climate insurance, Globally, the agricultural sector has a adaptation are key, including, for example, [This shared vision] builds on the work affordable also to small farmers. significant potential to contribute to mitiga- in more drought- and heat-tolerant crops. of Dr. Norman Borlaug and aligns the need The opportunities provided by science, tion of climate change, to provide adaptation But it is not just what happens down for a sustainable and homegrown Green research, and technology must be linked up and sustainable-development opportunities, on the farm that echoes the climate-change Revolution, especially in Africa. This means with education and extension to dissemi- while at the same time improving the lives theme. There is a great deal that can be a revolution in ideas, in technologies, and in nate the results of research and to make it and incomes of farmers and delivering al- achieved in terms of the distribution, post- agricultural and trade policies and market ac- applicable on the ground. Science and tech- ternative or diversified livelihoods. Some re- harvest, and consumption of the food we eat. cess, as well as providing the financial means. nology, education, and extension are the ports suggest that the sector could be broadly Food waste, from the farm and the seas to the Such a sustainable Green Revolution pillars for sustainable agricultural and rural carbon-neutral by 2030 if sustainable-man- supermarket and the kitchen, is an area that can happen along a five-track approach: first, development. This so-called golden triangle agement practices were widely adopted. has been underexamined in this regard. increasing our investment in sustainable ag- is one of the main factors of the success of The challenge here is to [maintain] a There is a great scope for advancing the riculture; two, creating an enabling environ- the Dutch agricultural sector. sustained food-production capacity. Actions link between sustainable agriculture and cli- ment; three, developing sustainable produc- In addressing the challenges of the 21st to increase soil carbon, for example, can mate change. So let us not miss the opportu- tion and food chains; four, improving market century, there is a strong need to learn from increase resilience against climate-induced nity for including agriculture and soil carbon access, especially for developing countries; the past. We can avoid mistakes while rep- stresses and increase productivity. [And] we in a new climate-change deal in Copenha- and five, social safety nets and access to -fi licating and scaling up effective practices must not lose sight of the serious challenges gen. Let us find new, innovative financing nance, for example, to micro-credit. and making them tailor-made to specific resulting from higher temperatures or drier mechanisms for adaptation and mitigation From these five areas of actions, one circumstances. or wetter climates. Therefore, investments in incentives in the agricultural sector. can see the importance of concerted action H. E. Gerda Verburg of governments and other partners in soci- ety, especially agribusiness. Globalization is Minister of Agriculture, The Netherlands an important driver of regional and inter- Kullman, continued from page 7 th Further efforts are necessary to make sure corn to the benefits of corn hybrids. And in Chair, 17 U.N. Commission for Sustainable Development continental integration of the agri-food sys- farmers around the world, both large and the past 13 years, our customers in Ethiopia tem. International corporations have been The seed industry must continue to preserve, small, have access to seed technologies and have gone from planting no hybrids to plant- increasing their power and leverage. The refine, and utilize the diverse germplasm to the best knowledge that will allow them ing about 25 percent of their farmland with The Critical Challenge of Sustainability sustainability of agriculture can no longer pools available – along with all the tools of to increase their productivity. Agriculture hybrids; this has quadrupled – quadrupled be defined by just looking at fields or farms. modern plant breeding – to bring to farmers advancements will be [critical] in China and – their yields. 2008 and 2009 have shown very clearly feed, and biofuels is fiercer than ever. Agribusiness should be fully involved in ag- products that drive yield through more effi- other developing countries in Asia, where We also need to look for solutions that the interdependent character of the world’s Against this backdrop, delegates from ricultural sustainability. cient and sustainable use of water, nutrients, in many areas farmers still plant open-pol- increase the nutrition and quality of our economy. No country or economic sector all over the world agreed that a world that Entrepreneurship in the broad agricul- soil, and land area, as well as through her- linated varieties by hand. These are markets foods. We can do this by providing pack- was exempted from the worldwide financial is facing multiple crises, including climate tural sector is key to sustainable growth. For bicide tolerance and resistance to pest and where population and incomes are growing aging structures made from renewable re- and economic crisis. However, we must not change and looming natural-resource scar- stability and wealth in a country, the devel- disease. Agriculture input providers have to and driving better diets with more protein. sources while protecting food from spoilage forget that the food crisis is still there. This city, urgently needs a transition towards a opment of large-scale and small-scale agri- continue to develop cutting-edge crop part- Not only are we challenged to bring new and contamination; developing high-yield- poses a threat not only to the well-being of more sustainable and resource-efficient ag- cultural sector is needed. nership products with increasingly lower use technologies to these markets, from hybrid- ing soybean varieties that produce healthier nearly a billion people, but also to national riculture. People realized that old solutions Governments also have a role to play. rates and better efficacy. ization to Bt corn, but we need to provide oils and efficiently working with soy protein and international security. do not any longer fit the new challenges of [The Netherlands] invests in improving New [biofuels] the right to make great-tasting, nutritious soy foods This year’s [17th session of the United the 21st century – because, if you do what agricultural production and strengthening technologies and pro- tools and more accessible; and continuing to innovate Nations Commis- you did, you get what the sustainable agricultural value chain – by cesses are making it “Worldwide, more than one in six agronomic in food-safety diagnostic technology. sion on Sustainable you got. providing assistance for the establishment possible to get more out people are starving. As many as knowledge. Collective success in meeting [our] goals Development] fo- Agriculture is no of innovation centers and advisory services; of each unit of grain, half of those consuming sufficient In rural areas will be limited if we can’t find ways to track cused on sustainable longer seen as a prob- or contributing to research into smart so- “Agriculture is no longer allowing for the conver- calories lack suitable amounts of of India, we’re our progress and hold ourselves accountable. agriculture. There seen as a problem in reaching lem in reaching sus- lutions, green gene technology, better use sion of cellulose to etha- supporting So that’s why we were happy to partner with was recognition tainable development; of the plant properties that enable them to essential nutrients, vitamins, and sustainable development; nol, [and] creating pos- Access De- people like Archer Daniels Midland for the [that] the achieve- agriculture is now grow under difficult conditions, etc.; or -en sibilities to use the entire minerals for good health.” velopment Global Harvest Initiative, [which] kicked off ment of the first agriculture is now considered an considered an impor- couraging more careful use of phosphates, corn plant to produce Services in a few weeks ago. The organization recognizes Millennium Devel- important part of the solution. ” tant part of the solu- essential building blocks for plants, to coun- ethanol. By converting nearly all the simple an initiative to make farm inputs and agro- the need to double our agricultural output by opment Goal – of tion. Agriculture is at ter the impending phosphate shortage. and complex sugars in corn plants into etha- nomic advice available to thousands of men 2050 and is spurring the development and halving the number the heart of poverty We also engage in strengthening farm- nol, we can increase the amount of ethanol and women in small farming operations. sharing of agriculture innovation with those of people living in poverty – seems further reduction. In many developing countries, ers’ organizations, such as marketing coop- per acre while maintaining sustainable ag [Through] six agribusiness resource centers that need it most. But my favorite part is the away than ever. At the same time, we use far agriculture is the driving force for economic eratives, to enable them to play a stronger practices. Biofuels such as biobutanol are and more than 200 best-practice and product commitment to set milestones. In business, more of our natural resources than our plan- development. It’s crucial for the conservation role in the marketplace and to participate in another example of more efficient grain use. farmer-demonstration sites, we believe we what gets measured gets done. So by setting et can regenerate; some reports indicate even and sustainable use of our natural resources. agro-processing or other parts of the value These fuels contain energy content closer to can help increase small-farmer income levels milestones and tracking them in this area, we four times. The competition for land, water, [And it’s] at the heart of the climate-change chain. New institutions will also be needed gasoline, so the result is better fuel economy by more than 30 percent. We’ve helped farm- can make a meaningful difference in agricul- and biodiversity for the production of food, agenda, especially when we look at mitiga- to help farmers better manage their risks, compared to current biofuels. ers in Ethiopia shift from open-pollinated tural productivity. 10 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 11

nificantly increase the yields. And where there’s no market, there’s you add, on top of the improved practices, no processing, there is no Participants adapted varieties that you develop as a result partnership between the of investments for climate-change adapted private sector and the Margaret Catley-Carlson varieties, you are now able to significantly farmers. Chair, increase yields. If we can create the Global Crop Diversity Trust right policy that encour- Jeffrey Simmons: In 50 years – we’re 10 ages partnership, gives Jason Clay years into that, so 40 years left – we need incentives, market infra- Senior Vice President Market Transformation, 100 percent more food. 70 percent needs to structure, we can make come from technology. 20 percent is done the jump. World Wildlife Fund with more density and 10 percent is with more land; [those are] FAO numbers. Catley-Carlson: So it’s William Dar Technology… is products and it’s seeds not as simple as technol- Director General, International Crops Research and it’s the new things – but it’s also the ogy. If you don’t have Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics practices. And I think one of the challenges, governance, if you don’t when you look at a China or an India, is un- have policy, if you don’t Seyfu Ketema derstanding and having the ability to bring have a functioning inter- Executive Director, Association for Strengthening the practices we have in the First World to nal market – then, even Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa the Third World. It’s technology, and most when things go right, importantly it’s access to that technology. they’ll go wrong. So what Jeffrey Simmons was the blend in China? Seyfu Ketema: Particularly if you talk about You greatly increased President,

Photo courtesy of Gebisa Ejeta, Purdue University Purdue courtesy Ejeta, Photo of Gebisa East Africa, that’s not the case. What you yield and productivity; Elanco In Ethiopia, a sorghum plot infested by the parasitic weed Striga grows next to Striga-resistant varieties developed by 2009 Laureate Gebisa Ejeta. said applies to certain parts of the world. how much was technol- Generally, in Africa, the issue of governance ogy part of the pie, and Weibin Yan [and] the issue of policy are critical. The how much was better CEO, kind of governance that allows dynamism, governance and policy Longping High-Tech Agriculture discussion, trying to understand problems, part of the pie? Global Agricultural Yields: Trends and Threats to engage the population in identifying problems and allowing people to come up Weibin Yan: You men- with solutions. Policy issues are incentive tioned access. I think awareness to new average yield around 7.2 metric tons per to farmers, attracting investment to agri- technology is very important, and the posi- hectare. For conventional rice, it is less than Margaret Catley-Carlson: We’re going to creased yield in so many parts of the world. rieties is not at all scaled-up today. Extension culture, land tenure, partnership – these are tion of the government is even more impor- 6 – 5.3 or something like that. So new tech- talk about something absolutely central to So we’ve increased yield – the whole post- services are not as ready as the research com- very critical. As you said, Maggie, the Ro- tant, because it decides whether the farmers nology played a very important role, but the global food security. How productive can war increase in calories per person was very munity. That value-chain approach has to be mans had 1 ton [per hectare], and it’s still 1 adopt, or not, new technology. For example, government position played an even more we be? Norman Borlaug said, “We’ve only largely about yield increases – and yet we’ve institutionalized in many respects. ton [per hectare] in Africa. And you go to China …should see that 8 percent of the ar- important role. got two choices: we have to grow more on still got hundreds of millions of farmers at There are lots of opportunities -to in the research institutions – you have 4 tons. able land in the world still feeds the 22 per- the land we’ve got, or we have to cut down yield levels which are about the same as the crease productivity per unit area. In the cur- In the research institutions you have 4 tons. cent of the people in the world. [And] 1 out Catley-Carlson: Jason, you’ve been looking trees and have further environmental im- Roman Empire achieved without mechani- rent climate, with low-input practices, you In the farmers’ fields, you have 1 ton. of 5 hungry people is in China. According at market chains, which take these ques- pact.” If we don’t get a change in yield, we zation, without agricultural inputs. only [yield] 1-1.5 tons per hectare. But our Sasakawa Global 2000 [gave] great sup- to the FAO, around 10 percent of [China’s] tions from the very top to the bottom. How really are not going to be able to answer the Why do we have two worlds living long-term trials show that we end up pro- port to give access to farmers to seed, im- population is hungry. According to our es- would you describe the technology-vis-à- question positively about whether we can in one – one world where yields have im- ducing 5 tons of food that can feed 20-22 proved seed, fertilizer. Farmers were able to timation, the hunger problem [is probably] vis-governance issue, in terms of why get- feed the world. proved; another world where yields stub- people per year. So that current-climate yield produce 2-3 tons average, and the whole less than that. ting yields up is so difficult? In the time of the Roman Empire, bornly refuse to improve? Why is it so dif- gap has to be handled utilizing sustainable country had excess maize production. And Hunger in the 1970s was even more yield was about 1 ton per hectare. Millions, ficult to get yields to go up? management practices like improved seeds, what happened? The market price collapsed, serious. 30 percent of our total popula- Jason Clay: We will not have biodiversity if not hundreds of millions, of farmers are improved practices, and, of course, the pol- and there were about 2 tons of maize [that] tion was hungry. People my age have very [or] ecosystem functions on this planet if not much above that level now, while the William Dar: Let’s have Africa as a case. icy environment must be there to support farmers were not able to sell for $2. The iro- clear memories about that. [Then] China agriculture continues to expand into natu- rest of the world has climbed up to 7-9 tons Eight kilograms of nitrogen per hectare per smallholder agriculture. ny is, the livestock industry and the chicken had a very big breakthrough from hybrid ral habitat as it has done historically. The per hectare. year compared to advanced countries, with Now, we are facing a climate crisis. industry were crying for feed. We had sev- rice. The government pushed, invested a last 40 years, 0.4% per year; the last 10 The Chicago Council on Global Af- 160-200 kilograms of nitrogen per year. Under climate change with low-input prac- eral industries fighting for foreign currency lot of money for extension, the training of years, 0.6% per year. That trend is increas- fairs points out that, whereas 1 in 3 people That’s one of the reasons. Number two, the tices, you have this low level of productiv- to import starch, and the farmers were not new technology, and there was expansion. ing. We’ve got to freeze the footprint. used to be hungry, 1 in 6 people [are cur- use of even good seeds – if not improved seeds ity. But if you employ improved practices able to sell their maize. And [in] the general Nowadays 57 percent of the total rice pro- We don’t necessarily think that dou- rently] hungry. And that’s because we’ve in- – is not happening. The use of improved va- with climate change, you are going to sig- population, there was a shortage of oil. But duction area is for hybrid rice, [with] the bling food is going to be enough, because 12 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 13

think sorghum natural resources. Our land degradation rate and millet need to today is 1 percent a year, [and] so much of get greater atten- our natural resources have been degraded. tion. Also there are some dry-land Catley-Carlson: Let me turn the coin over pulses, so that we and ask if we’re looking sufficiently at the have the calorie and threats even to existing levels of production. protein mix. We From where I stand, the major threat is have to think about obviously water. It takes 1 liter of water to what would be the produce 1 calorie of food. We’ve got a world source for the car- that is moving on from rice, which takes a bohydrates, which metric ton to produce a kilo, to beef, chick- would be sorghum en, which take 6-8 metric tons to produce and millet, and for the same kilo. So in addition to the 2 billion the proteins. more population, we’ve got a higher level of protein demand. The 1 calorie still takes Catley-Carlson: Catley-Carlson Dar Clay Ketema Simmons Yan 1 liter; the more calories people demand, Is it a question the more water [is] going to be demanded of not having the – along with the water it takes to produce it really depends on the content of the diet, And we can – we have the technology to do ing today, looking [to please] the consumer In China, there’s a very big contradic- improved seed and the improved crop on T-shirts, automobiles, computer chips, etc. how much of that food is wasted. It could it. We need to set up the investment funds in the First World, will be helpful in the tion. On one side, we would like to keep hand? Or is it a question of the dissemina- We’ve got the same amount of water we had be as much as tripling food by 2050 that to do it. We need to show and provide the Third World – will take less nutrients, less a low food price, because normal people’s tion of improved farming methods? since the dinosaurs were on the planet, and we’re going to need. business case for doing it. That’ll be maybe water, etc. [There are] livestock products [in] income is very low, so food consumption is we’ve chosen to live in places that don’t nec- Genetics has clearly got to be on the 25 percent of the gain that we need. the protein platforms that can expand pro- relatively high in their income. But all the Ketema: It is complex. These traditional essarily have the water we need to sustain table, but not necessarily GM; also look at And then we can look at property ductivity of a dairy cow by as much as 15-20 farmers are small farmers – normally, only food crops like sorghum and finger millets agricultural production. GE and landraces and hybrids and all kinds rights. Companies that develop seeds and percent, swine production 8-10 percent. 0.2 hectares. Even if the yield is very high, – for some reason, there was some food hab- What do you see as the threats we’re of plant breeding. So many crops that are, technologies need to be protected, but so production is still very low. Grain price it change for wheat, rice, and maize. When not thinking about? We didn’t really foresee say, in the top 15 crops of providing calories do farmers who plant perennials. They need Clay: By 2050, tilapia or catfish or Pangas- [must increase] to stimulate incentives for you have the good environment and when stem rust a few years ago. to the planet, have never been the subject of to own the land that they put a tree crop in. ius will be head-to-head with poultry. After production. international production is good, these good breeding programs. They need to own the land that they put a that they’ll surpass poultry as the white meat things work. But when drought comes, the Ketema: Continuously we should expect There are a lot of poor practices. Within terrace in. If they don’t, there’s no incentive that we’re eating on the planet. That’s with- Dar: Where are the most vulnerable people? food habit has been changed. Now you go that there will be new diseases as part of evo- a country, some producers are 10 times bet- for them to invest in better practices. out any significant investment in genetics Where are the poorest of the poor? The dry- and even if you put the sorghum and mil- lution; there will be new rusts, new viruses, ter than others. Globally, some producers today. And they’ll do it, because for half the land areas of the world. Almost 600 million let in the market, still people go to rice and and new diseases. I can’t predict which one are 100 times better than others. We need Catley-Carlson: So with this as the back- amount of feed you can produce the same people are there. So you need to enhance wheat. So there should be a lot of work to re- will be next, but definitely the Ug99 that to close that gap. It will have a bigger en- ground – what crops or animals or produc- amount of protein. So that’s going to be the development of the very nutritious dry-land habilitate [them]. And that’s why processing started from Uganda is still a big threat, and vironmental impact and a bigger impact in tion methods don’t get enough attention animal that we need to invest in. [Also], crops, and that would include sorghum, mil- for sorghum and millet is very important. there is specific action being taken there. terms of feeding the planet. Then we need to that could make quite a bit of difference tropical trees. The demand for food in the let, chickpea, pigeon pea, and groundnut or Natural-resource degradation, soil-fer- look at technology in yield? What future is in the tropics, and we need perma- peanut. And there Dar: While im- tility degradation [are] very critical. There in the traditional deserves more nent sources of food. So I would say things are lots of oppor- proved practices is soil erosion. The microbial system in the sense – improved “In the time of the Roman Empire, attention in like palm oil; cash crops like coffee, tea, co- tunities to increase “Where are the most vulnerable and germplasm soils is very much degraded. And especially irrigation, im- yield was about 1 ton per hectare. closing that pro- coa. Also other crops in the tropics that are productivity. people? Where are the poorest of would be key, we in Africa I would also like to put the threat proved post-har- ductivity gap? basic food crops, so cassava, sorghum, mil- have to appreciate of malnutrition, disease – HIV/AIDS, ma- vest handling, etc., Millions, if not hundreds of let, sweet potatoes, cowpeas – those kinds of Ketema: Sorghum the poor? The dry-land areas of the the importance laria – as big threats to yield. etc. That’s going millions, of farmers are not much Simmons: Bio- things, things that have not really benefited is a traditional Af- world. Almost 600 million people of improving the to be 40 percent, above that level now, while the rest t e c h n o l o g y, yet from genetic engineering, from technol- rican crop. What’s are there. So you need to enhance capacities of the Yan: In China, the constraints come from maybe, of the total of the world has climbed up to 7-9 without ques- ogy that we have. missing there is development of the very nutritious farming commu- several aspects. Every year we have 16 mil- that we need. tons per hectare.” tion. But a lot of the processing and dry-land crops.” nities, the small- lion new births, while we have less arable We’ve got a lot the current tech- Yan: [In southern Hainan], income per marketing of sor- holders. Women land because of the cities becoming bigger. of underperform- - Margaret Catley-Carlson nology we have capita in 1979 was 411. Last year it was ghum. The other - William Dar are doing lots of Another problem is [climate] change. The ing land out there today is not in 16,000 – almost 40 times more. But rice one missing for the work. Capacity third challenge is water, especially in the that’s been aban- markets that it’s prices only increased 60 percent. Wheat attention is millet: can sustain any in- lowest area of China. doned, land formerly used for crops that’s needed, some of the traditional technology and corn prices only increased around 2 finger millets, pearl millets. These are also tervention, and the policy framework should Another big issue is the shortage of la- now in pasture and on its way to being se- we have. But no question, biotechnology, times more. So the grain price did not in- traditional African crops, and when we see support smallholder agriculture. On top of bor, because most of the farmers are in the verely degraded. We need to bring that back. and genomics, too. A lot of things we’re do- crease quite enough in China. the effects of droughts on the dry lands, I that we need to restore and conserve our mountain area. You cannot do this work 14 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 15 with a machine; “We are challenged to come up with tries around the major strategy already. Self-help groups are threat to agricultural “In China, another big issue is the have growing gone up 2-3 times. All the children in these you need labor innovative ways to increase production, world. making a big difference in the lives of rural production? shortage of labor because most of the either soy or communities have been sent to school; the to do it person- but at the same time maintain folks in Andhra Pradesh. So we must enhance farmers are in the mountain area. You palm oil – they homes have been restructured or remodeled. ally. And when Clay: We’ve got the capacities of women; they are key to im- Clay: It sure would buy land at 10 These are very poor areas. In India we have more people sustainability. All these issues – the to figure out how proving agricultural productivity. help. cannot do this work with a machine; to 15 cents on now 350 districts with this up-scaling of the are going to ecosystem, using different methods in to freeze the foot- you need labor to do it personally.” the dollar, and watershed technology. the cities, the approach of production – are going to print, both in Clay: Wherever subsistence crops become Catley-Carlson: within 5-10 labor cost is go- be very important as we go along.” terms of land but cash crops, they suddenly become men’s crops. Why don’t we take - Weibin Yan years, it’s worth Catley-Carlson: Usually poverty is the en- ing up. There also in terms of And that’s something that we have to watch on post-harvest loss- the full amount emy of soil fertility, because when you have are less and less - Seyfu Ketema input use. We’ve for, because then productivity declines. es more seriously? plus, more than to make a decision about whether your dung farmers, and got to get more Are there instances their neighbor’s gets burned, sold, or plowed back into the their wage is from less. The in- Simmons: We need more women at the where you can tell land. It’s more soil, you’ve got an agonizing choice. So this not so high, so dex that we pub- boardroom tables, because we need that di- us good stories about post-harvest losses? productive and it produces with half as many is a good story. the incentive lish on how we’re versity of thought. You know, 80-90 percent inputs. We have a market for carbon. Figur- for them is not high. doing in terms of natural-resource use shows of the money spent comes from women, Dar: This is one area where initial gains can ing out how to bring carbon into the equa- Ketema: I’m glad that issue was raised. right now that – as a planet, all the people and that is very important. So it’s exciting be achieved already, by reducing significant- tion, and link it to commodities and link it Some time ago, we were much more con- Catley-Carlson: Did you ever think you’d on it – we’re living at about 1.3 planets. As to me seeing global, multinational compa- ly 20-40 percent of post-harvest losses. Take to commodity prices, cuts farmers’ costs, but cerned about production only – but now hear a country of 1.3 billion saying, “We’ve of September 25 this year, we started eating nies [with] women at the table – that’s ab- the case of the Philippines. They have the it’s also something that farmers can sell. So we hear not only about production but sus- got a shortage of labor”? That is quite our principal – or as a farmer, we started eat- solutely critical. longest drying facility, and that’s the nation- there’s a dual incentive. tainable production. So we are challenged fascinating. ing our seed. al road. Most developing countries would to come up with innovative ways to increase With 3 billion more people consuming Catley-Carlson: [China] just celebrated the need rural infrastructure to help reduce lots Simmons: I just want to say – let’s not fool production, but at the same time maintain Simmons: There’s something going on in the twice as much in general, and maybe more 60th anniversary of a revolution that was of these post-harvest losses. ourselves. The next 40 years, we don’t have the sustainability of agriculture. All these is- developed markets that we need to be very food, and 2.8 times as much income – this supposed to make women and men equal, that much time. Probably 70 to 80 percent sues – the ecosystem, using different meth- careful about. It’s the dilemma of choice, and is a severe crisis that we’re in. There are lots among its other goals. Does the situation of Yan: Storage and transportation [are] really of what we need we already have – we just ods in approach of production – are going it’s going to impact everything that’s been of ways to go about resolving this, but we women in agriculture help or impede moves important. Nowadays China’s situation has need to make sure it’s in the right place. Ac- to be very important as we go along. talked about here in terms of innovation. need to get started. It’s urgent. 40 years is to more productivity? changed quite a lot, because 10 years before, cess to markets and getting the right ideas, [If] you ask the global consumers an not long. according to statistics of the ministry of agri- technology, [and] practices in the right mar- Simmons: [But] why can’t we act and unaided question – “What’s important to Yan: In the past, it was the same as in Af- culture, around 25 percent of total grain pro- kets is very important. move quicker? Time is running out. There you?” – or you find out where they’re spend- Dar: The perfect storm has happened in rica and some of the South Asian countries. duction had been lost after harvest. That was are 100-200 people involved in key coun- ing money; in any country, 95 percent say, many countries: a convergence of climate Women in China eat less but do most of the during the transportation-storage process. Catley-Carlson: When you’ve got post-har- tries that shape food policy, that shape the “Access to food, affordability, and nutrition.” crisis, biodiversity crisis, desertification, en- job, especially in south part of China – in vest losses at 20 to 30 percent, then grow- determination of trade standards and even There is that minority that’s very important, ergy crisis, of Hainan Province, Catley-Carlson: ing it isn’t the practices. And it is absolutely critical – es- a luxury group that say, “I want something course the food in Guangdong You had a huge whole story. pecially going from taking developed coun- different.” And that’s fine, and we need to crisis as a result, Province, and in campaign to build try technologies and practices and moving give that choice to them. But what is hap- and population Fujian Province. rural roads in Chi- Dar: We have them into emerging markets – that those pening is that 5 percent, and that demand explosion. This You’ll see in the na, and this has found [that] 100-200 people that are influential come to for more than just choice – it becomes a has to be treat- farmlands most made a difference. we have first the table. cause – is turning food policy into law that’s ed in a holistic “Let’s not fool ourselves. The next 40 all of the people “Wherever subsistence crops become to bring in affecting the 95 percent. From 2000 to 2007, fashion because years, we don’t have that much time. are women. So Yan: Yes, and also cash crops, they suddenly become soil- and water- Clay: By 2050 more people will be living [the United Kingdom] went from a net food these are inter- Probably 70 to 80 percent of what we China has been we have another men’s crops. And that’s something conservation in cities than are alive today. Think about exporter, a major productive country, to to- secting; these fighting this program to help measures. After what that means for food. They may pro- need we already have – we just need to that we have to watch for, because day, when it comes to meat and milk, they’re are interlinking. situation for 60 each farmer to then productivity declines.” restoring soil duce some nutrition in their city gardens, a net food importer. And they’re one of the It’s the biggest make sure it’s in the right place.” years. We try to build more storage fertility and the but they’re not going to produce their calo- least productive countries. storm coming. improve the situ- to save the grain. - Jason Clay availability of ries. Bringing carbon into agriculture is one Choice is important. Don’t let choice - Jeffrey Simmons ation. Nowadays water, then you way to bring an environmental external- turn into law, because that takes the innova- Catley-Carl- the situation has Clay: One of the can diversify ity back into the pricing of a commodity. tion away. How that impacts us is, all the son: Give me [seen] some kind things that I think the production It’s the first. Water is the next carbon; and companies, from ADM to DuPont to Elan- an example where the way that women are of a change, but still we have a long way is the most promising is bringing carbon system. As a result of this, for the last 10 hopefully, after that, biodiversity. co, look at that. We’ve got 63 things in our treated in agriculture has added to the threats to go. into agriculture. It’s a tremendous opportu- years from a number of community water- pipeline to help feed the world. We have to that we have in terms of not reaching im- nity to improve productivity, reduce input sheds, we call them, we are up to 500 water- be very careful, because when we see those proved yields. Catley-Carlson: So all of you would agree use, increase efficiency, etc. Farmers in Bra- sheds benefiting half a million people in five movements, it impacts our investments that if women in agriculture were treated zil with soy, and palm oil in Borneo, have countries in Asia. The level of productivity in technologies that can help the coun- Dar: In India, women’s empowerment is a differently, this would remove a significant made more money growing soil than they [has] gone up 3-4 times. The net income has 16 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 17

The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates Dedication Ceremony

ver 400 friends and admir- “The Hall of Laureates will ensure that commissioned for permanent display in ers of the late Dr. Norman the legacy and spirit of Dr. Norman Bor- the Hall of Laureates. Borlaug gathered at the laug will continue to inspire Borlaug-like Once completed, the $29.8 million Norman E. Borlaug Hall achievements in the fight against hunger restored Hall of Laureates will be open Oof Laureates on Wednesday, October 14, well into the 22nd century,” said Ambassa- to the public, serving as a museum to 2009, to celebrate the life and work of dor Kenneth Quinn, president of the World recognize great achievements in agricul- the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Food Prize Foundation. ture; a convocation center at which to who had died the previous month. In addition to Quinn, the event also hold the Norman E. Borlaug Interna- The event marked the official trans- included remembrances of Dr. Borlaug by tional Symposium, known as the “Bor- fer of the century-old former Des Moines Iowa Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge; Bill laug Dialogue;” a home for the World Public Library to the World Food Prize Borlaug and Jeanie Borlaug Laube, Dr. Bor- Food Prize Global Youth Institute; an Foundation, which has signed a 50-year laug’s children; A.S. Clausi, co-founder and educational facility featuring interactive lease on the building with an option to former chairman of the World Food Prize; displays on hunger and food security; renew for an additional 50 years. Shortly and Miss Iowa 2009 Anne Michael Lang- and a conference center and community after the dedication ceremony, construc- guth, who served as a Borlaug-Ruan Inter- hall available to other groups and organi- tion work began to transform the build- national Intern in 2004. zations for their meetings and events. ing into the Norman E. Borlaug Hall of As part of the ceremony, the World The dedication ceremony was fol- Laureates, an enduring testament to Dr. Food Prize Foundation unveiled an original lowed by a screening of the new Borlaug Borlaug’s humanitarian legacy. portrait of Dr. Borlaug by artist Chas Fagan documentary, Freedom from Famine. 18 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 19

that’s what’s necessary and basically all you Participants can do. But there are many places where an Per Pinstrup-Andersen international NGO doing its humanitarian work can connect into a wider agenda to- 2001 World Food Prize Laureate ward some level of political stability, or im- H.E. Babcock Professor of Food, Nutrition, and provement anyway. There are many places Public Policy, Cornell University where the international community needs to put more emphasis on conflict preven- Malik Zahoor Ahmad tion and conflict resolution – a lot more. It’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock, within a process like that that NGOs can Pakistan begin to start being more effective. A lot of that is low-level, community- level activity – which ultimately can, you Tom Arnold know, have wider political implications and CEO, Concern Worldwide positive benefits. We’ve seen in Ireland, over a 30-year period, that it’s not just the big, Chelston Brathwaite high-end politics that’s necessary for con- Director General, Inter-American Institute for flict resolution; it’s some of the social pro- Cooperation on Agriculture cesses, frequently with women’s groups, that become very important. “Poverty, hunger, and food insecurity generate anger, hopelessness, and The other thing which is important and Her Excellency Faida Mitifu a sense of unfairness. I don’t believe there can be any question. This, in very relevant– we’re frequently working in Ambassador, turn, provides a fertile ground for grievances which can be exploited by countries that are in conflict and that are The Democratic Republic of Congo individuals and groups with a desire to cause conflict, including national emerging from conflict. It can happen that, and international terrorism.” when the spotlight moves away from a con- Frances Stewart flict and you’re into a transition towards re- Director, Center for Research on Inequality, - Per Pinstrup-Andersen habilitation or some extra level of stability, Human Security and Ethnicity, Oxford University not only does the political attention go away

AP Images / Karel Prinsloo / Karel AP Images but so does the funding. There is a real is- Following violent protests in 2008, residents of Nairobi battle over maize group rather than another, between differ- naturally with lots of resources, that also sue here for the international community to distributed by the Kenyan Red Cross. ent ethnicities, between Tutus and Hutsis, creates other factors. help countries that have made the first step or between Catholics and Protestants, or One thing that we have to [keep] in away from conflict to actually help them between Christians and Muslims, different mind – you have the internal fault, mean- out of conflict – putting in place a process Poverty, Hunger, and Food Security in Crisis Areas divisions all over the world. ing the history of the country, the years of [that] is not going to go backwards again. dictatorship and mismanagement, and the Per Pinstrup-Andersen: Do empty stom- Frances, have you found strong causal If we look at any famine throughout Faida Mitifu: My country is a perfect exam- civil war. But you also have external factors. Stewart: I certainly agree that we neglect achs – poverty, hunger, food insecurity links between poverty and instability? And the world, we can be pretty sure there is ple of all the elements that Frances has just You have multinationals who took advan- post-conflict countries after a bit, but we – really contribute to instability and armed are the hunger hotspots more likely to be war. You just don’t get famines where there put [forth]. Political instability started not tage of the vacuum that had been created. need to think about the role of the inter- conflict? Intuitively, it seems to me the an- exposed to instability and armed conflict isn’t war, because in those situations, the recently – we can go back to 1991-1992, We had about six countries fighting on national community a little more critically. swer is yes. Together with a very unequal than other regions and countries? international community and governments when the country was trying to democratize Congolese soil, then right now we have the Because when countries are not in conflict, distribution of income, of land, and of do something about it. [But they] should its system, and the resistance of the former UN presence. That creates a very complex in many cases the policies are feeding into other material goods, [they] generate anger, Frances Stewart: There’s no question that do much more about people who are in the dictatorship. By that time, the country eco- situation. Yes, there is a role that the govern- later conflict. If we look at Rwanda pre- hopelessness, and a sense of unfairness and the worst forms of hunger in the world are middle of war and seeing that they get fed nomically was already in a very bad shape. ment ought to play to remediate this situ- genocide, the development community was a lack of social justice. I don’t believe there also [in] those countries at war. 50 percent of – and, even more important, that disease is Land management [was also] a crucial ation, but the international community as feeding resources into one side and not the can be any question. This, in turn, provides countries in conflict have very serious mal- controlled, because it is that combination of issue, particularly in the eastern part of the well – because if you look at all the reforms other and neglecting what was about to hap- a fertile ground for grievances and conflict, nutrition, and a much smaller proportion of disease and hunger which causes the mass country. Traditionally in the Congo, the that the government has been trying, they pen. If you look at the general development which can be exploited by individuals and countries which are not in conflict. It’s not deaths that we see so often. land belongs to the chief of the former king- are being implemented timidly because of policies that we adopt, they’re just insensi- groups with a desire to cause conflict, in- only that war disrupts production – it causes Does poverty cause war? The situa- doms. When the state comes in and starts other factors that are making them harder tive to these issues. cluding national and international terror- people to flee so they can no longer farm, tion is a little bit more complicated, be- regulating and moving people, that created to implement. Even when it comes to relief, the same ism. This is not to say that poor people are mines are put in the agricultural areas so that cause our work has shown that inequality resentment – in North Kivu, particularly, thing is true. In Sri Lanka, in some cases, terrorists; rather, that existing human mis- the land can no longer be farmed. But also, – in particular inequality between groups and then the issue moved to South Kivu. So Tom Arnold: There are circumstances agencies are very careful about being fair ery and perceived unfairness serve as a moral food is a weapon of war, deliberately with- – is at the root of so many conflicts. It’s you add to that political instability, issue[s] where you are reduced, if you like, as an among the groups, but in other cases they’re and political foundation for those who wish held from people; and governments no lon- not just hunger but unfair hunger; hun- with the justice system – you are creating a organization to responding on a purely hu- not. One of the causes of the resumption to promote armed conflict and terrorism. ger provide food if people are in need. ger [and] poverty which is unfairly on one vacuum, and in a country that is endowed manitarian needs-based approach, because of the conflict was the way the tsunami re- 20 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 21

are looking to enjoy the benefits of democ- Pinstrup-Ander- racy – and many times those benefits are not sen: [So] why are there. Especially in the context of increased governments not urbanization, where more and more people understanding this come to the city expecting the good life, and investing more which is not delivered by the new demo- in rural areas? cratic regimes; [this] high level of social ten- sion, consequently, can generate a certain Brathwaite: The amount of conflict. efforts in Brazil by President Lula, with Pinstrup-Andersen: But IICA is focused the Zero Hunger on agricultural development and poverty al- Program, are an ex- leviation in rural areas, and governments are cellent example of worried about food riots by the urban poor, tremendous prog- or the middle class. How do you square ress in reducing ru- “Does poverty cause war? The situation is a little that? Do governments in Latin America ral inequalities and “Community-level activity can have wider political complicated. Inequality is at the root of so many really care about what’s happening in rural poverty. Chile is an implications and benefits. We’ve seen in Ireland, over a “We are finding – take the case of Haiti – that poverty areas, or are they only worried about the ur- excellent example of conflicts. It’s not just hunger but unfair hunger; hunger contributes to social instability. Food insecurity could ban threat to their legitimacy? significant progress. 30-year period, that it’s not just high-end politics that’s [and] poverty which are unfairly on one group rather bring down any government. People will tolerate the They have reduced necessary for conflict resolution; it’s some of the social than another, between different ethnicities, between lack of transport or the lack of electricity, but they will Brathwaite: This is one of our basic con- poverty from 40 processes, frequently with women’s groups, that become different divisions all over the world.” not tolerate the lack of food.” cerns. In Latin America and the Caribbean, percent in 1990 to very important.” where 40 percent of the population is in 20 percent today, as - Frances Stewart - Chelston Brathwaite the rural area, many governments are only a result of enlight- - Tom Arnold spending about 6 percent of their national ened rural policy budgets. And we have made the case for in- and a social policy Afghanistan, Pakistani intelligence agencies lief was handled. It was not handled so that they need to be built upon. We are finding – take the case of Haiti creased investment to promote rural pros- that takes into consideration the small pro- and CIA joined forces together to push the each “side,” so to speak, could use that re- – that poverty contributes to social insta- perity; because many problems in the ur- ducer and links him to the market. Soviets out. All of a sudden the Americans lief but was channeled through the govern- Pinstrup-Andersen: Chelston, as [IICA] bility. We saw this last year when we had ban area have their origin in the rural area. That’s very important. One of the prob- left Pakistan in the lurch, decided to leave ment. The result was, in fact, a resumption prioritize[s] agricultural-development ef- the food crisis and there were riots on the People move to the city when there are no lems is that the small producers are not Afghanistan. But the mujahidin stayed of conflict. I absolutely agree with what forts, do you take into account the potential streets of Haiti because people did not have opportunities in the rural sector, and with linked to the marketplace. They don’t partic- back. They became rebels. Then there were Tom’s been saying, but we do need to realize impact on stability, efforts to avoid armed access to food. Food insecurity can be one unplanned migration, lack of water, lack of ipate in the supermarkets; they do not have refugees also on Pakistani soil, and the refu- that many times we’re actually contributing conflict? Do you pick the priorities and the of the triggers to political instability. It health care, lack of schools, lack of infra- fair prices; they do not have the technology gees didn’t have money. They were produc- to the problem rather than solving it. countries and the regions on that basis? Or could bring down any government. People structure, we create more social problems in to improve the quality of their product; they ing children, living in tents, and those kids do you assume that, once you get agricul- will tolerate the lack of transport or the the city. We could look at this in the con- do not have access to credit and irrigation. grew up in terrible poverty – no place, no Pinstrup-Andersen: It sounds like there the tural development, these other things will lack of electricity, but they will not tolerate text of Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil. There are So there is a need for rethinking the devel- shelter, no education. And then the only three of you tend to agree on that, that the fall into place by themselves? the lack of food. Therefore, it is critically many countries where increased urbaniza- opment model. hope there was to pick up the gun and international institutions and the behavior important that food security be seen as part tion is a threat to social peace. When I lived shoot all of us. And I think, in a way, they of them can be part of the problem. Can Chelston Brathwaite: In Latin America of national security. Because, at the end of in Mexico City, they told me that there are Pinstrup-Andersen: Instability in Pakistan were justified. Now, in our case, we are back they also be part of the solution, or would and the Caribbean, a significant constraint the day, if you do not have that political about 1,000 people that come to Mexico is very much in the news these days. What to square one. those of us from outside be better off just to development is the high levels of poverty stability, then development is not going to City every day and never go back. role does poverty, hunger, unequal income I do not blame the international com- staying home? and inequality. The Gini index, which is the take place. And governments have a critical So we promote an emphasis on rural distribution play in promoting that kind of munity entirely. They are helpful – but, measure of inequality between the rich and role to play in reducing inequality and the prosperity – not only agricultural develop- instability? unfortunately, our experience with inter- Arnold: Of course, the international com- the poor, over the years has not changed sub- potential for conflict. ment; we talk about agricultural jobs and national aid has been a dismal failure. Aid munity has to play a key role. And let’s be stantially in Latin America and the Carib- We have a very peculiar situation in nonagricultural jobs. We need to focus Malik Zahoor Ahmad: Frances said that comes, and with the aid you receive an army clear – there have been some positive moves bean. In fact, the Gini index of 0.5, which Latin America and the Caribbean where a more; almost 50 percent of the food pro- hunger is not always the problem that cre- of consultants. So maybe more than 50 per- in the area of humanitarian reform: ap- is high in relation to the rest of the world, is significant number of countries have- tak duced in many of our countries comes from ates instability. In Pakistan, the situation is cent of the money goes back to the original pointment of humanitarian coordinators the highest in the world in the countries of en the democratic route in the last decade family farms, not from large, commercial in fact very different from the situations that country of the aid. Then the other 50 per- to get a more coherent approach from the Latin America and the Caribbean. It is even – countries like Nicaragua, that used to farms. Look at countries like Colombia. If have come across in the discussion. Hunger, cent is gobbled up by the local bureaucracy UN; the funding situation has improved; higher than in sub-Saharan Africa. Poverty be ruled by dictators. And what has hap- you have high unemployment levels, that poverty creates instability. No doubt. But it and the system. And unfortunately, the and the whole business of clusters, which – in areas such as Haiti, Guatemala, in Hon- pened is not necessarily armed conflict but means you have a potential population for does not necessarily create militancy. And in money does not reach the ordinary man, get agencies, whether they be governmental duras, in Bolivia, in Paraguay, in Guyana social tension. As you move to democracy social unrest, for guerilla warfare, and for the Pakistani situation, hunger and poverty the farmer. The international community in or nongovernmental, working together. All – is significantly higher in some of the rural and people get the right to vote, that is not involvement in drugs. It is very important did not create militancy. It’s all politics. general, and the concerned country in par- of these are steps in the right direction, but communities than in sub-Saharan Africa. enough. People are looking for more, they that we see this as a nexus. Some 15 years ago in Soviet-occupied ticular, need to focus sharply to make that 22 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 23

right. But what We are witnessing – particularly in the been made, and There is the productive capacity of the is more critical eastern part of the country – [that] the lon- translate them country; there’s also the humanitarian re- to understand ger the conflict takes place, the more there is into real action? lief. The world is looking at a different way is that interna- a system that escapes from the central gov- That has to be of how one makes the transformation from tional money is ernment, from the central authority. And translated down humanitarian relief to development. And not going to have the longer NGOs stay, because they have to institutional that is the same transformation one makes the impact that buying power, there is a rise in the cost of change at coun- from instable states to stable, moving from it should unless living. Whereas the general population has try level, down a mining of the economy – “Get out what- you have the ab- absolutely no power. And this is creating to real communi- ever you can get out as quick as you can, sorptive capacity tension, so we might see another problem ties, down to real because it’s instable” – to a sustainable use in the countries emerging beyond what exists already. improvement of the elements of the economy. to channel that In Goma, in Bukavu, you have the ru- in people’s lives, money to the di- ral population displaced because of the vio- new ways of peo- Brathwaite: With respect to indigenous rect beneficiaries. lence taking place in the rural areas, where ple working to- knowledge – we have established a leader- That is where we agricultural products are supposed to come gether – NGOs, ship center for agriculture in our institute to are lacking in from. People have abandoned their fields. governments, develop leaders, not only at the level of the “Our experience with international aid has been a dismal our development You have urban areas beyond capacity – they “The longer conflict takes place, the more there is a system private sector. ministers of agriculture but at the commu- failure. With aid, you receive an army of consultants, so paradigm. absolutely are very poor, and they have to that escapes from the central government. In [Congo] you nity level, at the level of the NGOs, at the Pinstrup-An- maybe 50 percent of the money goes back to the [donor] At the na- compete in the market with the UN, with have population displaced because of the violence in rural intermediate levels of government. If you tional level, de- NGOs, and so forth. And they cannot af- dersen: I know can involve those local leaders in the process country. The other 50 percent is gobbled up by local velopment orga- ford anything – the cost of living has gone areas. People have abandoned their fields. You have urban we have high- of project development, then you’re going bureaucracy. And the money does not reach the farmer.” nizations need way too high because of the long presence of areas beyond capacity, and the cost of living has gone way level represen- to get local and indigenous knowledge to be to do more to the international community. too high because of the long presence of the international tatives from a part of the process. - Malik Zahoor Ahmad help build capac- community. This is creating tension, so we might see the U.S. gov- ity – not to give Stewart: I wanted to comment partly about another problem emerging beyond what exists already.” ernment, from Mitifu: There is a great deal of hope in money specifi- Pakistan. I had the honor of working with USAID. And Africa. Within NEPAD the African lead- money reach the ordinary farmer. cally for projects, but to help build national a great Pakistani, Dr. Mahbub ul Haq. [In - Faida Mitifu I have a ques- ers have developed this vision on develop- It’s better that money is spent on educa- capacity and to convince national govern- the 1970s] he was continuously saying that tion I’d like to ing agriculture in Africa, CAADP. And it tion, on health, on agriculture in particular, ments that they too must put some money so little was going to social expenditures address to [Dr. involves everybody – at the political level, because in the tribal areas of Afghanistan in. Because if governments don’t put money – so much was going to military expendi- themselves. I personally believe you have to Franklin Moore]. All this wonderful rheto- the private sector, NGOs, and also at the and Pakistan, we do need to keep people in and depend on international assistance, ture. Land reform was so needed. And this build up governments, not destroy them. ric that Tom is mentioning – is this going community level. And I think that’s a very engaged, create more jobs. Then they defi- what happens as soon as the international really brings us to the critical issue: It wasn’t to be translated into real money and real good ground for working with the commu- nitely would enjoy the benefits of prosper- assistance finishes? We’re back to square changed by aid. Huge amounts of aid went Arnold: If there’s one legacy from the food- action? [And] should a lot more interna- nity to develop this capacity. We hope, since ity – at least some kind of livelihood where one. We’ve put a lot of money into Haiti in. Nobody changed it. It’s the politics of price crisis of last year, it is a much broader tional development assistance be focused on it has been endorsed by the G8, that a great they’re able to survive. Then, I’m sure, 80 without seeing significant progress, because change that is absolutely fundamental. If understanding that there is a connection avoiding armed conflict and instability and deal of this money will go towards commu- percent of the people would, instead of we have not built the institutions and the we look at those countries in Latin Amer- between food security and political stabil- getting rid of the instability that we have? nity development and how to reinforce this picking up the gun, try to live a decent liv- capacity to absorb and to utilize the money ica which were successful – they didn’t just ity. That’s [what] we really need to focus community, which has knowledge, but un- ing, make money, and become peaceful citi- in productive ways. suddenly appear with good social policies; on – what are the opportunities that this Franklin Moore (deputy assistant admin- fortunately they don’t have the capacity. zens of their country. they had years of political struggle by peo- changed perception of the importance of istrator for Africa, US Agency for Interna- [The U.S., Pakistan and Afghanistan] Mitifu: In the case of Congo in particular, ple themselves, and not by outsiders telling food security provides? tional Development): In focusing the mon- Stewart: [This] is an opportunity. We’ve have started trilateral talks for mutual eco- there have been some missed opportunities. them what to do but by people themselves. We have commitments at the level of ey, one of the critically important things is had many opportunities. And I think this nomic cooperation. What we are trying to When the country was going through the At the very minimum, we can support the G8. It’s not clear how they’re going to governance and the aspect of countries who refers to the comment – should we address do is, instead of leaving things to the whims transition process that preceded the elec- the conditions in which people themselves be going into effect. We have a very im- are able and willing to put some of their our policies towards fragile, pre-fragile so- and caprices of the politicians and civil ser- tion, that was a crucial time to start build- will develop a political struggle. I think that portant commitment in the United States, own funds into agricultural and rural devel- cieties? It’s clear that we should address our vants, we are picking up 50 percent of peo- ing capacity at the institutional level but means that they have reasonable health, the food-security initiative; how that’s to be opment. Initially one has to concentrate on policies to all countries. And if we look at ple from the private sector, the other 50 from also at the grassroots level. And that was education; if possible, they have jobs. And put into place is one of the next big chal- those countries who have, from the bottom Pakistan, it was not fragile in the 1970s, the public sector, and we are requesting them missed. The UN has been present in the agricultural development certainly has a lenges. There’s a very interesting emerging up, included the private sector, the govern- but we should then have been having just to come up and tell us – how can we reach Congo since 2000. And the UN spends at large part to play there, but we need to cre- consensus among international donors and ment, civil society [groups] who are saying, policies, fair policies, and so on. So I would the ordinary man in that country? least $1 billion every year. We need to move ate a situation in which local people can multilateral agencies about the importance “Here are the changes that need to take like to end saying that we should definitely from the humanitarian aspect and start take control of the situation. They should be of child malnutrition and doing something place in rural life, and here is what moves us address all countries and try to have equi- Brathwaite: With respect to the costs of in- building capacity, moving towards sustain- empowered in the sense that governments about it. That’s an initiative that needs to be to a more productive life, and here are the table development. ternational interventions, that a significant able development, and helping the country should provide them with good services supported. institutions that need to be in place.” amount of the money is spent on consultants build its own military capable of protecting and so on. And then they will seize power So how do we capitalize on this oppor- I think one clearly starts with stable and absorbed by the bureaucracy, [you’re] its people and its borders. themselves. Then they will begin to organize tunity, on the high-level statements that have states. But there are two pieces to that. 24 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 25

“The next Green Revolution has to be greener than the first. It must Bill Gates be guided by smallholder farmers, adapted to local circumstances, and Co-Chair, sustainable for the economy and the environment.” The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

On one side is a technological approach need them. that increases productivity. On the other I hope that the debate over productivity side is an environmental approach that pro- will not slow the distribution of these seeds. motes sustainability. Productivity or sus- I also hope the debate does not obscure a tainability – they say you have to choose. critical lesson from the past: Developing I believe it’s a false choice, and it’s danger- more productive seeds is just one element ous for the field. It will block important of an overall strategy. advances. It breeds hostility among people We take that lesson very seriously. who need to work together. And it makes That’s why the foundation’s investments it hard to launch a comprehensive program are guided by two principles. We focus on to help poor farmers. We need both pro- small farmers, and we make investments ductivity and sustainability, and I believe we across the value chain. We try to see our in- can have both. vestments through the eyes of small farmers Many environmental voices have rightly – will they lead to better yield, better soil, a highlighted the excesses of the original Green better living, a better income? Revolution. They warn against the problems In this global movement, it’s crucial of too much irrigation or fertilizer. They cau- that everyone play a role – but Africa must tion against the consolidation of farms that lead. In 2004, African heads of state met could crowd out smallholders. in Maputo and pledged 10 percent of their These are important points, and they national budgets to agriculture. Countries they’ve developed to the needs of the small underscore the crucial fact that the next from Ethiopia to Malawi to Ghana are farmer. The crops are different; fertilizers Green Revolution has to be greener than showing the way. need to adapt to the soils; the seed pack- the first. It must be guided by smallholder Ghana has met the 10 percent pledge, ages need to be 1 kilogram, not 50. Some farmers, adapted to local circumstances, and its success demonstrates why others of these products need to be royalty-free, and sustainable for the economy and the should as well. Ghana’s agriculture sector is or many customers won’t be able to afford Supporting the World’s Poorest Farmers environment. growing at a steady rate of over 5 percent. them. The environment benefits from higher GDP is rising; national poverty rates are Food companies can provide markets When we started our foundation, we agreed that productivity. When productivity is too low, dropping; rural poverty rates are dropping for small farmers by turning to them as sup- the principle driving our priorities should be that people start farming on grazing land, cutting even more. Ghana is now the first sub-Sa- pliers. A number of corporate partners are all lives have equal value, that every person deserves down forests, using any new acreage they can haran country to reach the Millennium making impressive contributions, and we a chance to live a healthy and productive life. Our to grow food. When productivity is high, Development Goal of cutting hunger and need others to join them. search for the greatest leverage brought us to those people can farm on less land. poverty in half. There is no reason for so many farmers people who live on less than a dollar a day. They face Some people insist on an ideal vision The Alliance for a Green Revolution in to be so hungry and so poor. Poor farmers huge difficulties. How can they get some traction so of the environment – divorced from people Africa, led by Kofi Annan, is pushing for are not a problem to be solved; they are the that their daily struggle leads to a better life? and their circumstances. They have tried to these kinds of advances across the continent. solution – the best answer for a world that is A key answer is in the work they do. Three- restrict the potential use of biotechnology in Unfortunately, most African countries have fighting hunger and poverty, and trying to quarters of the world’s poorest people get their food sub-Saharan Africa without regard to how not yet met the 10 percent pledge. Is there feed a growing population. and income by farming small plots of land. So if we much hunger and poverty might be reduced any reason not to find 10 percent of your If farmers can get what they need to can make those smallholder farmers more produc- by it, or what the farmers themselves might budget for the highest-leverage approach to feed their families and sell their surplus, tive and have more profit, we can have a dramatic want. Some voices are instantly hostile to the biggest problem the poor face? hundreds of millions of the world’s poorest impact on hunger and poverty. any emphasis on productivity. They act as if Rich countries have also pledged invest- people can build themselves a better life. Helping the poorest smallholder farmers grow there is no emergency – even though in the ment in agriculture. The G20 made a $22 It will take passion and focus and a sus- more crops and get them to market is the world’s poorest, hungriest places on Earth, popula- billion pledge to help the poorest farmers tained sense of urgency. It will take a willing- single-most powerful lever for reducing hunger tion is growing faster than productivity, and increase their productivity. It’s a great thing ness to put aside old divisions and come to- and poverty. the climate is changing. that donor nations are focusing on this. gether behind this cause. We have the ability The food crisis has forced hunger higher on the We need to take full advantage of these We also need foundations, universities, to build these tools. We know what needs to world’s agenda. But the global effort to help small Panjiar / Prashant Foundation Gates & Melinda Bill emerging technologies to develop healthy the UN, the World Bank, scientists, farmer be done. We can be the generation that sees farmers is endangered by an ideological wedge that Gates stated that agriculture in poor areas is “the world’s single-most powerful lever for new crop varieties – and we need to make groups, and others to intensify support. Re- Dr. [Norman] Borlaug’s dream fulfilled – a threatens to split the movement in two. reducing hunger and poverty.” the seeds available to the small farmers who search companies can apply the technology world free of hunger. 26 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 27 Q&A: Bill Gates and Gebisa Ejeta Following Bill Gates’s keynote address, he was joined by 2009 World Food Prize Laureate Gebisa Ejeta for a wide- ranging discussion on how to implement agricultural development, specifically in Africa.

Gebisa Ejeta: You’ve earned in the minds of of the new technology is quite substantial; up in terms of the acronyms and the differ- many Africans the power to bring people, it’s significant productivity differences that ent agencies, it’s not as clear-cut as if you tell particularly African leaders, to the table for can make the difference between starving or the success stories. In health, we did a book earnest commitment and dedication to bring having a reasonable amount of food. like this called Millions Saved about new their resources and their policy decisions for The different projects that are going vaccines or skilled birth attendants, and the cause of agriculture and development. on – the sweet potato, the drought-resis- that really galvanized things. So we brought You have eloquently described the need for tant maize – in the next two or three years, that same lesson of – bring more people to people to get together and do this. Would there will be seeds that are adapted to Afri- the party through the good news, the suc- you and Melinda be willing to engage with can conditions available to use. And then cess story. leaders of Africa in this kind of dialogue? you look at the experience if you have good scientific review, if you register things in a Ejeta: These problems are getting complex. Bill Gates: It’s certainly our goal to do that. careful way. [Then] countries can make the This holistic approach is really necessary: And it’ll take several different forms. There’s sovereign decision to say, “Okay, we’re tak- an integrated approach, as you indicated, a lot of research that needs to be funded ing a very modest risk here, based on what’s bringing people together. [With] Kofi An- that’s not country-specific, like the great been done.” Then it moves forward and you nan, you can knock on anybody’s door and work that you did that is more crop-spe- have the success stories. get attention from Africa leaders. cific. Not just our foundation, but all the We need more benefit. We need to pick rich-world governments, World Bank – we the big problems and solve those, using Gates: That’s the great thing about the lead-

need to provide more support to those hori- these tools; that’s what’s underway now. I ership at AGRA and having Kofi involved. Butler / Adam AP Images zontal activities. am an optimist about technology. There’s a They’re in Africa, they know the leaders. As An Afghan security guard protects the field of a local farmer. We also need to help build capacity constant dialogue: are we mapping the tech- things are being done well, they can make – the number of PhDs, the people trained nology to the particular needs of the small- sure the right praise and reinforcement is in agricultural science – and make sure that holder? [Are we] solving the right problem? there. If agricultural budgets are still pretty Intelligence and Security Perspectives on Agriculture those people by and large are going into We’re willing to try out different things. disappointing, they can in a very construc- these national agricultural planning. As that The way milk is pasteurized; there might be tive, appropriate way push for those things capacity is built up, we have to show that a better way to do that. Vaccines for animals to be done well. We get the leverage as we’ve Mathew Burrows: Resource issues – food is learn from the recent and ongoing food we’re simply backing the national plan. – a lot of animal diseases devastate small- been able to back great people and show obviously one of the biggest ones – are now crisis. [One] is the impact of the crisis on Participants The ideal is to see almost competition holders that invest in their animals, and it’s them what can be done. rising up to the top of the national priorities. households. The second is, how do govern- between governments, in order that their a key part of their income. If you can im- And that has been a function of events, the ments and non-governmental organizations Mathew Burrows program is a leading program. If you can prove the health of those animals, that can Ejeta: One of the weakest institutions in 2008 food crisis; but also about trying to cast respond to the crisis? And to what extent Counselor, build up the standard of excellence, and have an incredible payback. There are ways Africa is the private sector. While Kofi An- our analytic vision out 15-20 years, in order have these responses sown the seeds for fu- National Intelligence Council learn from each other, then you can get a of gathering water, which will be more im- nan can affirm the value of public institu- to begin to think about those problems [and] ture conflict? very positive dynamic going. Certainly we’ve portant over time. tions and the commitment of government so that we can begin to tackle those problems We don’t really take time to understand Raymond Gilpin seen that in India, where you have states We have a pretty high threshold to meet. to development, you have the credibility to early on. Our hope is when we identify these how higher food prices ratcheted up domes- Associate Vice President, competing with each other to try and be the We’re trying to get smallholders to have twice speak about the power of the private sector problems, that policymakers will turn their tic spending, particularly among the poor, place that the latest things get done. And we as much output at a time when the climate is in catalyzing that kind of activity in Africa. attention and take action now. and led not just to income poverty in rural United States Institute of Peace can see the very beginning of that in Africa. going to make that more difficult. In Africa, areas, but asset poverty. The asset poverty getting inputs in is harder; you don’t have Gates: If the private sector is unleashed, it Raymond Gilpin: These days when we made it impossible for most of the house- Dennis McGinn Ejeta: You also called for people with dif- the roads [or] the number of people with ex- can do amazing things. Government poli- think about food security, we are dazzled holds to remain in the rural areas and led to Vice Admiral, ferent opinions to come together around a pertise. So I’m often cautioned not to think cies have to enable that to happen. It’s both by the numbers. We think about trillions mass migration out of the breadbaskets of United States Navy (ret.) shared vision of agricultural development. that what happened in the Green Revolution the local private sector, and then it’s other in terms of budget deficits, many billions most countries. This not only accentuated What would it take to get that achieved? will be nearly as easily achieved. And yet we private sectors actors coming into Africa, in terms of bailouts, and billions in terms poverty but also made it a lot more difficult have to conquer those things. making investments as well. We’re starting of world poverty and hunger. That desensi- for these countries to have prospects for be- Last year [saw] a number of riots; in Gates: This will be most concrete as people We have the book out called Millions to see the beginnings of that with a lot of tizes us to the human-security dimension of ing able to feed themselves in the outer years. many countries people lost their lives. But actually see the progress in the new sci- Fed, which can take the success stories and responsible companies. global hunger. [And] displacement of population in itself it was relatively easy for most governments ence. People have to know that the benefit get people to understand. If you bring these There are many things that we could constitutes a human-security challenge. to quell these riots, because they blamed it 28 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 29

on a global phenomenon: rising commodity we don’t have an initiative that starts laying So these are daunting challenges. They water that falls in that part of the world and Burrows: All of us were in agreement that prices. This will be a lot more difficult when the foundation for sustainable increases in constitute scenarios. One would be the ef- storing it, so that you don’t have torrential food, the food crisis, other resource issues are the seeds of the bad policy responses that productivity, improving market access, fect of not enough water in critical regions floods rushing down four key rivers – the now center-stage in national-security think- some countries adopted come back to roost. improving affordability, and making sure of the world. The Middle East [has] about 6 Ganges, the Indus, the Yellow and Yangtze. ing. How is that beginning to change the Then it will become a real national problem that the infrastructure to connect produc- percent of the world’s population, 2 percent And, a temperatures increase and the glacier military in their actions and their thinking? and will have a lot more tension – and more tion to market is available and functioning of potable water. There are mechanisms in snow and ice melt, they provide a relatively likely there will be violence associated with – we’re going to see the kind of problems place now that allow a fairly decent inter- reliable source of critical water for agricul- McGinn: The Naval Energy Forum in competition for these resources, and which that I mentioned. government management of this critical ture in all of those nations. Washington was convened to look at what will take political coloring. And for those In the globalized trading environment, water supply. But if you add the effects of With predictions of climate change and the energy challenges and energy opportu- reasons, the household implications of the there’s a very strong role for the internation- drought, in some cases overlaying on signif- shrinkage of the Himalayan glaciers, you can nities were for the Department of the Navy food crisis are important. al community. This is a unique opportunity icant political factors and religious factors, get a scenario in which the water in the rivers in a climate-change, carbon-constrained Some governments adopted postures where we could hold the G8 to account. you have a recipe for some very, very signifi- becomes seasonal. Imagine what this will do world. They took the approach that you that were protectionist, which cut global L’Aquila is a very bold step; the $20-22 bil- cant instability in an area that is known for to the ability to produce reliable crops, to use can’t look at just one aspect, energy security, supplies and caused prices to spike. Others lion that has been pledged is important. But strife and conflict. water for all of the human needs of tens of without considering climate change and its had domestic responses that are costly, like we need to ask – How much of that is new Bangladesh has been ravaged over the millions of people in that critical area of the effects on international stability. subsidies and tax and income policies that money? When is it going to be disbursed? years by typhoons coming from the Bay of world – which, like many areas of the world, In August, the commandant of the Ma- would probably in outer years become sig- Where will it be targeted? How effective will Bengal. These have the effect of inundating has a history of existing tensions. rine Corps held an energy summit – first Burrows nificant fiscal burdens. From a nongovern- it be? And how could we, as private citizens, coastal croplands and fisheries with surges ever in Washington. mental response, a number of commercial measure that progress? from the typhoons and have knocked out The focus was, how investors turned their attention to large- at least one growing season’s worth of food can we lighten the scale food [and] agricultural production, Dennis McGinn: The trends and indica- supply. In 1991, right after the first Gulf “We talk about the food crisis in ’08, [but] from our expeditionary load which lent itself to “land grabbing.” This tors and warnings [are] quite clear – some- War, the U.S. military conduct[ed] a mas- analysis we see that happening [again], because of some for our marines and could result in a lot of smallholders being thing [is] happening significant to our sive operation called “Sea Angel” to feed longer-term trends that are going to continue to put soldiers in places dispossessed, crowded out of the markets, climate. Not only is climate change hap- and provide water and essential medical at- pressure on prices. It’s not as if this is going to be a one- like Afghanistan, so and displaced. That is another seed of con- pening but, increasingly, the evidence is tention to tens of thousands, perhaps hun- off event; to try to prevent that in the future is a very that we don’t have flict and violence. that the economic activity of mankind is dreds of thousands, of people devastated by to be as reliant on Our focus should be on ways to be a lot contributing significantly. one of these typhoons. important goal.” the long and vulner- more conflict-sensitive in our approaches to The effects of climate change - –pro If you project into the future, because - Mathew Burrows able fuel convoys global hunger, such that in responding to longed drought; too much water in the form of climate change and global warming, that we paid such a events we don’t create more problems for of torrential rains or typhoons, hurricanes; you can imagine that the typhoons would dear price for in real the outer years than we have right now. disease factors; loss of shelter; loss of food be greater. There could be an effect of sea- money terms but production capability; perhaps significant level rise; I don’t worry as much about that The energy aspect of this has two di- more importantly, in lives and wounded Burrows: You pointed out governments rising sea level; certainly rising tempera- in the near term as I do temperature of the mensions. One is that our use of energy, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines? taking ill-advised moves; how do we prevent tures, not only of the air and land but of oceans. Increased temperature of the ocean primarily based on fossil fuel across the At the very top level, the Department of that? Country by country, trying to educate water as well, the Earth’s ocean – [are] going equals much more intense and much more globe, and growing demand will create Defense and the Central Intelligence Agen- Gilpin leaders on the longer-term consequences of to act as a threat multiplier on instability in frequent storms. And in the case of Bangla- more greenhouse gases and accelerate and cy are very, very credible, conservative orga- these measures? Or is there some broader critical regions of the world. desh, these storms could wipe out not just magnify the effects of climate change. On nizations that are addressing climate change global policy move that we should be tak- If you take a look around the world to- one growing season’s worth of food supply the other hand, if we continue to rely exclu- and the potential solutions to deal with this ing? We talk about the food crisis in ’08, day as we know it, there exist longstanding but several years’ [worth]. Recognizing that sively on non-sustainable, fossil-fuel-based in the context of energy security as well. [but] from our analysis we see that happen- fault lines. Fault lines, tension along politi- with millions of people affected over a peri- sources of energy, we will have greatly in- As the U.S. military changes its focus ing [again], because of some longer-term cal, ethnic, religious, economic lines that ex- od of months, perhaps years, there’s going to creased competition, which will eventually and reliance on fossil fuel – and this will take trends that are going to continue to put ist and in some cases have ongoing conflict. be tremendous pressure for mass migration, lead to conflict over these critical and dwin- decades, but it is already starting – and we pressure on prices. It’s not as if this is going If you take the effects of climate change, probably to the northwest towards India. dling supplies. start relying on sustainable energy not just to be a one-off event; to try to prevent that you can anticipate that the intensity of these And the lines of tension that exist there to- The opportunity lies in the fact that in bases and stations and installations here in the future is a very important goal. fault lines, the duration, the frequency, are day would be greatly exacerbated. The scale global climate change is affecting the com- in the United States but in areas in which all going to increase. It will place pressure of human suffering, the scale of potential for mons of our Earth, and we have a common we operate, we are going to create an op- Gilpin: I absolutely agree. This is an ongo- on social structures and governments that greater instability, would be enormous. enemy. A common enemy tends to bring portunity to bring electricity, in the form of ing crisis; it is not a one-off. Addressing it will cause, in many cases, fragile govern- Also in South Asia, in the Hindu Kush, people together, bring nations together. And renewable energy, in places where there isn’t requires a coordinated and comprehensive ments to become failed governments. Into we are seeing a retreat of glaciers, as we are we have the opportunity to cooperate [to] any or there isn’t much. As the operations approach. The problems of global hunger this vacuum of power will rush people with in every continent of the world – in North prevent, mitigate, and adapt to the effects of conclude, working with nongovernmental are very complex. They’re linked to political, extreme ideas about what the solutions American, including Alaska; in the Andes climate change – which will create relation- organizations, the governments of the na- social, technological and economic issues. should be. And you have a recipe for inter- in South America; in Europe in the Alps. ships and processes by which we can address tions in which the military would operate Knee-jerk fiscal responses might grant nal and external mischief in the form of, for The Himalayas and their glaciers act as a other challenges that, perhaps, haven’t had in cooperation, we’d be able to leave behind you a very, very temporary reprieve. But if example, terrorism. huge water reservoir, capturing a lot of the those relationships and those policies. a footprint of electricity that would improve McGinn 30 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 31 the preservation of medicine, the preserva- and the south. And it’s amazing to see how ered in Pennsylvania, that the only way that tion of food, and, most importantly, would adaptable they have become in very trying you can get economic growth and improve allow the production of water either from circumstances. The same could be said for your quality of life is through using fossil wells or the production and purification of food farmers worldwide: Granted the op- fuel. We cannot sustain that. We can move existing water. And [where] you have water, portunity, granted access to technology and to a higher quality of life, eradication of you have agriculture. It can literally make the possibility of free and fair trade in the hunger and poverty, using a different -ap a huge contribution – just, in the military global environment, they’re able to rise to proach that focuses on that key word, sus- sense, working in a civic way – to addressing the challenge. tainability: sustainable energy production, some of the problems of poverty and starva- So my two points to the President would sustainable farming. tion that we see around the world. be, one, let’s have sustained and targeted en- If we were to go back to the end gagement; and secondly, let’s make sure that of the Cold War, Eastern Europe and the Burrows: Sometimes in the intelligence the trade aspect is corrected. Because there’s Warsaw Pact countries wanted to have a community, if you’re going on an elevator, a a lot that we could do at the global level to world-class telecommunications capability. fairly fast-speed elevator up, you have about make it easier for countries to trade. We gen- They could have done what had been done 30 seconds to tell the President something erally think about assistance being dropped in Western Europe, the United States, and – what would it be on the food crisis? What in, but if we are able to empower a lot of the other places in the developed world and steps does the government really need to communities and individuals, they would simply strung lots of telephone poles and focus on? be able to feed themselves. I don’t think it’s copper wire just the way that we did. But so much about “millions fed,” but it’s about they didn’t, because there were better tech- Gilpin: Two things – productivity and millions being able to feed themselves. That’s nological tools available, called “wireless.” market access. The admiral mentioned cli- what we really want to do. They achieved in a very, very short period mate change as a “common enemy.” I think of time a world-class ability to communicate that it’s a misnomer because I don’t think McGinn: In terms of climate change repre- with all the productivity and quality of life we’ve thought deeply enough about how or senting a common enemy, Mother Nature that accrued from that. The same thing can whether or not climate change is a common doesn’t care about politics, doesn’t care about be done by providing the right kind of tech- enemy. For the farmer in Southeast Asia public-private partnerships. Mother Nature nology for sustainable energy and all of the who has to feed his or her family, cutting is going to do what Mother Nature is going benefits that accrue from having affordable, down trees to plant food is a survival issue, to do. It is up to us that care more about sustainable, clean, renewable energy. “While we focus on the negative impacts of climate change, it’s also important to provide alternatives for people. but then is a climate-change When we remove polluting technology [from a farmer in Africa], we should make it a lot more affordable and issue. For a small producer in Burrows: This is a quite criti- easier for less-polluting technology to be available. Quite often – because we usually think of these things in a village in Africa, wanting to cal issue. Whether climate aggregated terms – we lose sense of what’s happening at the household and the personal level.” generate some electricity for his change is a challenge or oppor- or her crop, his or her farm, to “I would start with the U.S. Congress and say, “Pass tunity, I am not as sanguine - Raymond Gilpin do some processing, running a legislation that puts a price on carbon.” Let’s get on on getting technology in place polluting generator is a survival as fast as we need it. That will issue, not necessarily a climate- with it. It will accelerate the transformation to a new be one problem. The other is mitigate the effects of climate change that countries. But it’s going to cost the poorer Internet and developed global positioning change issue. energy economy, with all of the benefits that accrue, that tendency – particularly are already underway. countries who are the largest polluters a lot system. Think about what those two inven- While we focus on the neg- with a tremendous ability to at least mitigate the effects on issues like food, water, and Let’s be a true international leader and more to come up to speed than the richer tions have done to transform the way we ative impacts of climate change, of climate change that are already underway.” other vital resource issues – to partner at the same time. We need to lead as countries. There should be some accom- operate as individuals, as businesses, as na- it’s also important to contextu- put up a protection of barriers, the world’s largest economy and the world’s modation for the poorer and more fragile tions. For any sustainable-energy or energy- alize it in a manner that pro- - Dennis McGinn in an effort to get through the largest user of fossil fuel. But we need to lead countries to have assistance to increase the efficiency technologies that are developed vides alternatives for people. So short term, even though that with the sense that it must be a cooperative uptake of cleaner technology, and to be able by any part of the government – DOE or when we remove the polluting oftentimes undermines your effort. As important as Copenhagen is, we’ve to make the transition away from the most Defense or other parts – we need to get that technology, we should make it a lot more what Mother Nature does and how we can position over the longer run. So we could got to set a much, much better and positive harmful paths. type of impact. But we need to do it not in affordable and easier for less-polluting tech- create an environment in which sustainabil- face a world of competition over resources, framework across key national lines – espe- many, many decades, as it took the Internet nology to be available at the farm-gate level. ity is the organizing principle – not just at a very ugly one, and we have to realize that cially the world’s largest greenhouse-gas pro- Burrows: Transfer of technology to poor or GPS, but much, much more quickly, and Ditto deforestation and other aspects of the supra-government level but, as Dr. Gil- in order to avoid it. ducers with the largest economies. and developing states will be key. This is remove the barriers to doing that. Because global warming. Quite often – because we pin says, right down to the individual farm- something that in the developed world is it is in all of our interest to have these types usually think of these things in aggregated er, or individual in a large urban setting. McGinn: I would start with the U.S. Con- Gilpin: Being a true international partner going to be hard for us to get over, in part of tools in hands of people where it will do terms – we lose sense of what’s happening at We need to use large organizations gress and say, “Pass legislation that puts a is difficult because foreign assistance is a -po because this means changing IPR and other the most good. the household and the personal level. and rich governments to help provide the price on carbon.” Let’s get on with it. It will litical instrument in itself. We should rec- issues to allow this effect of transfer. Last year, I spent a while in the Demo- tools to do that. But we need to break this accelerate the transformation to a new en- ognize our shared interest and our shared cratic Republic of Congo, doing a survey paradigm that we’ve been living with since ergy economy, with all of the benefits that humanity, because climate change is going McGinn: DARPA – the Defense Advanced of 1,000 small businesses in the northeast 1854 in this country, when oil was discov- accrue, with a tremendous ability to at least to have implications for both rich and poor Research Projects Agency – developed the 32 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 33

world – feeding ourselves. But Jeffrey Sachs its effects are at the center of the Director, global challenge. And I’d say that The Earth Institute, Columbia University the food sector has lost the pub- lic’s confidence in food safety, in the healthfulness of the food that we eat, in the environmental im- pacts of food. Wrongly, I believe, [the public] has lost confidence in GMOs. People think sometimes that organic food could feed the world, which it manifestly could not. But on the other hand, there has been no solution to the damages that come from having to use 100 million tons plus of fertilizer. And there is a campaign for local foods that is widespread. Again, totally un- derstandable, deeply misguided – there’s no way that the planet “The food industry is the number-one sector of greenhouse-gas emissions in the can feed itself with local foods. world... One-third, roughly, of all greenhouse-gas emissions [come] from the But this is an objective sense food sector.” of how far the industry is from public confidence right now persuasively, that our beef consumption is – I don’t think anybody has – as to how 1.8 that’s needed. so high that it is highly deleterious to our billion people in sub-Saharan Africa could be The food industry [needs] to address human health. gainfully employed and healthy in 2050. We directly and head-on that the food sector We’re a globally urban society. We need are on an absolutely unsustainable popula- is the leading anthropogenic driver of cli- access to safe and healthy foods, which we tion path. Food at the Center of Global Crisis mate change. There needs to be massive don’t have. We need healthy fast foods. And We cannot go on the way we’re going. spending on adaptation for places hard we need to control the vast amount of waste And we need the food industry to say it We are at a graver challenge on food other energy sources. There’s every indica- the carbon dioxide of fossil-fuel use in food hit by climate change. [We need to] seri- of our food supply, because we’re throw- first and foremost, because we cannot do than we’ve been at for many decades. The tion that those energy prices are going to production, the methane from our rice pad- ously move to agro-ecology on many fronts ing away 40 or 50 percent of the food that this without the food industry’s leadership. challenge is even more complicated now remain high into the future. That pervades dies and livestock, and the nitrous oxides – how water is used, how tillage systems are comes into the cities. I’ve worked with a lot of industries over than at the start of the Green Revolution. the food-production system from fertilizers that come from nitrogen-based fertilizers, changed – to address the past 25 years. I’m a be- The food sector, the single-largest sector of to energy inputs for farming and, of course, which we absolutely need to feed the plan- these other anthro- liever in globalization. I am the world economy, is at the heart of mul- the processing and distribution. et but are a major independent source of pogenic drivers. “We cannot go on the way we’re going. And we need the food a booster of capitalism. But tiple intersecting crises. We have a world of climate shocks that greenhouse-gas forcings. One-third, rough- The conversion of industry to say it first and foremost, because we cannot do this I also believe that when an We’re not winning the battle against clearly is not simply a run of bad luck. The ly, of all greenhouse-gas emissions [come] our corn into ethanol without the food industry’s leadership.” industry doesn’t take these global hunger, that’s for sure. Even less are droughts in India this year pushed up pulse from the food sector. makes no sense from problems face-on, it leads we winning the battle against global mal- and sugar prices to highs that have perco- Food is the number-one driver of habi- a greenhouse-gas di- to disaster. This is a power- nourishment. FAO has just estimated that lated throughout the international system. tat loss for other species. The food industry rection, an economic direction, an ecologi- We need a strategy for nutrition for ful lobby. And this industry could lobby its we’ve breached 1 billion chronically hungry Droughts in grain production in recent is the source of the nitrogen and phospho- cal direction. To compete with the world early childhood development. We’re losing way just to [General Motors]’s success. You people. We have another 2 billion people years have done the same. We face an abso- rous loading that we know in the Gulf of food system, when there are no discernible children all over the world, including in the can be so powerful that you lobby your way suffering significant, continuous micronu- lutely unsolved challenge of water. And the Mexico as “the dead zone.” Now science has gains in any event on the environment side, United States, because if brain development to bankruptcy. And this industry is power- trient deficiencies. We have at least 1 billion food sector is by far the leading consumer of shown about 130 significant hypoxic zones does not make sense. is not supported from ages 0 to 3, you never ful enough to do that. people suffering from obesity. That adds up freshwater around the world. in estuaries on virtually every populated riv- We’re going to have to address dietary recoup that. And that’s a lifelong cost. So I want to close by appealing to the to more than 4 billion people out of 6.8 bil- The food industry is the number-one er system around the world. The food indus- issues, which underpin many of these crises. We need a population policy, like Norm industry to understand and take on the fact lion who are severely malnourished. sector of greenhouse-gas emissions in the try stands at the center of fisheries depletion, A kilogram of beef requires up to 16 kilo- Borlaug said back in 1971. World population that the sector is at the core of the unsus- We’re in the middle of an acute food world. Around 18 percent of greenhouse- mangrove destruction, wetlands drainage, grams of grain input. The water, fertilizer, is continuing to rise by 80 million people per tainability right now. But it’s a sector that crisis with food prices that remain very high, gas emissions come from clearing rain forest invasive species. [and] land use to produce that means that year. Africa is on a trajectory, of rising from we depend on every hour of every day to especially in poor countries. Underpinning and other forest for pastureland and crop- It’s not an accident; it’s the most im- 40 percent of our grain production now is 800 million now in the sub-Saharan region stay alive, and that the planet now depends this is the now much higher price of oil and land. Roughly another 12-15 percent reflect portant function of economic activity in the for animal feed. And nutritionists tell us, to 1.8 billion by 2050. I don’t have a clue on to get these choices right. 34 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 35

zinc, micronutrient deficiencies all affect cal food-processing technology. This meant nies, to show how we can use our core busi- Indra Nooyi billions of people, damage the brains of fewer fruits and vegetables would rot on ness capabilities to address the Millennium CEO and Chair, babies, and increase the risk of many dis- their way to the market. We’ve also worked Development Goals. Knowledge transfer, PepsiCo eases. And in many countries we face a ris- with local scientists in India to implement understanding of consumers and nudging ing tide of obesity, which leads to diabetes drip irrigation to cut back the usage of wa- them to make the right food choices, and and heart diseases. Chronic diseases are now ter in paddy fields. distribution and reach: that is the holy trin- the dominant causes of death everywhere In China we helped local potato farm- ity of the private sector, and this is what we in the world except in sub-Saharan Africa. ers develop thriving crops in the middle of can offer to agriculture and nutrition. And we know that adults are far less likely the desert. Water-saving irrigation, crop-ro- But a word of caution is in order. to contract chronic diseases if they have a tating methods were all shared along with Even if we did 100 percent of what we can healthy nutritional start as a baby and their regular training on modern, environmen- do, would that solve the problem? I don’t mothers have better nutrition in pregnancy. tally friendly technologies. Production is at think so. It wouldn’t really solve the prob- So clearly the harmony between agriculture 39 tons per hectare, more than double the lem at all, because the time has come for and nutrition is a long way distant. average in all of China. And we benefit be- concerted action. As we’re dealing with a Farmers, particularly smallholders, can- cause we buy the output from these farms at global problem, organizations such as the not invest in technology and innovation or competitive prices. United Nations, the WHO, the FAO, and improve their distribution network without Private-sector companies can [also] le- other large NGOs all need to play a coor- capital. Rural households in developing verage our distribution expertise. Lots of dinating role. countries are still largely reliant on informal companies have highly developed supply But all of us need to ask ourselves now credit, such as money lenders and pawn chains, and these can be used to distribute whether our work is making enough of a brokers. Microfinance and community food to places where it’s needed the most. difference, at a pace that begins to curb lending are so important for these people, In India, South Africa, Nigeria, Mexico, the root of the problem. Let’s not forget but governments, NGOs, and something – problems in the other agents cannot develop modern world today cannot these without at least some in- “We must share our core farming expertise. In the be contained within national vestment and backing of large course of building business, we build a great store of boundaries. We need global financial firms. solutions; we need them fast. If the finance is in place, knowledge on things like nutrition science, irrigation And unfortunately, progress the contribution of the private techniques, and the development of resilient crop today is glacial. sector, especially consumer- strains. There is no reason why this knowledge cannot So, what if we take the Closing the Nutrition Gap products companies like ours, be shared with small-scale farmers.” conversation that’s taking could be immense. We must place here and put it on a How do we make sure agriculture is or- how to feed the world. Norman Borlaug is Borlaug and David Morley – but it would share our core farming exper- more formal footing? What ganized to serve the nutrition needs of the someone that anyone from India has to be have been a fascinating conversation. Be- tise. In the course of building if we created a commission world? The agricultural community tends grateful to. I grew up in India in the ’60s tween them, they provide the answer to the business, we build a great store of knowl- China, as examples, we service between of all the interested parties to look ahead to to focus on the quantity of food produced and the ’70s, and I remember in Madras problem that we confront today. By using edge on things like nutrition science, ir- 100,000 and 1 million urban and rural 2020 or 2030? The commission’s task will and the price it fetches in the marketplace. going to the store with a ration card, wait- both Norman Borlaug and David Morley’s rigation techniques, and the development outlets, depending on which country. And be simple to state but difficult to do: How But to those who are most concerned with ing in line for rice and wheat. When you insights, global agriculture and global nutri- of resilient crop strains. There is no reason we reach all of these outlets once, twice, do we align agriculture and nutrition to ad- nutrition focus on the quality of the food did get the rice and wheat, they were ter- tion can be fully synced up. why this knowledge cannot be shared with three times a week. How can we and other dress the world’s nutritional needs? And in and who it is getting to. rible quality. The rice was full of stones, and What causes this damaging division? small-scale farmers. Two-thirds of the 3 companies utilize this precious resource to doing so, how do we use the R&D expertise The absence of overlapping incentives the wheat was just full of junk. And all of a First, agricultural incentives are not well billion rural people in the world live off help address the undernutrition issues that and knowledge and supply-chain capability results in a problem encapsulated in two ter- sudden, end of the ’70s, life improved. The aligned. There is, for example, an economic farming less than two hectares each. And are so rampant? of private industry to bridge the farm-to- rible facts. One: every day, a billion people rice quality became better; the wheat qual- incentive to produce meat and dairy for the these farmers are the least able to get hold We have another great resource, which family divide? This is the biggest issue of the the world over go hungry – more than any- ity got a lot better. So I was a beneficiary of richer countries, rather than cereals for the of agricultural advancements – but they is highly qualified and capable people. We 21st century. time in history – and the situation is getting the Green Revolution. poorer people. Second, too much food is also have the greatest capacity to turn the have seconded our retirees with expertise in We have come a long way, but time is worse. That’s why we need to ensure that But let me note another great scientific lost through inefficiency. And, third, people sector around. distribution to the World Food Program to short and the need is great. We all demand nutritious food gets to the people that need pioneer, the sage of nutrition, David Mor- go hungry because we do not have the right When PepsiCo launched its business in transfer our best practices on distribution- food – it is a basic human need. United it. The second problem: More than half the ley. If Norman Borlaug showed us how to alignment between supply and demand. India in the 1980s, we began with agricul- supply chain to help improve the efficiency by commitment, underpinned by science, food produced today is lost, wasted, or dis- feed the world, David Morley showed us The consequences of this misalign- ture. We worked directly with thousands of distribution of food aid. We have busi- operating with a sense of community, we carded, and that’s why, as a system, we need what to feed the world. His work, starting ment can be terrible. The most obvious of farmers and transferred techniques and ness initiatives with UNICEF and Valid, have to make a difference. It was this task to to become more efficient. in Nigeria back in the 1940s, has made us and distressing is massive undernutrition. best practices to improve the yields of to- who are working in Nigeria in addressing which Norman Borlaug and David Morley The great agricultural pioneer Norman understand the need to monitor growth and Over 1 billion people worldwide are un- matoes, chili, and rice. We also introduced undernutrition. devoted their distinguished careers. It’s up Borlaug – the patron saint of this gather- good food intake from a very young age. I dernourished – more than 15 percent of new varieties that tripled the yield of these All of these programs form part of a to us now to pick up where they left off and ing – showed us in his remarkable career do not know if they ever met – Norman the world’s population. Iron, vitamin A, crops. At the same time we introduced criti- commitment I made with 17 other compa- complete their work. 36 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 37

Gerry Ritz: This is our chance – as political And the problem that we face is ineffi- most 100 years ago. Very little has changed, leaders, as NGOs, as general people – that ciencies throughout the system, and it only other than our capacity to produce. The we can reaffirm our commitment to carry takes one to roadblock a complete, free, and Green Revolution highlighted that produc- forward in the spirit and the energy of that unfettered flow of product. So it begins with ers will step up when they’re allowed to, but great work. All of us in agriculture – wheth- fair prices, it follows with market access, qual- we have to give them the right support at er it’s in the field or in the political realm or ity controls, and so on. But the biggest thing the government level. the nongovernmental delivery systems and that my farmers tell me they face is the lack And I am firmly convinced that bio- so on – once again we’re confronted with of stability and continuity in regulations. technology remains the key – sound sci- major global food problems and challenges. There are more regulations on food ence. We all know that biotechnology But these problems create opportunities. than there are on oil and gas. There are crops can produce more. They can deliver You get a different perspective of some more regulations on food than there are us drought resistance, chemical resistance, of these challenges when you become the on fertilizer. There are more regulations on plague and pestilence and bug resistance. minister of agriculture from a large agri- food than there are on the production of And there are new facilities out there – less cultural country, like Canada. Over the an automobile. Foodstuffs really are ham- fertilizer, less chemical – and what that recent decades, our producers in Canada strung, and that becomes part of our long- does is give you better groundcover overall have been steadily increasing the produc- term challenge. Predictions from experts and yet more production. tion and quality of the food products in the suggest we’ll have to double our global food We also throw the environment into world. Farmers have been doing their job, production to feed the rising global popula- this mix, and we don’t want to see farmers yet continue to face obstacles that make it tion. I don’t disagree. And at the same time, punished by that. And that has led to the harder to deliver food to the places where we really have no significant amount of new rise in biofuel production. There’s this argu- it’s needed most. cropland that we can bring into production. ment out there that somehow you cannot In an ideal world, produce enough to feed both a food and a Participants producers would have fuel line. Absolutely, we can. We’re now rais- The Secretary’s Roundtable: the opportunity to rein- ing corn with production of 300 bushels an Cooperation in Food & Agriculture vest in their operations acre, where we didn’t used to get anywhere The Honorable Tom Vilsack as they get fair prices “There are more regulations on food than there near 200. That’s got to go somewhere, and Secretary of Agriculture, for their products. This are on oil and gas. There are more regulations on to keep those farmers doing what they’re United States (Host) drives innovation, in- food than there are on fertilizer. There are more doing, they have to have market access. In creases production, [and Canada, we’re starting off with a 5 percent nations, making food available. It also involves making food ac- regulations on food than there are on the production cessible to those who need it. So we equally have to be concerned brings] more product to blend, which can be ratcheted up, but that His Excellency Amin Abaza about transportation, marketing, regulatory systems – ways in the global markets. We of an automobile. Foodstuffs really are hamstrung, 5 percent takes less than 5 percent of our Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, which we can make sure that the food that is available actually gets saw a reversal of that and that becomes part of our long-term challenge.” production capability. The weather is a big- Egypt to consumers. And it is also important for help and assistance to be in 2008, where some ger factor in any given year than that etha- focused on the proper utilization of that food so that the highest countries reacted in a - Gerry Ritz nol production is. What biofuels do is give His Excellency Gerry Ritz nutritional value is attained. protectionist way that farmers a different warehouse to deliver to. Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, USDA will focus specifically on research opportunities in which actually exacerbated It gets more people bidding on their prod- Canada we can help developing nations address some critical questions. We some of the problems. uct – that’s a good thing. We can offset that will focus on capacity building, using our resources – the extension Farmers faced trade in many ways. Carlos Vazquez system [and] land-grant university system we have – so that we can barriers that kept food from getting to the We’re actually losing productive land with train the trainers and lead the leaders within each individual country. people who needed it. urban sprawl and different situations. Amin Abaza: When we speak about the Minister-Counselor for Agriculture, And we will also provide technical assistance in a very significant way In Canada, 50-85 percent of any given When you deliver food to someone, you average landholding in Iowa, it’s 200 acres. Embassy of Mexico, Washington through the use of fellowships, scholarships, opportunities for indi- commodity is traded. 32 million people just want to know what the consumer wants. The richest guy in [Egypt] doesn’t have 20 viduals from countries to come to the United States and for people cannot consume everything that we grow, But you also have to put farmers first so that acres. Size differs from one place to another, from the United States to go to various countries. so we do have a tremendous need for ex- they can produce that food. And we have problems differ from one place to another. Tom Vilsack: In the past, our development assistance has been Our focus will obviously be on the areas of greatest need. The port. And that has led to Canada becoming worked hard to put producers at the core of In 1980, we were producing 20 percent of primarily in the form of the food that we grow. But it is [this tremendous challenges in sub-Saharan Africa [are] certainly a good one of the largest agricultural exporters in all of our policies and programs to meet this our wheat consumption, so every five loaves administration’s] feeling that we must go beyond the traditional place to start, but [we] will not necessarily be restricted to that part the world. At the same time, we’re the sixth growing challenge. And we all know that that we ate every day, one was produced by notion of food assistance. So we have begun work on a global of the world. Challenges exist literally in all parts of the world. largest importer of agricultural goods. Food building a strong agricultural sector takes local wheat and four were imported. And in food security initiative, with a number of other nations, to come As good as [Dr. Borlaug’s work] was while he was alive, his best should go where it’s needed. We’re happy to hard work. 1980 we were at 40 million people. Today up with a cohesive approach that focuses on understanding and is yet to come, for he understood the need to instill in the young ship our wheat, pork, and beef to a country My grandfather went homesteading in we are 80 million people, and we produce appreciating that whatever we do must emanate from the coun- people of all countries a love and appreciation for science, an un- where there’s great demand, but at the same 1917, I believe it was, and he kept a journal. 56 percent of our needs, so 2.5 loaves out tries we are helping. derstanding that science is one of the significant ways we can make time, we rely on other countries around the He had discussions about the weather, in- of 5, even more. This is thanks to [Dr. Bor- It starts with the countries telling us how we can be of help. It a difference in reducing the billion people who live in this world world to serve us with vegetables and fruits put costs, not getting enough for his prod- laug], thanks to science and technology that goes beyond simply increasing the productivity of lands in other today who are not sure where the next meal comes from. and so on. uct – sounds a lot like today. And that’s al- we believe are the way to the future. 38 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 39

ments and interested organizations, as well Doha round. Moreover, it’s important that as the private sector. This is especially true countries dismantle protectionist measures for at least two key inputs – collaboration in that affect agriculture and resist the urge to science, and funding. create new ones. We have many examples; We must work together and intensify one is the dairy sector. The [EU] and the our efforts to realize the potential of sci- U.S. significantly subsidize the dairy indus- ence – and particularly biotechnology – for try and their exports. These kinds of distor- reducing poverty, protecting the environ- tions deprive many developing countries of ment, and providing food security. It is sim- the benefit of investment and better jobs ply not possible for an individual country, in the rural communities. It’s particularly or even a region, to deal with the issues and damaging to a better allocation of global obstacles that we must resolve if the world is resources that could be targeted to reduce to benefit from a second, sustainable revolu- hunger in the world. This is also one of the tion. Cooperation is needed to better create factors that push migration. an interface with the traditional extension services to reach our special producers. We Vilsack: You mentioned concern about reg- need better transfer of knowledge in a sim- ulation. You also talked briefly about trade ple way [so] that our producers can be able – how do you explain to your farmers that, to immediately implement. And addition- by breaking down trade barriers and provid- ally, no country can go it alone on biosafety ing assistance to developing nations so that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack considerations, consumer acceptance, and they become more productive, in the end it Egyptian Minister of Agriculture Amin Abaza the proprietary nature of these technolo- also will benefit them? gies. We need to assure the private sector We have been planting for more than have serious challenges in the future. We that they will have a very important role to Ritz: It’s a multifaceted approach, and you fecting us and our livelihood? The conven- come, or at least minimize, the losses that 4,000 years – but at that time we were less will be one of the countries that are most af- play in the near future. have to tell them that, as everybody grows tional wisdom is that the major polluters are we are incurring due to this process that is than 2 million people. Now, with the same fected by climate change. I don’t think that But to accomplish this, where will the and expands, it drives economies in the de- the developed countries and that the major happening and that is inevitable. land and the same water resources, we are 80 one country can do much without the help money come from? The financial crisis and veloping world that creates the economic losers are the developing countries. So we million people. This is a challenge for the fu- of the international community. We have a the global recession complicate the prob- opportunity for them to buy more prod- need to convince the people that we are get- Vilsack: I appreciate the comments about ture. And not only 80 million but growing saying in my country that you cannot clap lem. International lending institutions like uct. We’ve seen China. As Doha; obviously that’s an area of intense in- at 1.5 million every year. We should speak with one hand. And I think that we need to the World Bank, the Inter-American De- they’ve come of age glob- terest to many of us. I sense a willingness on about climate change. We should speak clap, and we need to clap fast, because we velopment Bank, and other regional banks ally, it’s created a whole the part of many of the developed countries about those countries that are most vulner- are running out of time. can offer some support, but we must work middle class there that to take a look at the subsidy issues. Tell me able to what is going to happen in the fu- together to bring the needed financial, hu- never existed before. We’re “The world, especially the developing world, a little bit about your view, in terms of the ture. I hope that we start to think and act as Carlos Vazquez: Three out of four people man, and institutional resources together. also seeing India with that willingness of developing nations to open one and not as different groups where those living in poverty in developing countries live Everybody has to participate. situation. What that does will benefit from completion of the Doha round. up markets as an offset to a reduction in who have the capacity and those who have in rural areas. And most of them depend on In addition to financing, current condi- is create opportunities for Moreover, it’s important that countries dismantle subsidies. What are the challenges politi- the production and those who have the food agriculture for their livelihoods. Even with tions make it more important than ever that our exports to go in and protectionist measures that affect agriculture and cally if markets are opened? would turn their backs on those who need all these difficulties attendant to agriculture, we create a more open and fair trading sys- deliver to that growing resist the urge to create new ones. These kinds of their help and who need their experience it’s key for sustainable development and tem. Today’s trading system is impaired by demand for different – I distortions deprive many developing countries of Vazquez: Certainly, Mexico has been will- and who need their knowledge. poverty reduction. But if agriculture is to be the over-use of subsidies that create many won’t say better, but differ- ing to open. We are probably one of the the benefit of investment and better jobs in the Secretary Vilsack has promised that we an engine of growth in developing countries, economic distortions. In my country, farm- ent – foodstuffs. countries that has more trade agreements will see again cooperation as it was before, we must recognize the important role of ers complain, and with good reason, that rural communities. It’s particularly damaging to a with many parts of the world. to help the countries that are in deficit to small- and medium-scale farming, as well as they are forced to compete with the trea- Vilsack: I think those of better allocation of global resources that could be The other thing is, we need a transi- help themselves. This would only come the need to foster the shift to a higher value- suries of wealthy companies when it comes us representing developed targeted to reduce hunger in the world.” tion of resources, or some level of support from science and technology. It can also added agriculture and livestock and moving to production. Furthermore, the scarce re- nations would appreciate domestically to achieve better allocation of come through biotechnology. Until now valuable non-farm economic activities to ru- sources that a developing country like Mex- hearing what you think - Carlos Vazquez resources, because we will have winners and we are toying with the idea; we’re trying to ral areas – moving and providing assistance ico needs are being allocated to grain subsi- developing nations’ expec- losers in many activities because of trade. understand more. We’re trying to do more. to help more people out of agriculture but dies instead of providing better education, tations are of us relative to So we need to prepare our government to We’re trying to know that the risks are with a higher level of human capital. better health, and other public works like climate change. ting help from the developed countries and allow them all the necessary resources to worth taking. So how do we move into action, know- rural roads and infrastructure that maintain that we are getting technologies, the know- better facilitate these transitions and allo- Egypt is the size of France and Germany ing that the past is complicated by climate the long-term sustainability of work in the Abaza: We are going to be affected by cli- how, even the markets for our farmers or our cations between sectors. It’s not only one combined, but we are living on a plot of land change, and global financial crisis, and a re- rural areas. mate change, but who are the major causes producers in developing countries, and that sector; it’s a whole package – industrial, that is not bigger than Denmark. Imagine cession? Of course, the answer must involve The world, especially the developing of climate change? What are the reasons for by this help they are mitigating the effects banking, services, whatever – that we need Denmark with 80 million people. We really coordinated, responsible action by govern- world, will benefit from completion of the this change that’s happening to us and is af- of climate change and helping us to over- to take a comprehensive look at trade and 40 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 41

they would say, “Well, the field next to it is one of them. I was at a facility not long ago genetically modified, and who knows what where I saw dry manure from a dairy op- a jumping gene will do?” eration being converted into ethanol, and a There has to be a worldwide agreement, byproduct of that was biochar, which many at least a minimum agreement, on the sub- believe has tremendous opportunities as a ject. I believe that the consumer has the fertilizer and as a sequesterer of carbon. right to know if [food] is genetically modi- Here is the human aspect of this. [Last fied or not. But we should not spread terror year] there were 108,000 new farming op- and fear without a scientific base for that. erations started in America [with] sales less than $10,000. These are very small op- Vazquez: It is a huge challenge. Consum- erations – most likely fruit/vegetable op- ers are very concerned about the biosafety erations, selling to farmers’ markets and of this new technology. It has been around community-supported agriculture – but for years, but we need to be able to com- it’s 108,000 families that made the deci- municate, especially – for example, in my sion to continue a farming tradition and to country we are corn-based consumers, and help repopulate our rural communities. On in Asia it’s rice-based consumers – that also, the production agriculture side – that is to let’s say, the wheat varieties of the GMOs say farms with $500,000 or more in sales are being accepted by the rest of the con- – 41,000 more operators in that category sumers. There is skepticism of the use of the in the last five years. Where we lost ground Canadian Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz different grains. We need, and especially the Mexican Minister-Counselor for Agriculture Carlos Vazquez was in the middle. Between those with companies need, to make a better effort to $10,000 sales and $500,000 sales, we lost explain why the development of technology 80,000 farmers. We suffered in this country the benefit of trade. be the hook that brings countries to us on was faster in one area than in another. There minute speeches chastising everybody else system coming on, but no one has gotten to a loss of farm families. free-trade deals. is a lot of skepticism in why wheat is lagging for having these bookmarks, and then we the extent where commercially it’s viable at We’re down over 1 million farmers from Vilsack: All three of you mentioned Dr. behind. And then certainly we need to have spend the next 15 minutes outlining what this point yet. We’ve got several pilot proj- 1961 to 2009. We are farming 200 million Borlaug’s work in biotechnology. What Abaza: We have a slightly different problem. a broader global protocol on this matter. we want to protect. And that’s legitimate ects running. We are re-rendering a lot of fewer acres, yet are 2-3 times more produc- advice do you have for countries like the Our major trading partner is Europe, due to That’s the only way to achieve it. – it’s the politics of the situation. livestock trim and making biodiesel. Those tive. So I look at biofuels as a way in which we United States, that have embraced biotech- geography. And most of the time, between I point to the crisis in the dairy sectors opportunities are there. But nothing would can diversify agriculture, add value to com- nology, in terms of how best to educate and the prosperous and rich countries, they Vilsack: With reference to Doha, we under- in a lot of the countries around the world. say that it’s viable anymore than the oil and modities and make them into ingredients, acquaint farmers within other nations, and tend to close their eyes on certain issues, stand the world’s concern about the frame- In Canada, our dairy is doing just fine. But gas sector was when it first started up. and create the opportunity for that mid-sized consumers within other nations, with the like importing genetically modified soy- work and structure that we have in place that they’ve managed the supply, the amount operation to have a shot at success. benefits of biotechnology? beans to Europe. But if a country like ours provides support to our farmers. And there that they put out, and they don’t look to Vilsack: From the perspective of American would introduce biotechnology and would is a willingness on the part of the American export; they simply do domestic. And there agriculture – corn-based ethanol was a good Abaza: Being a net food importer, we are Ritz: Whether you’re talk- delegation to consider reductions. But there are rules and regulations very worried about transforming food into ing the Doha round or has to be a corresponding willingness on the in place to backstop that. fuel. I understand that fossil fuel is a nonre- whatever – there are al- part of the developing world to open up its With the fulfillment of the newable resource, that we have to look into ways countries who will markets. Because, as Minister Ritz suggested, Doha round, we would other ways to produce energy in the future. use non-tariff trade barri- it only works if, as economies improve, con- lose that. So I’m a little But that there are other kinds of renewable ers. This idea that some- “Especially when we speak about transforming sumers in those economies have choice – and bit apprehensive to go that “We suffered in this country a loss of farm energy that could be explored more. how genetic modification, that choice isn’t just choice within the coun- far that fast. But we’ll get We come back to the question of sub- which is the extension of corn into ethanol, this might put a lot of stress try, it’s choice around the globe. If we could there, no doubt about it. families. We’re down over 1 million farmers from sidies: is this industry capable of surviving biotechnology, is some- on food-importing countries and on people who see a significant effort on the part of many [Biofuels] is an indus- 1961 to 2009. So I look at biofuels as a way in without these huge amounts of subsidies or how voodoo science or do not produce enough food, so that it will cause [developing] nations to express in specific try in its infancy. In [Cana- which we can diversify agriculture, add value to not? Especially when we speak about trans- Franken-foods and all these commodities to be much more expensive detail precisely how those markets are going da], we’re large agriculture, commodities and make them into ingredients, forming corn into ethanol. We will reach the those ridiculous argu- – these countries might be unable to afford them to be open, we could see progress on Doha. but we’re also very large oil and create the opportunity for that mid-sized second and third generation [of] transferring ments – it’s ridiculous in and gas. When we start to biomass into fuel, and we have to pass by the in the future.” operation to have a shot at success.” the extreme. In Canada’s Ritz: All of us are charged with protecting talk about the impact of first generation to reach the second and third. case, as we become more - H.E. Amin Abaza and backstopping producers in our coun- fossil fuels, we’re looking - Hon. Tom Vilsack But this might also put a lot of stress on the vehement in doing bilater- tries. There’s a tremendous amount of work for alternatives. And etha- food-importing countries and on the people al negotiations, free-trade that continues outside of Doha. The prob- nol and biodiesel certainly who do not produce enough food, so that agreements, memorandums of understand- then export some of its products to Europe, lem with Doha is that everybody has their look good at this point. We are also invest- way to start the conversation, but it is in- it will cause these commodities to be much ing with other countries, we include our sci- then this would be a big problem. Even if own pet project, and we have it as well. We ing in the long term in biomass. We’ve got cumbent upon us to continue it in a vari- more expensive – these countries might be ence and technology services. That seems to it was non-genetically modified products, all spend the first five minutes of our 20- methane recapture; we’ve got the biomass ety of different ways. Cellulosic ethanol is unable to afford them in the future. 42 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 43

it developed its agriculture. 75 percent of sis of results. Number two, we “The World Bank and IFAD only lend when Participants the world’s poor are rural; most are engaged had to move from a Rome-based countries want to borrow. When you had a in agriculture. Agriculture is the way out of institution to a field-based insti- trading regime that artificially suppressed poverty for most people in the world, and tution, to use existing institu- Sir Gordon Conway we cannot forget that. tions and to partner with exist- prices for so long, that naturally caused Professor of International Development, ing institutions – the FAO, the developing countries not to want to invest Imperial College London Kanayo Nwanze: [As] a result of the 1970s World Bank, UNDP – but have in agriculture. We talk about institutional crisis, IFAD was created, essentially, to ad- people in the field to be able to arrangements; we also should be talking Mark Cackler dress a particular sector of smallholder dialogue with governments and about policy arrangements. How rich farmers, pastoralists, and livestock keepers. rural communities, to be able to Manager, Agriculture and Rural countries respond is very important.” Development Department, World Bank IFAD was created to resolve the problem establish policy dialogue, and re- that emanated from the droughts and the orientate our programs in such - Mark Cackler Louise Fresco famines of the ’70s. a way that they respond to the Agriculture for the developing world is needs of rural populations. Professor, fundamental for economic growth. You’re Farmers all over the world, University of Amsterdam right – there [is] a shift from agriculture not just in Africa, are mostly into industries and things like that. But women. We have 500 million Kanayo Nwanze surpluses in agricultural production are es- smallholder families worldwide. President, sential for a vibrant agro-industrial sector. That’s about 2 billion people whose lives de- today how close they are to public-sector Intl. Fund for Agricultural Development Europe of the 18th century went through pend on them. They feed 80 percent of the interests and how close they are to under- the whole process. China today is a clear ex- population of the developing world, and 70 standing the concerns in society. So why Amb. Richard Williamson ample of what can happen: investment in percent of these are women. We have to be not create a flexible mechanism to work rural development, the whole value chain, more sensitive to the way we develop our Former U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan together? I see so many things we can do linking farmers to markets. policies and our technologies. right up from the basis, from research to World Food Program / Tom Haskell Tom / Program Food World I take particular resentment when peo- policy, from helping farmers to discussing A World Food Program staffer works with farmers in Kankan, Guinea. ple say what we need is commercial agricul- Louise Fresco: The issue of institutions is a the Doha round. Let’s create these flexible ture. Yes, we need commercial agriculture, 20th-century answer to a 21st-century prob- arrangements, rather than spending a lot Will a Food-Secure World Require New Global Institutions? but we need to transform smallholder farm- lem. In no way should we spend a lot of time of time on UN reform, which, frankly, will ers into commercial farmers. We do not right now to try and reform what is there; not happen until we get the Security Coun- need to transform their farms to big farms. it’s so complex from a jurisdiction-mandate cil issues out of the way – and that will not Gordon Conway: We’ve had two decades with many other partners, put agriculture vate sector would deal with food and that Farming is a business, and every farmer, point of view. I’m more interested in how happen overnight. of neglect of agriculture, accompanied by on the map at the World Bank and helped was it? Or am I being too simplistic? whether growing half a hectare or 200 hect- we can work together in a different mode a myth that says, “Africa, South Asia don’t get it on the agenda for other institutions. ares, want[s] to make a profit. They must be of operation, irrespective of institutions, to Conway: Richard, you’ve been heavily in- need agriculture; they need industrial de- CGIAR came into its own. And we forgot Cackler: That was one of the reasons. Ag- linked to markets. And it’s not as simple as have ad hoc coalitions of the NGOs, the volved in reform of various UN organiza- velopment.” They say they should be like that in the ’80s and then ’90s – not because riculture is a fundamental private-sector some advocate – give them new seeds and private sector, and the governments. tions. You’ve been around and about the Vietnam, for example – forgetting that, the problems were solved; again, there were activity; the largest group of private-sector fertilizers and that’s all. What happens when It’s appropriate here to pay tribute to a United Nations. Do you agree? before Vietnam became a highly prosper- 830 million people going to bed hungry ev- actors in the world are farmers. There was prices go down? fantastic institutional program that the Unit- ous, emerging nation, it went through an ery night – but we neglected it. a long period of low and stable food prices, The issue here is not whether we need ed States mounted in the 1970s and 1980s, Richard Williamson: Reform is like an ev- agricultural revolution. Now that neglect is In my own institution, agricultural lend- and some of those were caused by subsidy new institutions. We need reformed institu- whereby lots of graduates from developing ergreen; it’s perennial, and it will never be beginning to change. ing is up 50 percent. We have a new action policies in countries like [the United States] tions. My institution was challenged about countries, Europe, and elsewhere in the achieved, especially in the UN system. At plan to have it go up even further. But no and Europe. And the World Bank and IFAD 5-6 years ago: Either you deliver, or you world had a chance to do their PhDs in U.S. the same time, I’ve had the opportunity to Mark Cackler: Clearly, all of us, including institution can do it by itself, no single coun- only lend when countries want to borrow. close. My predecessor took that challenge as universities. I personally know hundreds if work with certain organizations that have the World Bank, have been part of the prob- try. We all have to work as partners in this. When you had a trading regime that arti- an opportunity and began a major reform not 1,000 people who have done their stud- moved from not-so-effective to quite effec- lem for the past generation. We talk about Do we need new institutions? Well, no in- ficially suppressed prices for so long, that process. [IFAD] is going through a major ies in the United States, have gone back to tive. Over 20 years ago, we certainly did not the food-price crisis and how 1 billion peo- stitution is indispensable. We certainly need naturally caused developing countries not to change, has reformed itself, is reforming it- their countries to become policymakers or look at WFP as among the most effective ple are going hungry tonight. Before food new institutional arrangements. I think we want to invest in agriculture. We talk about self, and is delivering on results. We do not scientists, and that has created a tremendous instruments. The institution reformed it- prices went up, 830 million people were are making progress under the UN high-level institutional arrangements; we also should have to create new institutions. We need body of knowledge – people who knew the self, because of members, because of leader- hungry, but it wasn’t considered a crisis. task force. But we have to not to let our em- be talking about policy arrangements. How new modes of engagement, new configura- same thing and created the basis for collabo- ship, because of the commitment of WFP And although it is true that the World phasis on these partnerships, on smallholder rich countries respond is very important. tions, increased focus. ration worldwide. That program has faded people on the ground. In my most recent Bank, IFAD, other agencies, have been productivity, on feeding the world, disappear Another part was almost a prejudice out, but it’s an example of how institutions assignment to Sudan, there are a million- putting more resources into agriculture re- when it disappears from the headlines. against agriculture [as] old-fashioned, and Conway: What was the key of the reform? can create things that will work. plus people being kept alive every single day cently, it is absolutely essential that we don’t the desire to move into high tech. This myth The other [example] is, alliances that because of WFP. And despite the diplomatic make the same mistake we did 30 years ago. Conway: Why do you think you dropped of Vietnam – I’m glad you brought it up; Nwanze: It had to be a results-based pro- are far more flexible. If anybody had still a and political inability to make much prog- Back in the ’70s, Bob McNamara, working the ball? Wasn’t it partly a belief that the pri- Vietnam only has done what it did because gram of work; we had to deliver on the ba- doubt about the private sector, we’ve seen ress there, the 16,000 humanitarian work- 44 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 45

Bank but through IFAD and regional devel- time institutions can transform and reform Fresco: I always get a bit sad when we opment banks and others – is more like $2 themselves. The WFP experience of Pur- talk only about money when it comes to billion over the next three years. We would chase for Progress is a clear example of what the agriculture sector. A majority of things hope it would be much more. It could be IFAD has been saying for the last 30 years: do not happen just because there’s money more if other countries adopted a more we need to create incentives for viable, com- there, but because there is competence and multilateral approach than a bilateral ap- petitive local markets. When farmers have political will. China is a good example of proach. But $2 billion over three years sim- access to markets to sell their produce, they a country that did not receive development ply isn’t that much. will produce. assistance; I remember India not wanting to IFPRI has calculated that $14 billion in African countries, in particular, must receive development assistance anymore. incremental funds for agricultural develop- put their house together. It’s a leadership is- What are the bottlenecks in these food- ment, including supporting infrastructure, sue. The Chinese success story is one of clear poor countries where investment can make is needed to meet the MDG of reducing leadership and direction, an investment in a difference? Chocolate is a very good ex- Cackler Conway poverty in half by 2015. That is a conserva- rural development. Expecting to leap-frog ample. All the cocoa is exported and then tive figure. Their high end is is reimported as chocolate into Africa. We $28 billion. So another $700 need to invest some money into getting million per year is not that processing facilities at a good, export-qual- much. Now, you don’t want ity level, both for internal consumption and to discourage the donors for export, in those countries. Some money by saying, “Really, this isn’t is needed to kick-start an industry, but the Nwanze “The private sector is making real progress in that much.” It’s great that at developing input markets through the agro- industry should not be subsidized. It should L’Aquila, at Pittsburgh, and at be in the hands of Africans, in this case, who Istanbul, the donors have put dealers in Africa and output markets through actually make a business out of it. agricultural development on small, private companies that buy the grain. I’m very worried about just creating a the agenda. But at the same But there’s a big problem over infrastructure. fund, whether it’s $22 billion or something time that we praise them, we Access to markets is not just about having else, that is not well-governed and well- Fresco Williamson should also keep in mind that a market – you’ve got to get there. And that monitored. It just goes wrong, it just feeds it’s actually not that much means roads and railways.” into everybody’s worries about handing compared to the need. over large sums of money. That’s not what ers in Darfur, every single day risking their came independent recently [and] won’t be chases. It shouldn’t be just the transfer from Now, do we know how - Gordon Conway agricultural development is about. Agricul- lives, [are] extraordinary. Some of these or- economically viable in the lifetime of my developed countries. Politically, that’s very the money could be spent? tural development is about putting a small ganizations have become much more effec- great-grandchildren. Southern Sudan will difficult for donor countries, including [the Yes, we do. How should the amount, a reasonably small amount, of tive than they were before and are making a be not only precarious but similarly unable United States]. The World Food Program, money be channeled? Well, we would be bi- into the 21st century without going through money in the key sectors and pouring some huge difference. to be economically viable unless we do some however, creates at least some political buf- ased for a multilateral approach. In terms of the development part is not going to work. time where it needs to be done. And while we must address agricultural more large projects. fer to be able to do that. If we can purchase absorptive capacity, getting the money out The onus is on African leaders to give the As somebody who’s lived and worked development, there is a humanitarian need I know the World Bank have committed on local markets, it’s going to help generate effectively – we have a very good experience leadership and to be convinced about invest- next to WFP all those 10 years in Rome in acute situations. more money, as have the Africa Development more economic viability, more agricultural just in the last two years with the response ing in their own countries before they expect – why was WFP so successful? Because they Southern Sudan suffered the longest Bank. It is important that we help agricultur- growth. And there are international institu- to the food-price crisis. We have disbursed the international community to bail them were very good at creating alliances with civil war in Africa. Two million people per- al development, but part of that is creating an tions like the WFP moving in that direction large sums of money that have benefited out. I’m not convinced that putting billions the private sector on logistics and other sec- ished, 4.5 million people were displaced, infrastructure – and some international insti- – it’s to be encouraged. large numbers of people, not just on an of dollars into the hands of poor countries is tors. Because they went beyond emergency with little recognition from the interna- tutions are the only ones that can help. emergency basis but also contributing to going to solve the situation. aid. We at FAO thought they were actually tional community. A comprehensive peace Conway: Let’s start moving towards this no- long-term agricultural development. Africa is not poor, but Africans have encroaching very much on FAO’s territory agreement was made and signed in January Conway: You mentioned the World Food tion of ad hoc coalition. These commitments made themselves poor. We grow the cof- – and rightly so. Because emergency aid of ’05, leading to a referendum in 2011. I Program. What they’re now doing in this that came out of the G20, $22 billion or Nwanze: There are several mechanisms by fee that drives a $70 billion global business. should not be different from development, have great concern about whether it will be Purchase for Progress Program, is, instead of thereabouts – how do you handle that mon- which these funds can be disbursed. We are We earn only $6 billion – it’s a pittance. it’s a continuum. As long as we keep these successful – because the south is not viable buying grain from Western markets, buying ey? There’s a big argument where it should fairly comfortable with the World Bank We provide the diamonds, gold, and cop- separate institutions doing their same things, today. This is an area the size of Texas with it locally from regional markets in Africa and go. The World Bank is a possible place. But hosting these funds. But we have experi- per that feed the industries of the Western we have a problem. The way around that is less than 2.5 kilometers of paved road. Rich elsewhere. That seems to me like a new policy; is that kind of money too difficult to handle? ences with the European Commission the world and Asia. What do we get for it? A not to create new institutions but to bank in minerals, rich in agricultural land – but where a traditional body that’s been working How would you make it productive? last 18 months. We were disbursing about pittance. We drive the chocolate business, on those that are successful, such as WFP. no way to get the food to markets. along a certain way has come up with a new, €1 billion to about 22 or 30 countries, and how many billions of dollars. What do we Use the money wisely, specifically with I waged a battle with USAID to get innovative way of going about it. Cackler: It’s certainly not too difficult to [this] was done very effectively with the get for it? We train thousands of Africans, the private sector, and bank on those insti- them to shift more of their assistance to handle. In terms of what’s really likely to World Bank and other institutions, not and then we make it difficult for them to tutions that can actually handle it, such as infrastructure, because unless they have Williamson: I have a freedom that Secretary be on the table, it’s simply not that much. only the UN institutions. come back home, and they stay in the West IFAD or WFP. If we do that, and we get a bridges and roads, they will not be able to Vilsack didn’t have, so I can be more can- We’re thinking the money that we re-chan- I agree with Louise about trying to re- and help you grow. The change has to begin governant that monitors how the L’Aquila become economically viable. Kosovo be- did. Of course, we need to help local pur- nel multilaterally – not just at the World form the United Nations, but at the same from home. funds are being used, we’ll make a big step. 46 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 47

Conway: The private sector is good at get- co on the role of money. Although certainly experts in USAID. That number was much and a number of bilaterals. Can Africa and elsewhere to create ting things to scale; the private sector is it’s true that money can’t solve all prob- higher a decade or two decades ago. we build on this initiative that leadership for the agricultural making real progress in developing input lems, money does solve a lot of problems. Infrastructure does get built when you the U.S. government has done sector. That is where we need to markets through the agro-dealers in Africa And there simply has been insufficient in- have economic incentive. Just look at the to track monies going to agri- spend money and where we can and output markets through small, private vestment. Too often, the bad guys say, “It’s 1,000-kilometer oil pipeline in Sudan built culture, so the rest of us follow a do it, as we know from the past, companies that useless investing by the Chinese. But there’s no one who feels common methodology? in a very effective manner. buy the grain. more in Africa that incentive to develop agriculture when But there’s a big because they’re it’s going to be in the out years. That’s where Conway: One institution that Williamson: About the AU reso- problem over in- just going to other government donors or institutions is relatively new is the African lution on 10 percent – politicians frastructure. Ac- waste the money like the World Bank have a role to play that Union. It’s created the [Com- and diplomats produce rhetoric; cess to markets “We need to help local purchases. anyway.” That’s others aren’t able to. prehensive] African Agricultural what you need is results. And is not just about Politically, that’s very difficult for donor a bit of a carica- When we’re talking about this debate Development Program. There that’s why more money to edu- having a market countries. If we can purchase on local ture, but you do of more money, effectiveness, etc., we have are five countries signed up, and cate, not only incentives in the – you’ve got to see that in poli- to talk about conditionality on good gov- 20 about to sign up, to spending United States but to bring oth- markets, it’s going to help generate more get there. And tics. And there ernance. That’s not talked about in polite 10 percent of their budgets on ers over here and in developing that means roads economic viability, more agricultural is not enough company enough. But if we want more re- agriculture. And they have com- agricultural education in African and railways. Can growth. And there are international money going sults, that is something we’re going to have pacts, they have plans. universities, is important, and the private sector institutions like the WFP moving in into agriculture to address. That means institutions going also why we should be funding play a role there? that direction – it’s to be encouraged.” for development. into zones that are uncomfortable but re- Nwanze: CAADP is only a “In the 1970s and 1980s, lots of graduates from more research. The rhetoric is Even the $22 bil- quired; while we would like more money, framework. We should not be developing countries, Europe, and elsewhere in improved because [experts] have Fresco: You have - Richard Williamson lion – and we’ll even then it’s not going to be enough to do carried away by the fact that the world had a chance to do their PhDs in U.S. forced the politicians and dip- to find new and see how much what’s necessary for all the desperate people we have five or six countries universities. That created a tremendous body lomats to talk more reasonably innovative finan- of that really is in an acceptable amount of time. that have now signed contracts. about the need for agricultural cial arrangements. The old model, of hav- – wouldn’t be enough by itself. It’s good to have a framework, of knowledge and the basis for collaboration development. But there’s a long ing governments build roads or subcontract Yes – unless there’s good governance, Cackler: We often talk about governance is- but you want to go beyond the worldwide. That program has faded out, but it’s way to go. them to the private sector and then taking unless good things happen to make sure the sues when it comes to poor countries. What framework to have an action an example of how institutions can create things all the responsibility, has been disastrous, money is well spent, obviously it’ll be worse sometimes makes us uncomfortable is talk- plan and to have deliverables, that will work.” Nwanze: For the future, we because nobody was responsible for the than useless. But we, working together, can ing about leadership and governance of rich results-based action plans. Until shall increase our investment by maintenance. There were all these white el- use this money wisely. Agricultural produc- countries. Just one example, we need the you have those, you cannot hold - Louise Fresco about 50-75 percent in the coun- ephants of roads and bridges in Africa and tivity is going up. It’s not going up as fast rich countries to make sure that agriculture countries accountable. tries where we work. Production elsewhere that haven’t worked. as it should; it’s not going up as it would is properly included into the Copenhagen The Maputo Declaration and productivity will get about Why can’t the private sector move if there were decent investments in roads agreement, so poor farmers in poor coun- of 2003, 10 percent of bud- organizations. Is that the biggest challenge? 40-50 percent, rural financing sometimes? Because the risk is too great. [and] basic agri- tries can get paid gets to agriculture – less than 10 countries about 20 percent, and micro-enterprises, This is where a fund – not individual gov- cultural research. for environmen- have met that 10 percent threshold. And Fresco: But leadership does not come out small infrastructures, feeder roads, and ca- ernments, but a fund – can help to mitigate That’s why reform tal services that the countries that have met the 10 per- of the blue. The feeding of leadership starts pacity building of community institutions, these risks, hedge these risks, and get a safer of the CGIAR, they provide and cent threshold are the ones that you would with young students, whether American or not of degree-holders. We build communi- investment. And then have a long-term and a doubling “African countries must put their house have the incen- have thought would not have been able to from overseas. We see so few young people ties, particularly of women’s groups, that can engagement. That’s something you have to of the support for together. The Chinese success story is one tives to help us do that. The larger countries have not. The going into agriculture or long-term develop- have their voice in policy dialogue. Women, ask of the private sector; it cannot be about the CGIAR, is of clear leadership and direction, an by putting car- country where I was born is far behind the ment, because we are becoming worldwide and I repeat, women and youth are central short-term gains. If you can get long-term that important. bon into their 10 percent. We need the will to transform a more urban-based society. The high status to this process, and they must be key in all agreements between governments and the investment in rural development. The soils. Africa’s agriculture from the political leader- that agriculture had in the 1960s, that pro- programs and processes of projects. private sector, and of course NGOs and the Williamson: I’m onus is on African leaders to invest in How do we ship. The Maputo Declaration is certainly a duced men like Norman Borlaug, is not there United Nations, to deal with the infrastruc- very encouraged their own countries. I’m not convinced measure these yardstick to measure that commitment. anymore. So we need to recruit some of the Fresco: Let me sound one note of caution ture problem – or the issue of slaughter- by the Obama that putting billions of dollars into the things, basically It is good to talk about the money, to best minds to go back into agricultural sci- on the women’s issue that is very dear to houses, animal production – let’s find these administration’s hands of poor countries is going to solve hold rich coun- have the money – but it’s basically what we ence and policy. The best students in many my heart. I’m worried about programs for long-term arrangements. This can be done. rhetoric on agri- tries’ feet to the do with the money. It’s not enough to talk developing countries go into business admin- women that do not look at women as en- cultural develop- the situation.” fire – the U.S. about [$22 billion]. It’s a question of how istration or something that has a high profile trepreneurs in agriculture – sort of “small is Cackler: We believe in the role of the pri- ment, and I think - Kanayo Nwanze government is well we manage the resources, how well we and a promise of quick, early money. beautiful” kinds of programs. The best way vate sector. We have the International Fi- they’re trying to now much more put these resources. And it’s got to be driven I would like to give a challenge to all the to help women is to give them an economic nance Corporation, which is our private- put something seriously track- by results, not just by amounts of money. young people here: Please remain in agri- role and an independent and autonomous sector wing. We believe in the role of the behind it. We have to translate that into ing what money goes into agriculture. And cultural science. Help us to produce leaders way of gaining their money. Otherwise, public sector. And we believe that both sec- some specific results. It’s going to be good there’s the Global Donor Platform for Rural Conway: But it also depends on leadership, that can be science-based, that are willing to they will be a failure. tors need to work together. to monitor a year from now if there are back Development, which has 30 major donors, doesn’t it? In the developing countries, in spend some of their lives, whether it’s in the But I’m going to disagree with Dr. Fres- up over a dozen agricultural-development including IFAD, the World Bank, FAO, the developed countries, in the international public or private sector, to help countries in 48 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 49

curve. Shame on us. “outrage” comes the “inspire.” The inspire Outrage that 25,000 people die fuels more outrage, because we can con- every day of hunger and malnutrition and quer hunger. We have the knowledge, the related diseases. That’s three times as the tools, the science. There’s African entrepre- 1994 genocide in Rwanda. There’s an in- neurs, Midwestern families, philanthropists, ternational war-crimes tribunal to deal with priests, politicians, Southern housewives, those deaths. What about the criminal ne- corporate executives, evangelicals – all fu- glect that has allowed hunger to kill three eled by some measure of outrage, all provid- times as many on a daily basis? That’s the ing inspiration. equivalent of 60 jumbo jets fully loaded, Permit me to read from the book and crashing each day. you’ll get an idea about inspiration and its Outrage that investment in agricultural linkage to outrage: Aengus Finucane had left development, particularly in Africa, dra- Limerick and was a parish priest in the Bi- matically slumped from $8 billion a year in afra region of Nigeria in 1967. War erupted; the 1980s to less than $3 billion this decade. famine spread. As Father Aengus recalled later, Outrage that, in the rich world, agricultural “Parishioners were dying all around. Parents subsidies amounted to about $260 billion burying their children, children crying at the in 2007 while we who were giving out those gravesites of their parents. You heard of can- subsidies, told African governments not to nibalism. A man kicked to death in a market spend one single dollar on subsidies to their because he had stolen food. The parish house farmers. Outrage that African farmers – ba- “Much of the chronic hunger was surrounded by hungry people. The base- sically alone among farmers in the world – ment windows were lined with faces. You de- bear 100 percent of the risk in an inherently of today is largely man-made. veloped a horror of famine.” risky business. If a crop dies in the United Certainly there are natural Father Aengus believed he had stepped States or in Europe, in most cases someone’s disasters. Of course, hunger back in time to the days of the Irish Famine. Roger Thurow writing a check – usually the government or follows in the wake of war and He watched an old Biafran man crawl the final Co-author*, Enough: Why the World’s insurance company. If a crop dies in Africa, corruption. But so much of yards to a refugee camp, only to collapse at the Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty people die. gate. How many Irish people, the priest won- Outrage that American food aid has today’s hunger is caused by bad dered, had done the same, crawling on all fours refused to go to some cash rather than all policies, in the rich world and to the poorhouses, even perhaps to the poorhouse food. In 2003, 14 million Ethiopians on in the poor. We have the tools across the street from his home in Limerick. Outrage and Inspire the verge of starvation were being fed by the and know-how to end hunger, Back in Ireland, a small flock of church- international community. America spent yet we don’t.” goers who heard these tales from Father Finu- more than $500 million sending food aid. cane formed a group called Concern Africa, “Outrage and inspire.” That was the 25,000 people die every day of hunger and the ones, all the predictions are, that will It saved an awful lot of lives. That same year, and devoted themselves to gathering up relief mantra as we were writing our book, Enough.* malnutrition and related diseases? have the greatest impact, and in the equato- the United States spent less than $5 million supplies. Though most of the Irish had little Those were the two goals of our book, what We have to create a clamor that hunger rial zones. On AIDS, the big push has been on aid to help Ethiopian farmers grow more to give, donations poured in; within three we set out to accomplish: Outrage [the read- won’t be tolerated, a clamor that’ll be heard to get as many drugs into Africa as possible food so they wouldn’t be in a position of months, a ship filled with aid sailed from Ire- ers] that we brought hunger with us into the in Washington and other capitals of the – and that’s very laudable. But you can get having to receive the food aid to begin with. land to the west coast of Africa. Other ships 21st century. And inspire that hunger is one world. Let’s make ending hunger the next AIDS sufferers all the drugs they want; if What’s wrong with these numbers? Why do followed. Concern Africa would become Ire- of the problems in the world that can truly great populist cause. In the past several years you’re giving the drugs to hungry and mal- they persist like that? There’s a lot of con- land’s largest humanitarian organization, be conquered, that everyone can make a dif- we’ve seen what can happen when clamor is nourished bodies, what good do they do? vincing that still remains that moderniza- with Father Aengus at the helm. His abiding ference, that it can be the singular accom- raised. We’ve seen governments move on the And sometimes, because they’re very pow- tion needs to happen. mantra to his fellow citizens had been, “It’s the plishment of our generation. debt-relief issue. We’ve seen them take great erful drugs, if the body is undernourished, Outrage that much of the chronic hun- right thing to do.” And they understood. Even Dr. Borlaug said, “Man can and must strides in launching an assault on AIDS. they’ll actually do more harm than good. ger of today is largely man-made. Certainly the poor would come up and put money in and prevent the tragedy of famine in the future, And we’re seeing that kind of happen on the Outrage that more than 1 billion people there are natural disasters. Of course, hunger say, “Ah, Father, we know what it was like to instead of merely trying with pious regret to climate-change issues now. go to bed hungry every day. That number is follows in the wake of war and corruption. be poor and hungry.” salvage the human wreckage of the famine, Particularly on the climate-change higher than it was before the Green Revo- But so much of today’s hunger is caused by The outrage is the job isn’t finished as he has so often done in the past. We will and the AIDS fronts, nobody will be able lution, in absolute terms. Outrage that the bad policies, in the rich world and in the yet, that there is still so much work to do. be guilty of criminal negligence without ex- to declare victory without declaring vic- prevalence of hunger has increased to 15 per- poor. There’s our food-aid policy, the farm And inspire – that against all the odds, let’s tenuation if we permit future famines.” As tory against hunger. On the climate-change cent of the world’s population compared to subsidies, the self-interest of Western coun- roll up our sleeves and get after it. There’s a we reported about hunger, we were inves- front, you can’t declare victory until the just 13 percent a couple of years ago. We’re tries. Outrage that we have the tools and clamor that needs to be created. tigating one of the great crimes of our age. farmers of Africa and their conditions are giving back the gains of the Green Revolu- know-how to end hunger, yet we don’t.

I mean, what else could you call it when addressed and dealt with, because they’re tion that had put us ahead of the population Skullerud / Rein Program Food World Bottom: University; Campbell, Purdue Tom Top: Yes, it does get hopeful. For with the * Thurow co-wroteEnough with fellow Wall Street Journal reporter Scott Kilman 50 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 51

espite several drawbacks, I am confident that the African continent has the human capital hampering rural development and spreading for the local communities. rural poverty. In Mozambique, improved To build on the existing opportunities, and sufficient know-how to successfully implement a Green Revolution that can work for agricultural technologies have contributed several actions have to take place: the current socioeconomic and environmental conditions. to a relative growth of rural communities’ We need to guarantee that the costs of D output levels – but played an overall minor agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, role. Smallholder farmers that use fertilizers, fertilizers, and pesticides are affordable to His Excellency Joaquim Chissano animal traction, or small-scale irrigation sys- the smallholder farmers. This means [pro- tems have only been able to increase their ducing] these inputs locally so that we can Former President of Mozambique production 4-7 percent. At the moment, lower the costs to the farmer. Mozambique only a very limited number of small- holder farmers use drought-resistant va- rieties or have access to improved seeds “We need to guarantee that the costs of agricultural and adequate irriga- inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and tion systems. pesticides are affordable to the smallholder farmers. Although we This means [producing] these inputs locally so that have technological we can lower the costs to the farmer.” constraints, Mozam- bique possesses all the essentials to materialize its considerable has sufficient raw materials and a perfect -lo agricultural potential. The country is- en cation to produce and supply fertilizers for dowed with a wealth of natural resources, the southern African region and other parts including numerous fertile agroecological of the continent. zones, even though only 10 percent of its 36 In biotech farming, Mozambique has million arable hectares are being cultivated. made some advances in breeding several Mozambique wants to increase agricultural important crops, such as maize, sweet po- productivity using science to improve crop tatoes, and rice, for better nutritional value, varieties, creating incentives to farmers disease resistance, drought resistance, and who want to adopt the Green Revolution higher productivity. Much more research approach and promote job creation in the is needed so that the African continent rural areas. Incorporating science in agricul- can produce the right seeds for the envi- facilitate their preservation, transportation, ture is a key factor to the modernization of ronmental conditions we have. We have to and consumption. the economy. continue investment in breeding and mul- We need to build storage capacity and There is also a need to promote process- tiplication technologies. promote crop-conservation techniques. ing industries that are based on local agri- We also have a laboratory that can pro- Many of our farmers lose their production Securing Africa’s Livelihoods through Agriculture culture and forestry. A great portion of the duce in vitro material for the farmers – but due to lack of proper silos, conservation effort has to be placed on the crops that Mo- its impact has not yet affected the small techniques, [and] know-how. We should In Africa, the majority of the popula- increase in productivity and incomes from ers to create more productive and sustainable zambique can produce with comparative ad- farmers, due to an insufficiency of well- learn and share experiences among the coun- tion live and work in rural areas. About smallholder agriculture. agriculture practice. In the case of Mozam- vantage so that all the benefits are fully uti- trained agricultural extension workers. Our tries of the South, in particular the African 70 percent of the African population [are] With effective agrarian and land-re- bique, this availability and accessibility has lized. Most of this work can be done by the research findings have to reach the agricul- nations, so that different partnership models smallholder farmers with agriculture as form practices, we can increase the partici- to be created through agricultural extension extension services we currently have, where- tural-extension services in an efficient and can be applied to improve the overall agri- their livelihood. The vast majority have low pation of farmers in commercial agricul- workers in order to change the current peas- by relevant knowledge and technologies are cost-effective manner so we can better pro- cultural productivity in our countries. crop productivity, thus reducing their abil- ture, which transform the rural economy ant farming attitude with concrete results. successfully shared with small farmers. vide all the necessary assistance to the rural To speak about food security in a glo- ity to generate savings, making them very through the development of rural-based In southern Africa and other subregions, Infrastructure development is anoth- farmers in their times of need. balized world is a complex task, since many vulnerable to food insecurities and climate agro-industries and the private sector. If this issue of accessibility and availability can er essential element for the success of the We need to recognize our agro-industry factors influence the results that can be ob- conditions. With those limited resources, reform is carried out in a sustainable man- be addressed by the construction of fertil- Green Revolution in Mozambique. This in- so that jobs are created and value is added tained. However, as Dr. Borlaug and Dr. Eje- farmers simply cannot afford to purchase ner, we will not face the risk of production izer plants so that the prices of these prod- cludes the construction of feeder roads, ru- to our basic products. The sugar industry is ta have shown, it is possible to achieve great the necessary inputs to increase their crop uncertainties due to declining soil fertility, ucts can be lowered to cater to the needs of ral commercial networks, silos, electricity, a good example of this revival, but we need breakthroughs in agriculture. All we need to production. The most direct and effective nor will we be compromising the food se- the local farmers. irrigation, and water systems. Since people to do a lot more; our cashew nut industry is do is to try and understand the complexities way of raising the standards of living and al- curity of local communities. Without adequate attention to the are the main engine of development, we not in its best shape. Cereals, cassava, veg- involved in each process, address them one leviating poverty, hunger, and malnutrition There is a need for greater availability use and adoption of improved agricultural should never underestimate the need for etables, mango, orange, bananas, coconuts, at a time, and whenever necessary, apply a of the African population is through the and accessibility of fertilizers by local farm- technologies, production growth may slow, adequate health infrastructure and service and other fruits must be processed also to multi-disciplinary approach. 52 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 53

dren, they will have to pay a dowry. Dur- Participants ing the early years, if you have an illness, Gender in Agriculture, it’s the male child who gets priority. When you have scarcity of food, the female chil- Catherine Bertini dren eat last with the mothers. There are Nutrition, and Health 2003 World Food Prize Laureate few female children who have opportunity Professor of Public Administration, to go to schools; and even if they went to Syracuse University schools, they would drop out after one or two years to take care of their siblings. And Namanga Ngongi then they would be married very early in President, Alliance for a Green their life and would have the same cycles as Catherine Bertini: When I was with the and they have different needs, and many of their mothers. Revolution in Africa World Food Program, our mission was to those are gender-based. Think about your And now the Global Hunger Index end hunger. But moving food to people isn’t definition of a farmer – what visual comes launched a couple of days ago mentioned enough – it has to be the right kind of food to mind? When you think about farmers in Geeta Rao Gupta that Bangladesh and the South Asian coun- at the right time in their lives, and it has to the future, put the face of a woman in your President, International Center for tries have done the best in regard to reduc- be consumed. So we talked about the end scope, because she is the farmer that we’re Research on Women ing hunger. And one of the factors that they users of our product, the people who need trying to reach. mentioned is reducing the gender disparity to eat it, and the women are key because Mahabub Hossain [since] 1990. I would mention particularly they’re going to cook it. Not only are wom- Geeta Rao Gupta: It’s important to under- Executive Director, Bangladesh Rural three aspects. en going to cook the food, but they’re going score the significance of the constraints and Advancement Committee On the educational front, at indepen- to find it; they’re going to grow it or bring structural barriers because of the role that dence, the literacy rate was only 24 percent. it home from the market. They have to find women play, not just in producing the food It was 36 percent for men, and half of that the water and the firewood. So if we are re- for their families, but in earning additional for women. A government policy was intro- ally going to end hunger, we have to partner income through that. The barriers that they We know from decades of research duced in 1994, providing stipends to girls with women. face significantly affect both income as well that, when women have control over deci- in secondary schools. Now the gender dis- But it’s not just talking about partner- as the food available to households. sion-making on how money is spent within parity in education, both in primary and ing with women – it’s actually doing it. We There are legal barriers; women lack the the household, when they can control their secondary school, has disappeared as a re- have to find out first what they need, or we right in many countries to inherit property, own income, it has enormous benefits for sult. In fact, in secondary education now, might send them the wrong food or send particularly land. There are financial barriers; children and can break the intergenera- we have a little bit of higher percentage of them food that takes too long to cook or access to credit, access to financial services. tional cycle of poverty. We’ve known the girls attending than the boys. We also see the not otherwise be supporting their needs. Barriers to accessing agricultural exten- barriers for quite a while, but there hasn’t intergenerational effect that, with mothers We have to find ways to listen to women. sion. In most countries around the world, been enough action on the ground to ad- being literate and a And that means women have to be in differ- the agricultural-extension system is in dis- dress [them]. little bit educated, ent leadership positions so they can tell us repair; but even where it exists, it doesn’t they would like what they need. And we need to have more necessarily reach women farmers. The lack Bertini: Some of the action on the ground to send all their women on our staffs to be able to talk to of access to inputs and technologies, seeds, that has been successful has been in Bangla- children to schools. the women who are going to be our ben- fertilizer, resulting in lower yields for wom- desh. The Human Development Index for And we see that in the pri- eficiaries. en farmers. The lack of physical access to Bangladesh has gone up quite substantial- mary schools. Attendance in Throughout Africa over 80 percent markets, which is true for all smallholder ly and one of the reasons is the empower- the primary schools, of the of the people that work in agriculture are farmers, not just for women, where you ment of women. primary school-aged children, women; in Asia, over 60 percent. Yet exten- don’t have feeder roads or storage capaci- has reached nearly 93 percent from a level sion workers are mostly men, even when ties. For women in particular, the barriers Mahabub Hossain: Bangladesh, of 60 percent only two decades ago – that’s women farmers are more likely to listen and to membership in local farmer associations at the time of separation with a tremendous advancement. Seven percent watch other women farmers. If somebody’s and cooperatives puts them at a disadvan- West Pakistan, had the worst gen- of children are not going to school, most- going to give expert advice to farmers and tage, because they cannot be in a decision- der disparity in the country. ly because of poverty, and we are picking the farmers are women, it makes a lot more making role. The disparity started them up in BRAC. We target children who sense for the advisors to be women. Then sociocultural barriers to mobility, at birth, with male have not been reached by the government Women are not the primary landown- to controlling the income, as well as attitu- children regarded schools, and they come mostly from the ex- ers; they are not the people that normally dinal barriers, not just at the national and as assets and fe- treme poor homes – as well as the children get the training. We have to think about local level but in international development male children as who dropped out early. what women need as well as men. This is agencies, in agribusinesses that do not di- liabilities – because The second, which probably has con- not a generic exercise of generic farmers rectly contract with women farmers nor in- many parents think tributed significantly more in reducing the – this is women farmers and men farmers, vest specifically in women farmers. that, with female chil- gender disparity particularly, is access to 54 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 55

exactly the same rights I have – in inherit- they’re already doing. that we have, including the BRAC model, ing land from my father. So we should dis- And there are many simple ways to do have succeeded because of the involvement aggregate this in the different countries, in that. We can improve access to inputs. That of communities. When we have come top- different communities, as we discuss and try requires only systems like agrodealers which down with large infrastructure projects, to bring about solutions. African male farm- bring inputs closer to the farmers. Also, they have failed. ers, most of them don’t own the land from packaging those inputs in smaller packages, I just want to underscore about micro- which they work. Except if you plant a per- so that women with smaller disposable in- finance – it’s a great thing for women, but manent plant like coconut or cocoa or coffee we need women to be – you more or less have the long-term usage able to have economic right over that land. But you don’t have the enterprises and econom- title to have assurance that if you died, that “Women are more credit-worthy than men. ic activities that thrive, land would automatically pass to your chil- They’re more eager to invest rather than wasting not just survive. And dren. In Ghana, where we are working quite in conspicuous consumption or other things we need women to not extensively, 10 percent of the certificates of that men do. The family, the children, the food be ghettoized into mi- family farms are owned by women, 20 per- crofinance permanently is their responsibility. If you give money in their Ngongi Hossain Rao Gupta Bertini cent by men. It is something which needs to but to use that as a step be addressed with a long-term approach to hands, they know how to get [a better] return to building enough as- try to give the assets to women. on the capital. But women hardly have access or sets to have the collateral new economic resources and opportunities. And almost all of this is channeled through they have. The other thing that we have The critical problem is not really the power to spend the money.” that the formal banking Land is the most valuable asset, and very women. been doing is organizing women from dis- ownership of land but security of tenure, system requires. The -in few women own that. In Bangladesh that’s Besides providing credit, we look at the advantaged groups into village federations of use. If you want to improve land, which - Mahabub Hossain dicator of the success of because of the Muslim inheritance law that activities that women are interested in, and to provide them information about their is the major asset for income production in microfinance programs the daughters are entitled to one-third of we focused on homestead gardening and rights [and] often invite local government rural areas, you should have certainty that should be not just the the property of their parents, and the sons livestock and poultry producing; provided officials. This is helpful in developing social down the line, you would still have access to come can also access and buy. How about rate of repayment of loans – most women get two-thirds. But this entitlement is not them training and skill development; pro- capital, having a common pressure to give that piece of land – or else why would you credit systems that support women without are socialized to be good women and always even practiced. The brothers tell their sis- vided business management, feed supply, demand so that the services are available to spend the little resources that you have to asking for all of those collateral needs? You follow through on their promises. They will ters that, if they want to have access to se- and other things. And now nearly 2 million them. buy all the inputs to improve land that may don’t need to change a whole country’s con- repay loans – around the world, we’ve seen curity, in case of divorce or if they want to women are engaged in these activities and go to somebody else? That does not require stitution and cultural values, or whatever proof of that. The indicators of the success get help from their brothers, they better not have been increasing family income. Namanga Ngongi: When I visited Bangla- changing the constitution in the country, to it is that we all hide behind, for women to of a microfinance program should be the to take the entitlement of the land that they The third – access to information is desh, I was most impressed by a lady whom be able to give more security of tenure. That have access to inputs. We can find simple growth of women’s incomes in businesses. have. So very few women own as- I asked what was the greatest ben- should be able to be done. things that we can do. sets. But many of the NGOs and efit she got from BRAC. She said Some of the blockages that were raised, Bertini: So what, for instance, specifically is the government are now providing the [confidence] to stand up and in terms of access to information and credit Rao Gupta: You’re absolutely right. We AGRA doing in order to ensure that some new assets, new resources. “Throughout Africa over 80 percent of the speak in public. And those are the – we are now in 2009; there is no reason don’t need to think of these as huge hurdles of these things are happening that you just Micro-credit is a significant programs which are very much why we could not have a special program that require big changes. A lot of this can talked about? movement that has been done in people that work in agriculture are women; in lacking. We all can focus on tech- for female extension agents in Africa. There be done in a very context-specific way at Bangladesh. Micro-credit organi- Asia, over 60 percent. Yet extension workers are nical problems, on making peo- is no reason why, if women have poor access the local level through changing incentive Ngongi: One is to increase the access of zations now target nearly 24 mil- mostly men, even when women farmers are more ple, use new seeds and fertilizer. to credit, we could not have credit systems systems, changing the way in which we pro- women to inputs. By the end of this year, it lion households out of 30 million likely to listen and watch other women farmers. But they’re not able to commu- directed toward women, so that women vide information, understanding what the probably will have been 8,000-9,000 [agro- households in the country. And If somebody’s going to give expert advice to nicate their needs to the people could have access to credit without having barriers are. But some of these things will dealers] that have been given capacity, of almost all channel the credit to who are likely to make decisions. a land certificate, without having a building not take root until you create an enabling which at least 35 percent or 40 percent are women. It’s not that the women farmers and the farmers are women, it makes a That’s a good lesson we can learn certificate, without having all those condi- policy environment. So I don’t want us to women. And there are many areas in which utilize all the money; sometimes lot more sense for the advisors to be women.” from Bangladesh. tions the banks are looking for. Some of undermine the importance of that, because you have agrodealer women running their they share this money with their In my home village, if the these are temporary hurdles which can be we have seen in countries where laws do ex- own businesses – instead of just working on relatives in the household to en- - Catherine Bertini Germans had not come, it would jumped over so that we can faster empower ist for women, for example, to inherit prop- a farm, they have now become their own gage in self-employment. But these have been matrilineal inheritance. women to make use of the most predomi- erty or to own land – when it comes down entrepreneurs. organizations recognize that, if the money is quite important. When we provide credit, Where you have matrilineal inheritance, the nant asset that they have, which is land to it, those laws are not enforced. We have also worked to get credit guar- channeled to women, they will have status we organize 30 to 40 women into groups. issues which we’re trying to resolve today [and] their ability. The change has to begin from the bot- antee schemes in banks. I can cite Kenya as in the family and control of the other mem- We have a three-week training course for did not arise because the women had the The real issue for the women is not for tom up, so I couldn’t agree more with the an example, where we gave a credit guar- bers of the family. In Bangladesh, nearly the women to receive training on the laws power over assets, had the rights over land. women to be given more work in agricul- idea that you have to include communities, antee of $2.5 million, and IFAD gave $5 every year, micro-credit organizations pro- and regulations that affect their lives – in- But those were changed by the new masters ture – I don’t think so; they’re already work- women in particular, and men to discuss million, and we were able to mobilize $50 vide about $2.5 billion, which is two times heritance laws, laws with regard to divorce, of the countries. In many parts [of Africa] ing hard enough. It’s to make their work these issues, and [communicate] the costs million dollars from Equity Bank to give more than the credit given by formal finan- their entitlement – so that they can claim, today, an unmarried daughter has exactly more remunerative, for them to derive more of these barriers, so that they can come loans to small-scale farmers. A large propor- cial institutions to the agricultural sector. at the time of distress, the legal rights that the same rights – my unmarried sister has benefits and satisfaction for the work that up with the solutions. All of the successes tion are still men, because they are still go- 56 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 57 ing through the culture of the communist the women have to take care of the fam- giving access to credit, giving opportunities how men and women relate to each other, You do need to change the incen- Hossain: I would like to [discuss] leverag- mold, land certificates and assets. But we es- ily, and they don’t have the income that the – if they get more income, we thought, then which is why none of these programs could tives. You need to change the rules of the ing of aspirations for the children from poor pecially give group loans to women’s groups husband [has]. More basic is that the family, the power of utilizing that income would succeed if you didn’t involve both women game fundamentally by saying, “No, we’ve families. It’s no good just focusing on prima- – it’s easier than to try to identify individual the children, the food is their responsibil- remain with women. But that is happening and men in the changes that you’re seeking. said now that this much percentage has to ry education. We have initiated a program women. ity. That’s why, if you give money in their very slowly; there’s not really a big achieve- Because otherwise, there will be backlash be women” – or else you’re not going to giving scholarships to children who do ex- We are also having a training program at hands, they utilize it much better than if the ment in that. against women, and we have to ensure that change it. Because of an act of Parliament ceptionally well in the school certificate ex- the PhD level, of which about 35 percent to- money is used by men. We have heard from The problem there is the insecurity of we don’t do something that causes more in India, there was a law saying that 30 per- aminations. We particularly pick up children day are women. It is a little difficult – if you African experience and others that if men women. They look at security within the damage than good. cent should be women, and 30 percent of from households where the main source of do not find women who have gone through earn income, they go for drinking and all family, so that there is no occasion for di- Because these are embedded in socio- all panchayats, the local village councils in income is selling labor. We are now working the bachelor’s degree level, it is difficult to those sort of things, rather than investing vorce and other things, because that places cultural norms, you need proactive, delib- districts, should be led by women. In the with the ministry of finance in Bangladesh, find them to train at a master’s degree level. to see whether contributions from better-off So we have to go one step lower to be able households to this program could be made to find how to encourage girls in secondary tax-free, so that we can accumulate enough school to take agriculture as a profession. funding for expanding this program so that they can go through colleges and universi- Hossain: Women are more credit-worthy ties, those meritorious students. than men. They can take better care of money. They’re more eager to invest rather Rao Gupta: The economic appeal is a good than wasting in conspicuous consumption one; a return on these kinds of investments or other things that men do. has appealed to many decision-makers. A Microfinance is often high-cost - lend new program that the Rural Development ing. Often these organizations charge a Institute is undertaking with microplots in 20-30 percent rate of interest compared to Karnataka and in West Bengal in India, is the formal financial system which is just 10- proving that with small pieces of land, one- 15 percent. So if [women] can move from fifteenth of an acre targeted to women, you high-cost lending to the formal business can get a lot of impact in terms of increases sector, that would be good for them. But in income at the household level. what happens in practice is that, even if you Leadership cannot be emphasized have collateral, you don’t have access to for- enough, and the fact that you need leader- mal financial institutions; for both men and ship at all levels, from the farm cooperatives women, that’s true. Many governments, right up to the big institutions that make since they are targeting the poorer sections decisions on the allocation of dollars or re- of society, ask a very low rate of interest of sources. Leveraging aspirations – that is our commercial financial institutions. challenge. How do we get girls from primary But those institutions find that doing “Microfinance is a great thing, but we need women to have enterprises “The real issue for the women is not for women to be given more work school into secondary school to maintain business with a small amount of money in- and economic activities that thrive, not just survive. We need women to in agriculture – I don’t think so; they’re already working hard enough. those aspirations? And then the biggest chal- volves a very high cost of administration. So not be ghettoized into microfinance, but to use that as a step to building It’s to make their work more remunerative, for them to derive more lenge is the transition from school to work. when the government asks for giving loans enough assets that the formal banking system requires.” benefits and satisfaction for the work that they’re already doing.” The message that I always give when we at very low rate of interest, they go into agri- are involved in communities is, empower- cultural enterprises which would need larger - Geeta Rao Gupta - Namanga Ngongi ing women is not a zero-sum game – power amounts of money, rather than serving the is not a finite concept. More power to wom- small people. So I’m not sure whether this en, more power to the household, because will work in practice. the surplus for the welfare of the family. In women at risk. There are also other kinds of erate efforts to change those norms, even first generation, those women were pup- when women earn more, the household India in several states you have this same insecurity, like rape, and they need to have at the local level. And to do that you need pets perhaps of their husbands or fathers earns more. And that’s a concept we need Bertini: Could you go a little bit into how phenomenon that men squander the mon- support of their male guardians in order to women in decision-making positions at or uncles. But now if you look at the sixth to build on. And the way to build on that women use the resources that they have and ey. Women know how to invest and get [a deal with that. So they don’t want to an- all levels. There are some very creative, in- generation of women leaders, they are lead- is to work with women and men and with invest in the family? Because I think that’s better] return on the capital than men do. tagonize too much and exercise their power novative programs. The AWARD program ers, and they are mentors and role models communities – not just with women. That’s something that people don’t appreciate. But despite providing all these resourc- over their husbands or parents with regard in Africa, which is seeking to increase the for a future generation of women who will where we’ve gone wrong in the past. es [to] the women, the additional income to this claim on the resources. talent pool of women agricultural research- enter the election system on their own and Hossain: They are the real caretaker of the that comes to the family, women hardly ers, is a very important one. It’s providing will not require those quotas anymore. But family. At times of crisis, when you have have access or power to spend the money. Rao Gupta: What we are bringing about incentives and giving advantage to women the trigger has to be set, special incentives poverty, men often abandon the family. We The power remains with the men, about the is really social change. For social change to to try and push back the historical legacy or subsidies in order to make it happen, to see the migration of men in search of better how to utilize the money. And we see that occur in women’s lives, it’s not just about of disadvantage that women have faced in change the dynamics of the game. economic opportunities. During that time in BRAC. Despite working for 20 years, women; it’s about gender relations. It’s about entering these professions. 58 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 59

prehensive report. But it also continues to have an aura of divisiveness. I recall Bill Gates’ statement here that we really need to bring together, and not divide, the en- “The ecosystem, society, and the vironmental aspects and the technology economy – they all need to work aspects for agricultural development. [Is the] message still the same as in that im- together in harmony. We still rely portant report? too much on narrow, technological inventions or implement narrow Hans Herren: Let me just mention that technologies rather than looking only, basically, private sector from the at the wider system. Technology North in one group quit; there were pri- has to be a solution to a problem vate sector [participants] from the South who remained part of the assessment. rather than a solution looking for The key message is one sentence: Busi- a problem somewhere.” ness as usual is not an option. The other main message was the emphasis on agri- - Hans Herren culture as part of the system and the mul- tifunctionality of agriculture. So we have the ecosystem, the environment, society, the people, and the economy – they all

Tom Campbell, Purdue University Campbell, Purdue Tom need to work together in harmony. And I Tracking global agricultural efforts requires a focus on nutrition, livelihoods, and the well-being of vulnerable groups, including young people. have not seen much moving. We still rely too much on narrow, technological inven- tions or implement narrow technologies and stocks. Commodity prices have fallen, rather than looking at the wider system. Assessing Progress in Global Agriculture and the forecast of the global harvest for Penn: My sense is there is a better under- We’ve heard many times about the need 2010-2011 will be less of an increase than standing of the fundamentals, the long- to have biotechnology, for example. But Joachim von Braun: For Nor- tion and of the G20? Are you optimistic? we’ve seen in the past two years because of term supply and demand. We’re going to that’s just one part of what is needed. Participants man Borlaug, progress was a clear the decline in prices. add 3 billion people; we’ve got to perhaps We need to manage better our natural concept – increase the yields, J.B. Penn: All of this renewed attention Now, when prices fall, interest wanes; double food supply in just 40 years’ time. resources. If technology needs to be in increase the production. It was is a good thing, and these initiatives are even though the hunger numbers don’t And we’re not going to have any more there, that’s fine, but it should not be the Joachim von Braun certainly not simply pointing at a good thing, because it does concentrate change or go up, the interest wanes in ag- resources to use. So I think the business cart in front of the oxen. Technology has Director General, potentials. He kept saying, “You additional resources to the problem. It ricultural development. So we have to see community – at least the business com- to be a solution to a problem rather than International Food Policy Research Institute* can’t eat potential.” So we want also gives the private sector reassurance whether the interest this time is going to munity that I’m familiar with – is recog- the other way around – a solution looking to be results-oriented in look- that this time things may be different, that be sustained or not. Lots of people make nizing the fundamentals and taking a lon- for a problem somewhere. Marco Ferroni ing forward. “Results-oriented” there may be a critical mass of effort and pledges. Governments make pledges on ger view than they might normally take. I’m not sure much has changed yet. Executive Director, means that yields increase, water- funding. If development is to succeed, we proportions of their budgets for rural de- And my sense is that they are prepared to Some countries are talking about chang- Syngenta Foundation use efficiency is increasing, poor must have the investment of the private velopment. I am optimistic that this time make the investments. ing the way they provide support to the people eat better, hungry people sector. Governments never have enough is different, that this time we are seeing An enabling policy environment farmers, moving toward rewarding ecosys- eat more, micronutrient deficien- money to get the job done, and we must some practical, level-headed approaches to – that’s the key for business. If you have tem services so farmers do the right thing: Brian Halweil cies are decreased, food safety is have the innovation from the private sec- development. The discussion in the United that, then you look at the fundamentals producing quality food in good quantity, Senior Researcher, improved, the environmental tor. So I am heartened that the private sec- States about how to go about this is espe- of the sector. If they look good, then the but also maintaining the resource base, Worldwatch Institute footprints are shrinking. So it’s a tor is showing so much interest in these cially heartening. investment will occur, the ingenuity and which is going to be required not only the multidimensional progress set of new initiatives. the innovation will occur. But if you don’t next five years until we get out of a crisis Hans Herren indicators which we need to drive The big question is – will this be sus- von Braun: [We’ve] listened to visionary have that enabling environment, it’s just but for the many generations to come. 1995 World Food Prize Laureate at. It’s not just one. But we must tained? Farmers are good economists – you statements from top global leaders in the not going to happen. We felt that genetic modification President, Millennium Institute not get confused among them. get high prices, they farm more land, they private sector. But you have just said they can contribute, but more research has to J.B., you have seen strate- use higher-quality inputs. We’ve seen two are responding to price elasticity. When von Braun: Hans, you have been at the be done across the board from ecological gies come and go. Some have huge harvests at the same time that we suitability – what are the long-term con- J.B. Penn you say “farmers,” you also say, broadly, heart of this International Assessment of left good traces, and others have have seen a very severe global recession “private sector.” So would you care to com- Agricultural Science and Technology; it sequences? – all the way to health issues. Chief Economist, no traces. How do you assess the dampen food demand. So we have cor- ment on [what] we had heard from the included the private sector until it dropped We just don’t know enough. As of today John Deere current energetic debates and rected the strained situation that we had in leaders of the corporate sector? Will they out, a lot of active NGOs, and many gov- – and this was confirmed by a study from strategies of the new administra- the middle of last year in terms of supplies say the same [things] next year? ernments. And it resulted in a very com- the Union of Concerned Scientists – these * Dr. von Braun stepped down from his position at IFPRI in December 2009 60 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 61 crops do not yet increase the yield po- now beginning to understand that, in an tential or yield. They may facilitate farm- atmosphere where there’s a higher carbon ing, mostly large-scale farming. But that content, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio in doesn’t mean it’s something that we need plants goes up; that means less nutritious to take out of context and push more than “As we think about going from plants for the human and livestock to eat “We get focused on farming and sustainable agriculture, agroecology. future risks to hedging those risks, those plants. And we’re beginning to see on farm inputs, improved seeds, other effects that we haven’t anticipated von Braun: At a conference in Rome a we need to think beyond global – we’re seeing the range of major fishery and even machinery. But we couple of days ago, somebody said, “Afri- grain production to meet future species changing. From the bottom of the have to be thinking about the can agriculture is, by default, ecological. demands. We need to think about marine food chain up, we’re seeing produc- entire value chain as it relates to And that’s an opportunity; that’s the direc- incorporating diversity at every tivity decline. productivity – how we reduce post- tion we should take.” level of the food chain. That will If we just focus on grains, we’ve hard- harvest losses, how we preserve and be our best hedge against threats ly begun to understand how the setting in enhance the nutritional content, Herren: A lot of people say that the prob- which farmers and agricultural businesses lem in Africa is that they do organic ag- that we can predict – but also those operate has changed dramatically. And it will how we retail it. We have to have riculture, they don’t use any inputs. This that we can’t.” be virtually impossible to anticipate all of huge gains in the entire system.” is very wrong, to think that because you the impacts. As we think about going from don’t do anything, you do organic. Organ- - Brian Halweil future risks to investing in hedging those - J.B. Penn ic or ecologically sound agroecology means risks, we need to think beyond global grain that you’re taking care of your environ- production, or what agricultural production ment. The problem [for] African farmers needs to be at to meet future demands. is they don’t have the means – because the We need to think about incorporating crop price is so low – to take care of their diversity at every level of the food chain soil. And you need amendments in organic – in the crop varieties we choose; in farm- form or in mineral forms to get going. ing systems, that is, mixing livestock and aquaculture and water features on farms The majority of our investments have who will not just buy fair-trade goods and Marco Ferroni: Hans says business as usual and so on. This requires that we make full about the big risks which you and World- with traditional crop production; in giving been at the input side of the value chain support developing countries farmers in is not an option, and I resoundingly agree. use of technology as well as the best of our watch see and what to do about them. farmers not just additional markets but ad- – seed breeding, focusing on increasing that way, but will be interested in speak- We’re not producing enough food. And the policy and management capabilities. ditional products in markets. That diver- productivity and profitability, focusing ing to their elected officials about changes perspective, if we continue with business as I deplore that there seems to be part Brian Halweil: We of necessity will be mov- sity will be our best hedge against threats on the inputs to production. We’ve ne- in American food-aid policy and the Farm usual to 2050, is precarious. So if we look of an important community of shapers of ing from a situation of short-term thinking that we can predict – but also those that we glected the rest of the links in the value Bill and world-trade agreements that are back from 2050 to now, what is the mea- opinion, mostly in rich countries where we to long-term thinking. It’s not a moment can’t predict. chain, including the setting in which that currently barriers or hindrances to reduc- sure of [success] in feeding 9 billion people can have the luxury to have such debates, too soon; interest in agricultural issues and seed is grown – the soil, the water-manage- ing hunger and poverty. at that time? The answer [depends on] the about basically two schools of thought: development is recovering from being at a von Braun: How about crop insurance? ment technique, the economic structure in way in which we will have been able to ad- the productivity school, as I would call low, but finally it’s inserting itself into cli- Would that fit into your concept? That which it’s grown. von Braun: Let me come back to risk. I dress the performance gaps at the present it, and the sustainability school. I would mate discussions and economic develop- would be a market-oriented approach. think we need a seriously reconsidered ap- time – 1 billion people hungry, population hope that by 2050 – actually way, way ment discussions and others. But the other von Braun: Thousands of households in proach that deals with market risks, with growth out of control, grain-yield growth before that – we would have an opportu- reason we need to change that perspective Halweil: There’s a full range of untapped North America and Europe have started technology opportunities, with an invest- declining. And the smallholder community nity to bring those two ways of thinking is that we’re moving from a situation of insurance approaches for both poor and gardening again. What’s behind that? And ment portfolio. Do we have a compre- – the 400 to 500 million small farms that together in some constructive anyway. It is agricultural stability – where farmers and wealthy farmers to hedge against any sort what does this mean for our agenda in hensive approach to deal with increased will continue to be important in that hori- about intensification of agriculture, but it others in the agricultural sector have been of loss of crops. But I’m thinking in a the developing world? Are people who are uncertainties in the world food system? zon of 40 years – not being able, for lack of is about doing so sustainably. able to predict with some reasonableness broader term than a policy that a farmer gardening themselves more open to our And if not, what should be the strategy? technology and services and adequate sup- what climate, water availability, the grow- is buying. agenda so that it isn’t a one-year thing, but These uncertainties are very bad for busi- porting policies, to make the contribution von Braun: Brian, your writing focuses on ing situation [were] going to be like – into The late-blight outbreak in the north- keeps people engaged? ness and make you hesitant to invest. Isn’t to food security, economic growth, and risks and uncertainties and around the en- a situation where those things can’t be taken eastern United States this year — the causes that right? livelihood improvement that they might vironment and agricultural system. If you for granted. And the major driver is climate were everything from a damp, cold growing Halweil: There is no question that this be doing under another scenario. take a fair look at risks, the world has be- change. Agriculture may be a relatively season to consolidation in the food chain food enthusiasm could be harnessed. Not Penn: That is true, but the businesses that The most important priority going for- come a less risky place. Humankind lives small industry in the global economy, but that supplies tomato seedlings and seed po- just the environmental community but the are able to sort these out are the ones that ward is to live up to the Borlaug challenge. longer. But when people get more wealthy, it is the industry that will be most affected tatoes. The best insurance policy against that food-interested community in this coun- survive and thrive. So they’re also seen as But by adding one adverb to it. The Bor- as the average world citizen does, they don’t by a more erratic climate. is a diversification of the sources of planting try could be harnessed as a much more ef- opportunities. We’re reexamining lots of laug challenge was, Intensify agriculture. want to put up with risks anymore. So the We’ve all seen the statistics that a one- materials and of those crops that farmers fective ally in international hunger issues. things that we have taken for granted. We’re We now have to say, Intensify agriculture demand for insurance and risk reduction is degree increase in average temperature depend on. Areas that only grew potatoes Regardless of what motivates people to assessing production agriculture, what that sustainably – using land and water wisely, increasing very quickly. With that precur- across much of the globe can lead to a 10- or only grow tomatoes were devastated, get interested in this – and it is in the tens system is and how it works. We’re looking stopping the mortgaging of our ecosystems, sor, I’d like to ask you to elaborate a bit percent decrease in grain yields. But we’re whether they had crop insurance or not. of millions – these are the sorts of people at organics in a new way. And we’re seeing 62 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 63 risk to the food system in places that we ic unpredictability; the fact that a rain-fed haven’t seen before. I think we’ll see some farmer — who plans to have some rain in evolution of the food system because of the spring after they plant their seeds, will this risk assessment. not be able to plan for that in the same way There is a lot of focus. When we’re “Vegetables are not only important that they’ve done in the past. We will need talking about increasing food production in gardening in [rich] countries. “Whereas the average world climate-ready crops and climate-ready and largely focusing on the developing They’re extremely important, citizen today can cope with the farmers, crops that can deal with more un- world, we get focused on farming and on and overlooked oftentimes, in uncertainties a lot better than ever predictable weather, but farmers who have farm inputs, improved seeds, and even ma- developing countries. We must in human history, the poor have also set up their farms to deal with more chinery. But we have to be thinking about unpredictable weather. the entire value chain as it relates to food, focus on vegetables not only for been left behind. It’s not just some about productivity improvements – how nutritional reasons but for their statistics of prices jumping up and von Braun: Things went overboard the we store the food, how we reduce post- potential as a cash crop. Income down. It is the hunger statistics last two years. Whereas the average world harvest losses, how we process it; how we improvements are essential which relate to the poorest of the citizen today can cope with the uncertain- preserve and enhance the nutritional con- for farmers to be able to adopt poor which we have to address.” ties a lot better than ever in human his- tent; how we retail it, how we price it. We tory, the poor have been left behind. The technology.” will have to have huge productivity gains - Joachim von Braun risks that have them exposed, have deeply in the entire system, not just in crop and - Marco Ferroni undermined their livelihoods and have led livestock yields. to hundreds of thousands of incremental The Global Harvest Initiative is these deaths among the poor due to the food four agribusiness companies, examining a crisis and the financial crisis – let’s not for- new way to measure productivity growth get it. It’s not just some statistics of prices for global agriculture – maybe regionally, jumping up and down. It is the hunger maybe partial-factor productivity mea- statistics which relate to the poorest of the sures along with total-factor productivity poor which have worsened, and it relates measures – but to see, on an ongoing ba- to the volatility of the issues, which we sis, if we are really producing more food not much you can do about that. Risk is was in your assessments, sustainability of precision agriculture is part of that techno- looked oftentimes, in the research agenda in have to address. with the same bundle of resources and if something that you can assess and gener- women in agriculture? Maybe broaden it a logical package that tries to rely on the full developing countries. We must focus on the And I would like to close with two we’re doing it in the farming side, in the ally can insure against. bit, the future of small-farm agriculture. gamut of resources in terms of technology, basics, grains and oilseeds and so on, but very positive assessments. The new role processing side, in the distribution and the In the developing markets, we have science, management, and so on. Now, we also must focus on vegetables not only of the private sector is indicating break- retailing side. It gets to Marco’s notion of instruments for farmers to deal with that. Herren: The report came out strongly in precision agriculture is also linked with for nutritional reasons but for reasons of through and makes all of us very, very sustainability – you’ve got to work that in We have crop insurance, we have the fu- favor of new agricultural knowledge, sci- the question of risk, because risk manage- exploiting their potential as a cash crop. In- positive and optimistic [about] the future. as well. tures markets, we have forward purchases ence, and technology for small farmers and ment is not just crop insurance – it’s about come improvements are essential for farm- And secondly, the new emphasis of gov- in sales. We used to have heavy govern- family farms. We felt that there was a lack managing your resources in the best pos- ers to be able to adopt technology. ernment, including the U.S. government, von Braun: Total-factor productivity in ment involvement directly in production of appropriate science directed toward the sible way. So technology, again, comes in on food security. There’s large investments developing countries is what I would ad- agriculture. We had price supports [to] women in particular and the small farms. as indispensable. Halweil: It would be interesting to answer with smart investments, with a lot more vocate we focus on. Yield per unit of land, encourage production regardless of the And that’s why we cannot just import the Then we’ve got the whole question this question about who those 9 billion partnership, a lot more focus on women or output for labor day, or crop per drop market, regardless of demand. And the re- science which has been done in the North of diversification. Livestock is important, people will be [in 2050]. We should ask – all this is great news. are partial productivities – they’re impor- sult was huge stockpiles, and a flatline of on a different farm size to the South; we diversification is important – and that is who we want them to be. It’s safe to as- Let’s keep these two grand messages tant, but they don’t give the answer. The prices, and that’s what farmers didn’t like. have to adapt it and actually to work with where vegetables and home gardening are sume they’ll have much more diverse and from the symposium in mind and stick current total-factor productivities in agri- They didn’t like the predictability of know- the people. And I think, Marco, you forgot coming in. Gardening is a very good trend healthy diets. And if there are productivity with Norman Borlaug’s mission – we have culture are showing growth rates of about ing that these prices were very low. to say, declaring, “We need more science – because, in addition to nutritional ben- increases on farms, many people will not to focus, get the crops grown, and get the 1.5 per annum. And that’s why we are in And there we’re talking about vari- and technology.” What we need is to marry efits, there is promise in educational terms. be working on farms anymore. But there people to eat them. a food-insecure world. If we don’t add at ability. If we let the markets work, within this with the farmers’ knowledge. That has If people do home gardening, they begin will be processing and added-value jobs least half a percentage point to that an- reason, then we’re going to have times in to be taken into account. to learn and understand where food comes and agricultural-extension and agricultural nual total-factor productivity growth, we which there is some interruption of sup- from. Potentially that is the way into re- machinery and engineering jobs that are can try what we want; it will remain a very ply. Prices will move up – that will cause Ferroni: I agree with the importance of solving that debate between the productiv- all related to robust rural economies. If our risky, unpredictable situation because of farmers to respond. They will produce, bringing farmers’ knowledge on board. ity and the sustainability “churches” that agriculture is more agroecological-inten- the lack of supply. and prices will move down. Demand is This is extremely important, and we should does damage to our search for prioritiza- sive, knowledge-intensive, there will still fairly predictable. discuss it in the context of agricultural ex- tion of what really needs to get done and be a demand for lots of people in the agri- Penn: There are three things that we’re tension – a major missing area that has not how it needs to get done. cultural field. They may not all be farmers, talking about: one is uncertainty, another von Braun: Hans, were there things such been addressed adequately. Vegetables are not only important in but they will still be connected to farming is risk, and another is variability. U n c e r - as – women’s [being] 70 percent of agri- There is so much water, land, fertilizer, the context of gardening in [rich] countries. in some way. tainty is the unknown unknown; there’s culture; did you look into whose labor it other inputs that are being wasted. To me, They’re extremely important, and over- And, speaking primarily about climat- 64 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 65

Modern agriculture can offer relief and external aid, and not vice-versa. Able Afri- ing telecommunication networks, growing save Africa. An African Green Revolution Gebisa Ejeta cans should not be relegated to followers in access to water and energy, expansion in can be a reality. We have the know-how to 2009 World Food Prize Laureate response to the external resource. primary, secondary, and tertiary education boost crop productivity, trigger profitable Distinguished Professor of Agronomy, A social and political environment that – investments in nation-building may be at enterprises and opportunities, and chart a Purdue University encourages the best and brightest of Africa an all-time high in many countries. sustainable livelihood for rural and urban to engage in agriculture needs to emerge. The agricultural sciences have entered Africans – provided that we have the will to Bright Africans have done wonders around the highest level of African political debate avoid past mistakes, strengthen Africa’s insti- the world when given the chance to be gain- in the last several years. African leaders have tutions, empower its professionals, challenge fully employed in put agriculture its leadership, and inspire its people to launch highly conducive on their an- science-based economic development. and productive nual agenda and Africa will not be able to make this de- environments. A made a historic velopment of its agriculture and economy new and dynamic pledge to com- without significant external assistance. I am local cadre can do “No amount of external funding will mit 10 percent certain, however, that no amount of exter- the same in Af- bring about transformative change of their national nal funding will bring about transformative rica if provided budget to food change unless it is locally led by inspired cit- with functional unless it is locally led by inspired security and izenry and driven by unequivocal support institutions, pol- citizenry and driven by unequivocal agriculture-led and commitment from African leaders and icy support, and support and commitment from growth. Many policymakers. encouragement. African leaders and policymakers.” nations have In the 1960s, when the Asian Green Entrepreneur- proclaimed a Revolution was being launched, indepen- ship and private targeted annual dent Africa was being born. At the end of investment [are] a must. Private-sector in- productivity growth greater than 6 percent WWII and into the mid-1960s, few Africans stitutions are weak in all African countries. by 2015. Regional and subregional organi- with graduate degrees in agricultural science Without strengthened market institutions zations have been put in place to facilitate existed. Very little functional science infra- and the robust infrastructure to support the technology generation and transfer. structure was in place. The few entities left by emerging private sector, science-based de- There is increasing engagement by foun- colonial leaders had no substantive research velopment will be hard to sustain. dations, nongovernmental agencies, and the programs aligned with Africa’s development. We know what we need to succeed in emerging private-sector activity. Unprec- In the euphoria of independence, Af- Africa. We just need to agree on the how. edented levels of financial support may be rica was bracing itself to put in place the es- The African Green Revolution you with food produced elsewhere.” And Agricultural sciences can offer technologi- obligated by foreign government and donor sentials for self-rule and development. With that certainly had not worked. The lack of cal solutions for increasing production and agencies in support of African agriculture. such a backdrop, a long, painful journey of substantial local investment most heavily conserving natural resources to catalyze eco- Between ambitious pledges from external science-based economic development might need not be failed in mission-oriented agriculture and nomic development. Solutions for many of donors and domestic commitments, and have appeared to be an unnecessarily bitter rural development. the current problems are already available or the palpable resolve to succeed heard from pill. Nevertheless, investments were made What to do to increase the chances of can be readily obtained. African voices, this may be a new era for ag- from both internal sources and foreign as- success? The generous financial support and I’ve grown greatly optimistic about ricultural development. sistance for building institutions of educa- eminent leadership coming forth are re- Africa lately, as there appear to be With this resurgence of interest, we can tion, research, and technology-transfer. Ag- A MIRAGE markable. But crucial as they are, they do improving trends in several areas, including lead African agriculture to generate badly riculture was to be emphasized. The seeds Today there is a developing, though not African Green Revolution without an ear- not guarantee success. The call for an African governance, democracy, peacebuilding, needed impact. Insightful research can ad- of development sown then have been cru- yet robust, agricultural-research infrastruc- nest public-private partnership that is pri- Green Revolution is not merely to increase and earnest development efforts. Conflict dress the array of African agricultural prob- cially important in supporting the modest ture in Africa. Significantly increased link- marily homegrown. The last 15 years have crop yields but also to change livelihoods resolution by Africans has been on the lems and render lasting solutions. Though human-capacity building and institutional- ages with international agricultural-research seen decreased investments in building for the better. Transformative change is not rise since several wars stopped. More than not yet strong enough, there is an institu- development successes achieved. centers, foreign universities, and other scien- human and institutional capacity over the likely to be primarily a function of money 50 democratic elections have taken place tional base in Africa for a credible agricul- The impetus for modern agriculture tific organizations are now in place. African continent. Over-reliance on external fund- expended. It will require the empowerment in the last five years – although the more tural revolution. that started in the 1970s grew significant- scientists and leaders of programs readily ing for agricultural development [has made] of local people, local institutions, and local established democracies of Nigeria, Kenya, There is nothing inherently wrong about ly in the 1980s. African men and women engage in global collaboration. Earnest com- recipient national programs susceptible to governments. and Zimbabwe have faltered lately. Africa. Agricultural sciences can trigger badly pursue[d] graduate education in agricultur- mitment has swept the continent [and] is re- frequent paradigm shifts generated by for- The new African Green Revolution Economic reform has been very encour- needed solutions in Africa, as they have else- al science at European and North American ceiving synergy from new foreign assistance. eign agencies. Badly needed external assis- needs to be laid by African nations – set and aging with the improved investment cli- where. I challenge everyone to rise up to the institutions. Farming systems emphasized Some may call this the second coming of tance has become a perennial necessary evil. guided by local organizations seeking exter- mate and some openness for emergence of call of a new agricultural revolution in Africa. locally relevant and appropriate technolo- Green Revolution to Africa. But thanks to For a number of years, there wasn’t confi- nal assistance only when inadequate local ca- the private sector. Annual economic growth I’m certain that we can eradicate hunger, cre- gies, to first understand better the local the growing list of allied forces behind it, this dence in African institutions – basically, pacity sets limitation. The primary resource in the continent of Africa [is] greater than ate profitable livelihoods for the poor, and farm and household environments before may well be the first earnest effort. “We don’t trust you; we’ll give you external investment in African development needs 5 percent with single-digit inflation. New enhance the conservation of our natural re- designing solutions. However, [we] cannot accomplish an cadres of technical assistance, and we’ll feed to be made from within and leveraged with infrastructure and road-building, increas- sources in the continent of Africa. 66 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 67

The 2009 World Food Prize Laureate “Poverty is not leprosy. It doesn’t have to show. It doesn’t have to define who Dr. Gebisa Ejeta we are, what our character is.” - Motu Ayano Mother of 2009 World Food Prize Laureate Gebisa Ejeta ebisa Ejeta’s journey to the 2009 World Food Prize began with a mother’s love and stead- fast determination to provide Gan education for her only son. University Campbell, Purdue Tom Born in the Ethiopian village of Wol- Dr. Ejeta with his mother, Motu Ayano lonkomi, Ejeta was raised in a one-room thatched hut and was no stranger to hard- ship, often lacking food and basic nutrition. ing sorghum species throughout Ethio- is estimated to cause crop losses of up to 40 institutions in the United States and abroad, What he was not lacking, however, was pia. Dr. Axtell was so impressed with the percent of Africa’s total cereal harvest. The Dr. Ejeta has strengthened agricultural net- the support of his mother, Motu Ayano, young man that he offered him a place in parasite inflicts most of its damage while works and personally trained a new genera- who was determined that through educa- his graduate program. Ejeta accepted and hidden underground and can lay dormant tion of scientists. As a distinguished profes- tion her son could have a different future. in 1974 enrolled at Purdue. in the soil for up to 20 years, rendering tra- sor of agronomy at Purdue, he oversees the As Dr. Ejeta recalled at his Borlaug Dia- After completing his doctorate in ditional control methods ineffective. world’s leading sorghum-research program. logue address, his mother would say to him, 1978, he was offered a position heading When Dr. Ejeta returned to Purdue to His accomplishments have inspired “Poverty is not leprosy. It doesn’t have to ICRISAT’s sorghum-breeding program accept a faculty research position in 1984, countless others throughout Africa, espe- show. It doesn’t have to define who we are, in Sudan. Within five years, Dr. Ejeta he was determined to battle this scourge. cially in his native country. In the sum- what our character is.” had made his first major breakthrough Working with his colleague Larry Butler, mer of 2009, Dr. Ejeta returned home to a His mother made a series of sacrifices to by developing Africa’s first sorghum hy- he devised a novel approach to unravel hero’s welcome from hundreds of villagers provide him with an education, first scraping brid — a drought-tolerant variety able the complex biochemical relationship be- who expressed pride that one of their own together the funds to enroll him in a newly to withstand Sudan’s drylands. While the tween the parasitic weed and the host sor- had been recognized on a global scale. opened school in the village, and later mak- hybrid, dubbed Hageen Dura-1, showed ghum plants. Less than a month after receiving the ing arrangements for him to attend school tremendous potential for increasing yields, After nine years, Drs. Ejeta and Butler World Food Prize, Dr. Ejeta once again in a neighboring town 20 kilometers away. Dr. Ejeta knew that to effect real change, developed the world’s first Striga-resistant found himself back in Ethiopia — this He would make the walk to school every he would have to persuade local farmers of sorghum. Despite the magnitude of the time to receive the National Hero Award, Sunday and walk home again each Friday. the seed’s value. scientific achievement, Dr. Ejeta knew it Ethiopia’s highest honor, from President After finishing eighth grade at the top The demonstrated superior qualities wasn’t enough. The varieties had to reach Girma Woldegiorgis. of his class, Gebisa was selected to study at of Hageen-Dura 1 led to wide acceptance African farmers. As Dr. Ejeta received the accolades of Jimma Agricultural & Technical School, by farmers, and those that planted the new In 1994, working with USAID and his native country, he no doubt thought of where he graduated with distinction. He hybrid were rewarded by yield increases of World Vision, Drs. Ejeta and Butler pro- his mother, whose determination and com- then entered Alemaya College, where he ex- up to 150 percent. duced 8 tons of Striga-resistant seed at mitment to education made it all possible. celled not only in the classroom, but on the With funding from USAID, Dr. Ejeta Purdue for 12 African countries. They or- “Of all the people who have made a dif- basketball court as well, eventually earning launched a hybrid seed industry in Sudan, ganized farmer-education workshops and ference in my life, she is the most important,” a position on the Ethiopian national team. which led to an explosion of the commer- trained agronomists on management and Dr. Ejeta said. “I don’t know to this day how Originally intending to study agricul- cial seed industry. Thousands of Sudanese distribution. The improved Striga-resis- a person with no education and limited tural engineering, Ejeta’s mentor Brhane farmers have now harvested over one mil- tant cultivars produced dramatic results, perspective truly believed that education is Gebrekidan convinced him to pursue a lion acres of Hageen Dura-1, and more increasing yields by as much as four times the way to go. She believed in that, and I career in plant sciences by telling him the than a dozen seed companies are operating over local varieties. give her all the credit for who I have become story of Norman Borlaug, who had recently throughout the country. In 2003, Dr. Ejeta established an In- both as a person and a professional.” received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work Yet despite the success of the drought- tegrated Striga Management project in Echoing his mother’s commitment to as the “father of the Green Revolution.” tolerant hybrid, sorghum growers in Su- Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Tanzania that em- education, Dr. Ejeta has announced that he Shortly after receiving his plant science dan and throughout Africa were still expe- phasized combining the new varieties with will use the $250,000 World Food Prize to degree from Alemaya, Ejeta was invited to riencing devastating losses from an old foe water conservation and fertilization. establish an educational foundation aimed accompany Purdue professor and noted — the parasitic plant Striga. Working with leaders and farmers at assisting children in Ethiopia and other sorghum researcher John Axtell in collect- Dr. Ejeta receives the World Food Prize as Iowa Governor Chet Culver looks on. Commonly known as witchweed, Striga across sub-Saharan Africa and educational African countries. 68 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 69

Participants ing at food-price] figures from IFPRI, they fecting different areas that you would never mention wheat, rice, and maize. How lim- think had a connection with each other. Hans Herren ited those figures are, just the crops that we Many of the proposed solutions are 1995 World Food Prize Laureate all accept as being staples. There are many silver bullets. They are a desire to simplify President, Millennium Institute staple crops in other parts of the worlds the problem and, therefore, the solutions Agriculture and Climate Change about which I have not been able to find that might be available. One is conservation information as of yet. It’s vital that we look tillage. Different versions are promoted; Peg Armstrong-Gustafson Being part of the solution into that. chemical no-till, often involving genetically Founder and Owner, [In] Central and West Africa, we have modified crops, is one of the main ones. Amson Technology drought and desertification. Even the well- It’s really not clear how effective that is for adapted farmer varieties may fail. Therefore, carbon sequestration because the figures are Michael Hansen the land that’s close to where farmers work, variable. And I think there are some grave Senior Staff Scientist, where biodiversity can continue to evolve as problems with it, certainly with the geneti- Consumers Union the climate becomes more intense, [is] going cally modified version of it, in view of the to be very, very important. Sub-Saharan Af- herbicide-tolerant weed problem, which Anita Idel rica, we’re all aware, is particularly vulnera- seems to be particularly clear in the United ble to climate change. With land-use change States and Argentina. Veterinarian and Lecturer, you get regional climate change. If you turn [Another] is biochar; this is charcoal University of Kassel (Germany) pastoral land over to crops in East Africa, produced by burning biomass in the ab- you would get unpredictable and extreme sence of oxygen. The problem here is the Helena Paul climate change in some areas. big claims made on the basis of very lim- Co-Director, East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific ited research. It’s very difficult to know how EcoNexus – the worst worldwide impacts on rice and long it’s going to stay in the soil in reality, wheat will happen there, and decreased yields how effective it is. Also, there’s a problem of John Reganold could threaten the food security of many. black carbon when airborne. Professor, Scarcity of fresh water, especially in the large I’ve heard a lot over the last couple of river basins in that region, is also predicted. years about how many millions of hectares Washington State University Latin American and the Caribbean – a there are of marginal land, and all we need to similar story. One of the main things is the do is exploit it with, say, biofuel crops or ad- gradual replacement of tropical forest by vanced biofuel crops that can somehow im- savanna in eastern Amazonia. Significant prove the land. I just want to draw attention biodiversity loss. People in Argentina are to the fact that marginal land is very often already suffering a lot from unpredictable untitled land, which is used by local commu- climate change, due to the destruction of nities in a way that may be invisible to people the Chaco, which happened very suddenly from the outside looking in. It can also be when soy reached the Chaco. Massive floods a crucial hedge against emergencies, and can and droughts have been noticed. help stabilize, or keep stable, ecosystems. [In] North America and Europe, Genetically engineered crops are being [there’s] the northward and upward move- promised to help with climate issues to in- ment of crops and biodiversity. Increasing crease yields, extend the geographical and

photosynthesis and CO2 fertilization mean climate range of plants, tolerate salt, drought, pest problems. Ozone concentration has and so forth. Some of these are being prom- Hans Herren: Our lifestyle is contributing for the next 5-10 years or through this crisis, agriculture, mainly nitrous oxide and meth- stress on people, crops, and biodiversity; de- significant negative impacts on agriculture. ised in a rather “This is the solution” manner to make life not only difficult for us, in our but to use our science, our technology, and, ane; and 18 percent from land-use change, sertification; reduction of land available for And of course if you have increased CO2, rather than looking more carefully at other own generation, but for our children and, above all, the knowledge of the farmers to mainly deforestation for agriculture. The agriculture. Conflicts over land, water, and you also have nutrition declines in crops. things that are possible. I was particularly even worse, the people in developing coun- make sure that we have, all of us, a future. food system is hugely expensive in energy other resources – we’ve seen the beginnings; Take the Amazon as a carbon sink and interested to see [genetically engineered] en- tries who will bear the brunt of our excesses We have tools to do better. The question is, consumption. Also we don’t know enough those are going to get more serious. biodiversity store and more – the recycling of zymes for producing biofuels, the rhizobia in contributing to climate change. Our belief do we need any more training to use these about emissions from the soil and particu- When temperatures go up, you may get rain through evapo-transpiration is extreme- for genetically engineered Roundup-ready in technological fixes has brought us into that tools? Can they be used just at random, or is larly from peat destruction. productivity marginally rising in some plac- ly important. You have energy release that crops. What is the impact of releasing genet- situation. As we move forward, we should there a system how to use these tools? Many people know about the more ex- es, but when it goes beyond three degrees up doesn’t remain in the region but [has] effects ically engineered rhizobia into the environ- not rely just on these tech-fixes, which usu- treme climate events, some of which we’re to five degrees, it will have a negative impact around the world. And with teleconnection, ment? I don’t think we have any idea. ally are short-term and address symptoms. Helena Paul: Agriculture’s impacts on cli- already experiencing – unpredictable sea- everywhere. You’re going to get big declines it may increase droughts in North America. In South America, peasant agriculture How to make agriculture green is nec- mate change [include] many of the green- sons; pest and disease patterns are bound in crop yields in much of the global South, So now we begin to see climatic systems still produces 41 percent of food for domes- essary if we want to feed the world, not only house-gas emissions – 14 percent from to be a real challenge in the future; water and food prices are bound to rise. [Look- moving energy around the world and af- tic consumption. Polycultures are incredibly 70 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 71

grow deep-rooted grasses [to] benefit the money in the carbon market, and you’re re- buy fertilizer. They receive the savings that soil. Improved grazing and agroforestry ally not reducing any greenhouse gases.” Yes, come from increased yield; 20-40 percent practices have potential. We need to start legumes do fix their own nitrogen by taking increased yields can occur because the plants thinking of farms on the landscape as a mo- nitrogen out of the air. But according to the prefer bacterial nitrogen fixation to an exog- saic – that we have not just monocultures, most current report from FAO on fertil- enous source. We then take that one-fifth or we have trees and diverse cropping systems izer statistics, one-third of a ton; on those fields. urea is applied monetize those in Integrated farming systems blend the to many le- the trading com- best of organic [farming] with the best of gumes. Places “The world not acknowledging munity, and then conventional. You build the soil, you add or- like China, it’s that agriculture has a role to play take that money ganic materials, and then you bring in any 200 kilograms, in the carbon and the climate- and reinvest it synthetic fertilizers you might need addition- on average; change situation [is] overlooking an back in research. ally to get those yields. You use biological pest primarily on opportunity. There are some very So there’s no cur- controls, and if you need to use glyphosate or soybeans. Ev- important points that we can use in rency exchange some other herbicide, you can do that, but ery ton of urea between the it’s a combination. Organic and biodynamic produced puts that process to accomplish the direct farmer and us. [systems] add a lot of organic matter. an equivalent transfer of technology to the farmer.” The currency [is] Our grains are annuals – we plant; six ton of nitrous a carbon ton. months later, it dies, we harvest it. They want oxide into the - Peg Gustafson-Armstrong Technology to perennialize wheats; for example, wheat air, which is directly to those Reganold Armstrong-Gustafson Hansen has a wild relative, intermediate wheat grass, 312 times more warming than carbon. small farmholders; improved productivity; [whose] roots go down three meters. It’s We believe that the world not acknowl- less of an environmental footprint; and a those roots that are building the soil. With edging that agriculture has a role to play in way to monetize the carbon that has been important worldwide, and have huge, posi- planet. The main part is in organic form, soil-carbon sequestration vary from about perennial grains, we would have those roots, the carbon and the climate-change situation identified and reinvest in research. We tive impacts. They have very high yields, es- and that’s what we can manipulate. So when 0.4-1.2 gigatons of carbon per year. That’s we could leave the plants in the ground for [is] overlooking an opportunity. And we started out with the belief that agriculture pecially if you don’t take brute grain yield we talk about soil-carbon sequestration, about how much we can bring in. And if we 3, 4, 5, 7 years – lower the energy, lower the wanted to prove that, in production agricul- should be at the table, that we have solu- as your only measure, and can help to con- we’re talking about adding to that organic do that, we can probably hold that rate for inputs of fertilizer – and still have a yield. ture, we had a right to be at the table. There tions to offer. And in that journey we found serve, build, component. 20-50 years. We could fill up the sink with Perennial grains, in particular wheat, could are some very important points that we can out that, in fact, it could create a new model and retain Conver- that 50-60 percent of the historic loss. We be ready as early as 10 years. [This] addition use in that process to accomplish the direct for the redeployment of technology. How soils. Diversi- sion of natu- could do it in maybe 40-50 years; it may of organic matter improves soil structure; it transfer of technology to the farmer. many other processes in agriculture might fied crop -sys ral areas to take 70 years. increases water storage, it increases nutrient We invest in the research [for] a tech- provide solutions in mitigating the impacts tems often have agricultural But we can sequester carbon in the soil, storage, organism activity, fertility, produc- nology – in this instance, the identification, of climate change? been measured “Our grains are annuals – we plant; six e c o s y s t e m s and that helps mitigate climate change. It is tivity. It gives the soil better structure, makes purification, and formulation of the inocu- to yield more months later, we harvest it. With perennial has caused a cost-effective, it is environmentally friendly. it less erodible. It’s fantastic. lant to be used specific to certain legumes. Anita Idel: Livestock is the fastest-growing than monocul- grains, we would have those roots, we big depletion Strategies include adding high amounts of We then provide that technology to farmers sector in agriculture. FAO documented, in Peg Armstrong-Gustafson: ture systems of could leave the plants in the ground in soil organic organic matter. There’s no other way around A Clean Devel- [in] an emerg- 2006, the detri- the same crops. carbon over it. It doesn’t mean you can’t use synthetic fer- opment Mechanism is the official approval ing economy. mental impact These people – lower the energy, lower the inputs of the years. And tilizers, but you have to add carbon to the process for projects that create greenhouse- And we must livestock can have keep genetic fertilizer – and still have a yield.” in some cases, soil. It also means minimizing disturbance gas-emission reductions, and those reduc- show, down connected with diversity where like in tem- of the soil and conserving the soil and the tions are certified by the United Nations to the farmer “A lot of traditional, supposedly huge amounts it matters – in - John Reganold perate areas, water. Residue management is one [strate- and can be used for meeting Kyoto Protocol who received lower-yielding, crops actually have of industrialized the fields – and the amount of gy]. [Another is] conservation tillage, where reductions. Looking at the Clean Develop- the technology, higher nutrient density. Sometimes kept animals, the they’re watching it, collecting it, sifting it carbon in the soil has been depleted by as you leave 35 percent of the surface covered ment Mechanism, many of the methodolo- the addition- the things that yield a little less have consumption of through, and swapping it around different much as 60 percent. In the tropical areas it’s by residue; no-till is an extreme form of gies had been in the area of energy – hy- ality from the resources, the regions in a way that has been going on for even been a little bit greater. We’ve lost in conservation tillage. Growing cover crops; droelectric power plants, methodologies carbon ton be- more nutrients in them when you look consumption and a very long time. some places up to 75 percent, and there are managing nutrients efficiently; diverse crop relating to landfills and methane reductions. ing available. at them carefully compared to high- pollution of water, a few places we’ve even lost more. rotations; 3-4-5-year rotations, not 1- or 2- So this little, kind of unusual, agricultural In our yielding varieties.” the loss of diver- John Reganold: The atmospheric carbon The historic loss of carbon is 55-78 gi- year rotations; and, although controversial, methodology really wasn’t well received. project, the sity. [Along] with pool roughly is about 750 billion metric gatons, and most of that has happened in biochar may play a role. Efficient irrigation Basically, we are substituting urea by the farmers we en- - Michael Hansen the loss of genetic tons. The biotic pool, mostly vegetation the last 150 years since the Industrial Rev- is big – wasting water wastes carbon. use of inoculants for legumes. Now, many roll will receive resources in ani- and everything else living on the surface, is olution. The estimates are that we can get Growing energy crops on spare lands, of you are going to say, “Well, everybody the inoculant free. They must not have used mal production, we are facing a decrease of about 610 billion tons. Soil carbon is 2,530 back 50-66 percent. It’s difficult to get it marginal lands. We have about 40-50 mil- knows that legumes fix their own nitrogen. inoculants in the past. We, in turn, will be fossil-energy resources, because the industri- billion tons, more than twice what’s in the all back because putting more carbon into lion acres of marginal lands in the United So therefore this is another claim that you’re deeded back the carbon ton. They receive alized way of producing is extremely energy- atmosphere and all the vegetation on the an agricultural soil has a limit. Estimates of States. It’s possible that some of those could reducing carbon so you can make a lot of all the savings that come from not having to costly. No question – we have to reduce the 72 The World Food Prize 2009 Borlaug Dialogue Food, Agriculture, and National Security The World Food Prize 73

bon cycle, with some Michael Hansen: There has been a huge in- farmer and you cut out ed with ecosystem services – so that farm- two to three times the crease in the United States toward buying or the middlemen, the ers that do bad things get taxed in some terrestrial biosphere producing at the local level. We’ve seen, in prices can be cheaper. ways and the good guys get some benefit? carbon. The key to the last 10 years, over a tenfold expansion Another ironic Would there be a way to sort out the issue sequestration in soils the number of farmers’ markets and CSAs. thing – in Malaysia, of price? is good management. There’s also been a huge increase in peri-ur- the average middle- Grasslands cover some ban agriculture, backyard gardens – tens of class person has to pay Paul: It’s possible. There’s the whole business 70 percent of the glob- millions of those. People try to eat as locally a certain amount for of how you monitor ecosystem services. But al land area – the dry as possible because they’re concerned about chicken. Free-range if you take some of it on trust, it might be lands included. Because the long distances foods are often transport- chicken costs three to possible. I worry if these things get used as of the extensive nature ed. A head of broccoli and cauliflower is four times as much, fodder for offsets and just feed that market; of grasslands, they hold transported an average of 1,500 miles in the and so they can’t afford but if it’s a genuine attempt to reward good enormous potential United States from field to market. There it. But when you go practice, then that’s a way forward. to serve as one of the are folks that want to decrease that move- out to the indigenous greatest terrestrial sinks ment because that does use energy. communities, like the Reganold: The sink for carbon sequestra- Idel to carbon. Grains are increasingly being fed to Paul Orang Asli, it turns out tion in the soil is finite. That 1 gigaton that Being ruminants, livestock throughout the world; in fact, one- there are chickens that we can sequester per year – and that’s at cattle can do what we third of grains are used for this purpose. are running around, the high end – basically equals about 5-15 amount of meat and milk products. can’t. We would die being fed on grass and That’s where we see this movement toward as “food miles,” “our carbon footprint.” the free-range chickens that the middle class percent of our fossil-fuel emissions. So it No livestock species is under more pres- hay. Cattle don’t only survive digesting grass grass-fed happening for sheep and cattle and Both of them are highly problematic in in Malaysia can’t buy. Middle-class people buys us some time. That’s all it does. We sure than cattle. For decades, oil produc- and hay; they are producing milk and meat. other grazing animals. There’s health rea- their ways. But on a positive side, consum- can’t afford these chickens, whereas the very still have to make other corrections. And tion has been delivering huge amounts of But this phenomenal ability is sinking into sons. Low-input, grass-fed cattle and other ers are trying to move away from factory poor indigenous people, that’s what they’re maybe that buys us 50-60 years where we greenhouse gases; amongst others, methane. oblivion since industrialized agriculture has animals [have] significantly lower levels of farming and toward more local, sustainable eating. So it doesn’t always have to be the can continue to sequester the carbon in the Methane is 23 times more dangerous for the been raising cattle on corn, soy, and grain. saturated fatty acids, significantly higher agriculture. And we are seeing this plethora case that the poor have the access to the soil. However, irrespective of this climate- climate than carbon dioxide. But the meth- Fed with grass and hay, cattle are not in levels of conjugated linoleic acids [CLAs], of eco-labels happening on all sorts of food, lowest-quality food. change debate, we should be doing this. ane that has come with the production of competition with human food needs; fed omega-3 fatty acids and various fat-soluble and the market is responding to consumer There is work showing that a lot of tradi- It’s important for soil productivity and in- fossil fuel for almost one century has so far with corn, soy, and grain, they are. antioxidants, carotenoids, [and] alpha-to- demand there. tional, supposedly lower-yielding, crops ac- creases our yields, our water-holding capac- not been a topic in public discussion. In- The positive effect of grazing results copherols. And there’s also a much better en- tually have higher nutrient density. There’s ity. The benefits are incredible even if there stead, cattle are perceived as climate killers. from the effect it has on grass plant spe- vironmental impact from grass-fed systems. Herren: The consumer has to be more active; actually an inverse correlation between yield were not climate change. Feeding [cattle] cies, compo- Since a lot of consumers want some of they also need to and nutri- intensively with sition, and these products, part of the only way, unless be educated. So is ent density. Armstrong-Gustafson: We must be very human foodstuff litter accu- they know the farmer, is to rely on the la- it [true] that qual- Sometimes vigilant to make sure that we really measure – corn, soy and mulation. An bels. Labels like “organic” are very impor- ity foods are only the things and monitor that we are reducing green- grain – leads to even distribu- tant. Organic has been growing about 20 for the rich? Grass- that yield house gases and that [reductions] are perma- consuming huge fed beef is quite a tion of urine percent a year for the last 10-15 years. But “There must be policy changes. Don’t a little less nent. So we need to look for the simplest, amounts of soil, “Soils are an important part of the and dung some labels are problematic. There have bit more expensive have more yet the most effective way to measure and water, and energy carbon cycle, with some two to three enhances the been fights over “grass-fed.” In the regula- than feedlot beef, let’s imagine that we can trade our way nutrients in monitor, but we have to have rigor to make and the release of times the terrestrial biosphere carbon. vigor of ma- tions for organic in the United States, there and so are some of out of all these issues. Particularly with them when sure we really do what we intend to do by greenhouse gases. Grasslands cover some 70 percent of the ture perennial have been fights over “free-range,” because the organic foods climate, it’s being reduced to a trading you look at reducing greenhouse gases. Most of the data global land area. They hold enormous grasses. This people want to buy animals that have ac- – with the labels it arena. We must be courageous and take them careful- scientists are deal- effect is de- cess to pasture or have been free-range. But, is more expensive. policy decisions.” ly compared Paul: The main thing is that there must be ing with are based potential to serve as one of the greatest creased, and for example, chickens can often be raised You are adding all to just the policy changes to enable all these things to terrestrial sinks to carbon.” on industrialized even stopped, in coops, and if they just have access to the kinds of cost here, - Helena Paul high-yield- happen. And don’t let’s imagine that we can livestock-keeping by intensive outdoors – sometimes that means, in a con- which makes what ing varieties. trade our way out of all these issues. Because systems. That’s - Anita Idel fertilization, ventional facility, you can have a balcony on people should be I do worry very much, particularly with the the case for cattle which pro- one level or a little area where they can walk eating more expensive – which means it’s Idel: The problem is price competition. climate issue, that this is one of the things when fed every mote short- outside – those are allowed to be labeled as being eaten less. Grass-fed beef, in small amounts, have to that’s going on – that it’s being reduced to a day with corn, soy, and grain. rooted annual grass species instead of “free-range.” That is highly misleading. compete with other products produced by trading arena. We must be courageous and To protect the climate, cattle need good deeply rooted perennial ones. The options Compared to 10 or 20 years ago, there’s Hansen: There are two ways out. In the externalization of costs, in huge amounts. take policy decisions. grasslands and good grasslands need cattle. for grassland-based milk and beef economy much more interest in how food is raised, its developed countries, what we see in New So there, I think, is the biggest problem. And both need good grazing management; are to be explored for healthy animal prod- environmental impact. So consumers want York City is farmers’ markets in all parts of otherwise, we have erosion and degradation ucts, healthy animals, the protection of the to make ethical buying decisions, but they the city, including the very poor areas, and Herren: Is there a way where one can rectify connected with the release of greenhouse climate, resources, and the environment need the information to be able to do that. they’re allowing the use of food stamps. And the imbalance of all this externalization of gases. 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The World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Hall of Laureates Donors John Ruan Trust • Polk County • Monsanto he World Food Prize Global working with world-renowned scientists Youth Institute brings together and policymakers at leading agricultural select high-school students research centers in Africa, Asia, Latin City of Des Moines • Institute of Museum and Library Services from across Iowa, the United America, and the Middle East. DuPont/Pioneer Hi-Bred • Vision Iowa TStates, and other countries each October To date, 127 students have participated to discuss critical food security issues with in this valuable experiential internship Bankers Trust • Bunge • Greg and Suzie Glazer Burt • Cargill • W.T. and Edna M. Dahl Trust their peers, World Food Prize Laureates, program. In traveling to Bangladesh, Brazil, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation • Greater Des Moines Community Foundation • Hubbell Foundation and other experts in agriculture, health, and China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iowa Farm Bureau/FBL Financial Services • Iowa Office of Energy Independence • Iowa Soybean Association international development. 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The Borlaug-Ruan International For more information on the World Internship program provides select high Food Prize Global Youth Institute and World Food Prize Global Youth Institute school juniors and seniors an all-expenses- Borlaug-Ruan International Internship participants helped package 15,000 meals that paid, eight-week “hands-on” experience Program, go to worldfoodprize.org/youth. were shipped to Tanzania. “Take it to the farmer.” Inspired by these last words of World Food Prize founder Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, the 2010 Borlaug Dialogue will focus on how to successfully partner with and benefit small-scale farmers around the globe.

Plan now to join foremost international leaders and thinkers in agriculture, food, and development in Des Moines in seeking ways to make Dr. Borlaug’s last wish a reality.

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