Policy responses

The 2008 food crisis reinforced the need to think beyond food aid in addressing food insecurity, including income support (cash transfers, vouchers, public works) and agricultural and market support.

Combining responses that meet immediate needs with measures to address the structural issues that cause food insecurity was essential. The food crisis has led to a renewed emphasis on smallholder agriculture and social protection, as well as a reflection on building resilience at the household level. It also highlighted that agricultural support involves not just providing inputs, but also supporting appropriate policies and strengthening institutions.

A good example of this was the 1 billion EU Food Facility created in 2009. The Food Facility responded to FAO’s urgent calls for increased investment in agriculture after three decades of decline, and targeted the transition period from emergency aid to longer-term development.

Links and references

EU Food Facility - fao.org/europeanunion/eu-projects/eu-food-facility-details/en/

https://odihpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/humanitarianexchange042.pdf

https://www.alnap.org/system/files/content/resource/files/main/alnaplessonsfoodpricecrisis.pdf

http://www.fao.org/3/i0854e/i0854e01.pdf

Pros Think beyond food aid in addressing food insecurity, including income support (cash transfers, vouchers, public works) and agricultural and market support.

Cons Difficulty to implement when national priorities are on public health issues Additional funding

Minimum conditions Collaboration among stakeholders (UN agencies, NGOs, donors, national institutions) for joint planning and response

Governance Relevant national line ministries Country Humanitarian Response Programme Updated UNCT Food Security / Nutrition Clusters