Humanity faces unprecedented challenges in terms of food security. The growing demands for food, driven by a growing global population, contrast with the threats of climate change and disruption to supply chains. These tensions have highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated global approach to guarantee access to food. Latin America can be part of the solution.
In this critical situation, the Latin American region is emerging as a fundamental pillar in the fight against food shortages, thanks to its agricultural potential, its natural resources and its strategic position in international trade.
Álvaro Lario, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), an organization dependent on the United Nations, explains that Latin America has several characteristics to face this situation. For example, remember that there are “ecosystems that are protected against rising waters” or that reforestation projects have been completed in recent years that help “small farmers continue to receive income,” among other things.
Improves the local economy
The head of IFAD, who has just participated in the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), recalls that this summit not only addressed “the different types of solutions”, but also ” funding issues. ”, especially in the most vulnerable countries, including some in the region.
“We need to see how we can make a just transition so that people also benefit from both the energy transition and the transition of food systems so that they are more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable,” says Lario, on the information about that to his organization. ”It is very important, at the Climate Summit, that we talk precisely about funding, because for many of the people who live in rural areas, that (land) is their livelihood.”
For that reason, he argues, “if that way of life ends, they are obviously forced to look for other solutions,” among which would be forced migration.
He also considers that “we must try to promote local production” with the aim that ”people get a fair income”.
An emerging global food crisis
He warns that the figures are alarming. In 2022, almost 900 million people were food insecure and the projections are not encouraging. According to United Nations estimates, the world’s population will reach 10 billion by 2050 and to meet this growing demand, a 60% increase in global food production will be required.
However, it can be very difficult to ensure that there is enough food in a relatively short period of time.
Climate change is now an unavoidable obstacle. A reduction in arable land and extreme weather events have greatly reduced agricultural production capacity. In fact, due to climate disturbances, global food production is expected to increase by 8% less than expected, and fruit and vegetable yields could decrease by up to 6%.
These impacts exacerbate an existing problem: the struggle to balance the supply and demand of nutritious foods on a planet with increasingly limited resources.
Latin America: a global agricultural powerhouse
In the midst of this crisis, Latin America stands out as one of the regions with the greatest potential to face the food challenges of the future. Currently, the region accounts for approximately 25% of global exports of agricultural and fisheries products, consolidating itself as an agro-industrial superpower. In comparison, Asia, another major agricultural region, exports only 6% of its total production.
The abundance of natural resources is one of the main factors in favor of Latin America: with only 15% of the planet’s land surface, the region receives 29% of the global rainfall and has 33% of the world’s renewable resources, storing 40% of it is also the world’s fresh water.
These data, together with a workforce of more than 300 million people, show Latin America as the main supplier in a world that requires nutritious food in increasing quantities.
According to estimates based on the region’s historical growth, by 2050, Latin America could supply two to three out of every five fruits and vegetables in the world. For example, Mexico already exports more than 60% of its agricultural production to the United States, becoming a strategic partner for one of the largest economies in the world.
A key factor in Latin America’s strategic position is its geopolitical neutrality.
This gives them a significant advantage in a world increasingly fragmented by conflicts and trade disputes. According to the researcher Mauricio Cárdenas, Latin America “is a safe and reliable partner, without interest or ability to start international wars.”
In addition to IFAD, other international organizations, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Latin American Development Bank or the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), are also leading financing and development initiatives for projects to promote. which mitigates the effects of climate change and boosts the economy.
“Productivity is one of the pillars, it’s about focusing on how we improve the productivity of these countries, how we improve the infrastructure in a sustainable way in these countries, how we improve the trade flows of these countries and how we attract investments,” a says Tomás Bermúdez, manager of Central America, Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Haiti at the IDB.
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Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Álvaro Lario, the president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Thank you for joining us today, Álvaro.
Álvaro Lario: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. The article mentions unprecedented challenges in food security. Can you elaborate on what these challenges entail and why they are particularly pressing right now?
Álvaro Lario: Absolutely. The current challenges are multifaceted. With the world’s population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, we will need to increase global food production by 60% to satisfy this growing demand. However, we are facing significant obstacles such as climate change, which affects arable land and leads to severe weather events, diminishing agricultural output. In 2022 alone, almost 900 million people were food insecure, and the projections for the future are alarming.
Interviewer: Those numbers are indeed concerning. You also mentioned that Latin America has unique characteristics that could help overcome these challenges. What makes the region a potential powerhouse in global food security?
Álvaro Lario: Latin America is incredibly rich in natural resources and has substantial agricultural potential. The region accounts for about 25% of global agricultural and fisheries exports, which is a significant contribution. With only 15% of the planet’s land surface, Latin America receives 29% of global rainfall and holds 40% of the world’s fresh water. Additionally, this region has a workforce of over 300 million people, meaning it can play a critical role in supplying nutritious food on a global scale.
Interviewer: That’s impressive. You also highlighted the importance of local production. How can we promote this while ensuring that local farmers receive a fair income?
Álvaro Lario: Promoting local production is essential for food security and for the livelihoods of rural communities. We can focus on sustainable practices that enhance productivity while also providing training and resources to local farmers. Ensuring fair income means creating equitable trade systems where farmers are compensated justly for their efforts. This not only contributes to food security but also strengthens local economies, making communities more resilient.
Interviewer: You participated in COP29 recently. Did discussions there yield any promising solutions for funding and supporting vulnerable countries in the context of food security?
Álvaro Lario: Yes, the Climate Summit was an important platform for discussing funding issues, particularly for vulnerable countries that may lack the resources for a just transition in food systems and energy. It is critical that we find innovative funding mechanisms and partnerships to ensure these communities can adapt to pressing challenges while becoming active participants in the global food system.
Interviewer: It sounds like collaboration is key. How can organizations like IFAD and regional bodies work together to build resilience in food systems?
Álvaro Lario: Collaboration is indeed crucial. Organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Latin American Development Bank play vital roles in financing projects aimed at both mitigating climate change and elevating local economies. By improving infrastructure, enhancing trade flows, and attracting investments, we can significantly boost the productivity of agricultural systems throughout the region.
Interviewer: Now, looking toward the future, what role can technological innovation play in addressing food security challenges?
Álvaro Lario: Technological innovation is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. This includes using data analytics for better resource management, adopting climate-resilient crops, and implementing sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, technology can facilitate supply chain improvements and expand access to markets, thereby ensuring that nutritious food reaches all populations effectively.
Interviewer: Álvaro, it’s clear that Latin America possesses the potential to significantly contribute to global food security. What final thoughts would you like to share about the importance of this region’s role moving forward?
Álvaro Lario: Latin America must leverage its abundant resources and strategic position to emerge as a leader in global food security. With coordinated efforts, sustainable practices, and equitable growth, we can turn the potential challenges into opportunities for both the region and the world. It’s imperative that we take action now to ensure that future generations have access to the nutrition they need.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for your insights, Álvaro. It’s a critical time for food security, and your work is immensely important in shaping a sustainable future.
Álvaro Lario: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope we can make a difference together!