International Development Assistance and Food Security

Not only has development assistance overall been falling in volume terms, but the share of this ODA going to improving agriculture and nutrition in developing countries has also fallen. This paper investigates the reasons for the declining commitment of donors to these areas and whether this can be reversed. Favourable policy changes to encourage agricultural development in many developing countries, as well as the steps take to open agricultural markets in the Uruguay Round, should help to improve the performance of agricultural aid projects and encourage greater donor commitment. Emphasis on a more poverty-focused agricultural development strategy would also help to build support among development NGOs in donor countries. The outlook for reversing the decline in food aid is less promising, although a series of food emergencies which greatly increased the numbers of refugees and displaced persons could alter this prognosis.