We have talked about this so many times – of the oncoming food shortages that will affect all countries but be devastating for the poor. New facts after this year’s climate-change induced damage summer show warning signs rising. This is the real code orange. It is food insecurity that is threatening. http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/oct/14/food-climate-change-population-water.
There are several things that can be done right away by the ministries responsible for food:
1) immediately update data on land available for agriculture and assess the vulnerability to food imports
2) review the data on draw-down of underground aquifers. The possibility of a food bubble is real: that next year depleted underground water sources may put a atop to production.
3) review the workings of the economic system in the country(VAT levels, wages, subsidies, etc) to ensure that food production and stewardship of the land are prioritized and stimulated over , for example, construction on agricultural land.
4) if not done already, make sure the learnings from the Cuban “special period” are well known in the organization – the nearest in modern times we can come to a similar code orange situation.
Communities and local authorities could begin a similar exercise at local level, taking inspiration from the many initiatives that have applied for the award over the years. See this year’s finalists.
Businesses should review their CSR strategy to make sure they are including food security in their scope – no business will be unaffected.
