Ann Whitehead
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198286356
- eISBN:
- 9780191718465
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198286356.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter argues that many of the common beliefs about African women's role in food production are myths, and that there is nothing intrinsic to women that is attributable to sub-Saharan African ...
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This chapter argues that many of the common beliefs about African women's role in food production are myths, and that there is nothing intrinsic to women that is attributable to sub-Saharan African food crises. The dual role of African women in production (i.e., women's independent farming and her recruitment as household labour) has been affected by economic transformation and development policies. For a woman, it has become increasingly difficult to undertake independent farming and she has presently less control over the proceeds of production and is also less able to protect the interests of her children. Modeling based on purely economic consideration is inadequate, as evidence shows that female farmers face resource problems for their independent farming and incentive problems in their household farming, thus worsening females' relative position. However, there are opportunities for expansion based on a greater use of a woman's role as independent producers.Less
This chapter argues that many of the common beliefs about African women's role in food production are myths, and that there is nothing intrinsic to women that is attributable to sub-Saharan African food crises. The dual role of African women in production (i.e., women's independent farming and her recruitment as household labour) has been affected by economic transformation and development policies. For a woman, it has become increasingly difficult to undertake independent farming and she has presently less control over the proceeds of production and is also less able to protect the interests of her children. Modeling based on purely economic consideration is inadequate, as evidence shows that female farmers face resource problems for their independent farming and incentive problems in their household farming, thus worsening females' relative position. However, there are opportunities for expansion based on a greater use of a woman's role as independent producers.
Wangwe Samuel
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198286370
- eISBN:
- 9780191718441
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198286370.003.0009
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter investigates some important intersectoral relationships, specifically the positive contribution of industry, by raising agricultural productivity and creating employment opportunities ...
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This chapter investigates some important intersectoral relationships, specifically the positive contribution of industry, by raising agricultural productivity and creating employment opportunities and hence increasing incomes outside agriculture, in alleviating the food problem in sub-Saharan Africa. It emphasizes the creation of linkages between agriculture and other sectors, linkages between industry and food production activities in agriculture, and the link between research and development. It also explores the role of industry in agricultural processing. To solve the persistent endemic undernourishment, the chapter suggests a wide range of remedial actions involving institutional changes and economic reforms, both within and outside the food sector.Less
This chapter investigates some important intersectoral relationships, specifically the positive contribution of industry, by raising agricultural productivity and creating employment opportunities and hence increasing incomes outside agriculture, in alleviating the food problem in sub-Saharan Africa. It emphasizes the creation of linkages between agriculture and other sectors, linkages between industry and food production activities in agriculture, and the link between research and development. It also explores the role of industry in agricultural processing. To solve the persistent endemic undernourishment, the chapter suggests a wide range of remedial actions involving institutional changes and economic reforms, both within and outside the food sector.
Carsten Daugbjerg and Alan Swinbank
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199557752
- eISBN:
- 9780191721922
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199557752.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter summarizes the book's theoretical contribution and most important findings. It also assesses the post-Doha trade agenda in light of the difficulties experienced in concluding the Doha ...
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This chapter summarizes the book's theoretical contribution and most important findings. It also assesses the post-Doha trade agenda in light of the difficulties experienced in concluding the Doha Round as a Single Undertaking, following the emergence of the G20 group of developing countries at the time of the Cancún ministerial conference; and of the possible renaissance of agricultural expectionalism within the EU triggered by the 2008 world food ‘crisis’. Critical mass decision-making is unlikely to unlock the impasse on the farm trade negotiations.Less
This chapter summarizes the book's theoretical contribution and most important findings. It also assesses the post-Doha trade agenda in light of the difficulties experienced in concluding the Doha Round as a Single Undertaking, following the emergence of the G20 group of developing countries at the time of the Cancún ministerial conference; and of the possible renaissance of agricultural expectionalism within the EU triggered by the 2008 world food ‘crisis’. Critical mass decision-making is unlikely to unlock the impasse on the farm trade negotiations.
David A. Cleveland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780520277410
- eISBN:
- 9780520957084
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520277410.001.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Technology and Society
We are in the middle of a major, long-term food crisis—how do we get out of it? The goal of Balancing on a Planet is to empower readers to analyze the challenges facing the agrifood system so they ...
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We are in the middle of a major, long-term food crisis—how do we get out of it? The goal of Balancing on a Planet is to empower readers to analyze the challenges facing the agrifood system so they can ask better questions, find more useful answers, and participate in discussion and decision making more effectively in order to contribute to solving the food crisis. This book is an interdisciplinary primer on critical thinking and effective action for the future of our global agrifood system that integrates biophysical, social, economic, cultural, and philosophical components. It explains the fundamental concepts needed for understanding the history, current situation, and possible futures of our agrifood systems—from local to global—and analyzes opposing perspectives. It covers a range of topics, including population, the Neolithic and subsequent revolutions, sustainability, plant breeding and biotechnology, agroecosystems management, common property management, climate change, and localization. A key component of the book is a thorough analysis of the assumptions underlying different perspectives on problems related to food and agriculture around the world and a discussion of alternative solutions. For example, the author argues that combining selected aspects of small-scale traditional agriculture with modern scientific agriculture can help balance our biological need for food with its environmental impact—and it can continue to fulfill cultural, social, and psychological needs related to food.Less
We are in the middle of a major, long-term food crisis—how do we get out of it? The goal of Balancing on a Planet is to empower readers to analyze the challenges facing the agrifood system so they can ask better questions, find more useful answers, and participate in discussion and decision making more effectively in order to contribute to solving the food crisis. This book is an interdisciplinary primer on critical thinking and effective action for the future of our global agrifood system that integrates biophysical, social, economic, cultural, and philosophical components. It explains the fundamental concepts needed for understanding the history, current situation, and possible futures of our agrifood systems—from local to global—and analyzes opposing perspectives. It covers a range of topics, including population, the Neolithic and subsequent revolutions, sustainability, plant breeding and biotechnology, agroecosystems management, common property management, climate change, and localization. A key component of the book is a thorough analysis of the assumptions underlying different perspectives on problems related to food and agriculture around the world and a discussion of alternative solutions. For example, the author argues that combining selected aspects of small-scale traditional agriculture with modern scientific agriculture can help balance our biological need for food with its environmental impact—and it can continue to fulfill cultural, social, and psychological needs related to food.
Kenneth Baltzer
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter synthesizes the evidence on price transmission from international maize, rice and wheat markets to domestic markets in fourteen developing countries during the global food crisis in ...
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This chapter synthesizes the evidence on price transmission from international maize, rice and wheat markets to domestic markets in fourteen developing countries during the global food crisis in 2007–8. A great variation in the price transmission patterns is observed; from almost no price pass-through in China and India, over close relationship between international and domestic prices in Brazil and South Africa, to substantial domestic price overshooting in Ethiopia and Nigeria. Much of this variation can be explained by price stabilization policies, public policy failure, incomplete market integration, and coinciding domestic shocks.Less
This chapter synthesizes the evidence on price transmission from international maize, rice and wheat markets to domestic markets in fourteen developing countries during the global food crisis in 2007–8. A great variation in the price transmission patterns is observed; from almost no price pass-through in China and India, over close relationship between international and domestic prices in Brazil and South Africa, to substantial domestic price overshooting in Ethiopia and Nigeria. Much of this variation can be explained by price stabilization policies, public policy failure, incomplete market integration, and coinciding domestic shocks.
Suresh Chandra Babu
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- August 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198733201
- eISBN:
- 9780191797767
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198733201.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental, Public and Welfare
Evidence-informed policymaking requires timely information. Designing food and nutrition policies crucially depends on national information systems that collect, process, and analyze data, and inform ...
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Evidence-informed policymaking requires timely information. Designing food and nutrition policies crucially depends on national information systems that collect, process, and analyze data, and inform policymakers about needed action. Yet in several developing countries, such systems continue to be poorly organized, inadequately resourced, and weakly implemented. This chapter reviews the historical development of food security and nutrition monitoring systems and their role in responding to food emergencies. Drawing from a series of in-country consultations and key informant interviews in eight developing countries between 2009 and 2012, this chapter discusses the issues, constraints, and challenges faced by policymakers in establishing and effectively using food security monitoring systems for policymaking during the recent food crisis (2008–10). The chapter summarizes lessons learned and concludes that a monitoring system that is responsive to policymaking needs and is demand driven, well resourced, and accountable to its users is more likely to be successful and sustainable.Less
Evidence-informed policymaking requires timely information. Designing food and nutrition policies crucially depends on national information systems that collect, process, and analyze data, and inform policymakers about needed action. Yet in several developing countries, such systems continue to be poorly organized, inadequately resourced, and weakly implemented. This chapter reviews the historical development of food security and nutrition monitoring systems and their role in responding to food emergencies. Drawing from a series of in-country consultations and key informant interviews in eight developing countries between 2009 and 2012, this chapter discusses the issues, constraints, and challenges faced by policymakers in establishing and effectively using food security monitoring systems for policymaking during the recent food crisis (2008–10). The chapter summarizes lessons learned and concludes that a monitoring system that is responsive to policymaking needs and is demand driven, well resourced, and accountable to its users is more likely to be successful and sustainable.
Kjell Magne Bondevik and Kristen Abrams
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199797769
- eISBN:
- 9780199919369
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199797769.003.0033
- Subject:
- Law, Public International Law
This chapter first provides a brief historical background of North Korea and discusses the political and economic indicators that have allowed massive human rights violations to take place. Next, it ...
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This chapter first provides a brief historical background of North Korea and discusses the political and economic indicators that have allowed massive human rights violations to take place. Next, it explains the severe food crisis and the kwan-li-so political prison system. Following an introduction to the concept of crimes against humanity and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, it analyzes the facts presented against the elements that constitute crimes against humanity and concludes that North Korea is committing crimes against humanity by starving millions of its people and maintaining a political gulag system. It explores an overview of the actions recently taken by the international community—including the United Nations, regional bodies, states and non-governmental actors—which acknowledge the severity and state responsibility for these atrocities. This evidence supports the conclusion that North Korea is indeed committing crimes against humanity and that the international community is taking note. The chapter ends with several recommendations that should be taken to alleviate the suffering of the North Korean people.Less
This chapter first provides a brief historical background of North Korea and discusses the political and economic indicators that have allowed massive human rights violations to take place. Next, it explains the severe food crisis and the kwan-li-so political prison system. Following an introduction to the concept of crimes against humanity and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, it analyzes the facts presented against the elements that constitute crimes against humanity and concludes that North Korea is committing crimes against humanity by starving millions of its people and maintaining a political gulag system. It explores an overview of the actions recently taken by the international community—including the United Nations, regional bodies, states and non-governmental actors—which acknowledge the severity and state responsibility for these atrocities. This evidence supports the conclusion that North Korea is indeed committing crimes against humanity and that the international community is taking note. The chapter ends with several recommendations that should be taken to alleviate the suffering of the North Korean people.
Suresh Chandra Babu
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0004
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
During the recent food crisis, developing countries responded with a wide variety of policy responses to protect their population. Understanding the policy-making process in developing countries is ...
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During the recent food crisis, developing countries responded with a wide variety of policy responses to protect their population. Understanding the policy-making process in developing countries is important to know how why such policy responses are made. In this chapter a framework is developed for analysing the policy process in developing countries and it is applied to study the food policy process during the food price crisis in selected countries. A synthesis of policy process analysis in 14 developing countries indicate that policy responses may differ depending on the nature and magnitude of roles actors in the policy process. Political institutions and organizational infrastructure for policy consultations, strategic analysis, knowledge management and monitoring, and timely warning of food crisis and its impact can determine the policy process and its outcomes. Several lessons for improving the policy process are derived from the country studies.Less
During the recent food crisis, developing countries responded with a wide variety of policy responses to protect their population. Understanding the policy-making process in developing countries is important to know how why such policy responses are made. In this chapter a framework is developed for analysing the policy process in developing countries and it is applied to study the food policy process during the food price crisis in selected countries. A synthesis of policy process analysis in 14 developing countries indicate that policy responses may differ depending on the nature and magnitude of roles actors in the policy process. Political institutions and organizational infrastructure for policy consultations, strategic analysis, knowledge management and monitoring, and timely warning of food crisis and its impact can determine the policy process and its outcomes. Several lessons for improving the policy process are derived from the country studies.
Derrill D. Watson II
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0005
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The food price crisis revealed contradictions in creating food policy. Much of the common policy response can be explained by a benevolent, unitary government. To understand the variance between ...
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The food price crisis revealed contradictions in creating food policy. Much of the common policy response can be explained by a benevolent, unitary government. To understand the variance between countries, however, requires understanding fractured government decision-making, path dependency, and institutional constraints. Governments’ relationships with the private sector are very complex. They reveal both the firms’ lobbying successes as well as how the deep distrust between private and public sectors lead to perverse policy incentives and unintended consequences that undermine intended outcomes. Decision makers’ private interests and riot prevention played significant roles in selected cases, but were not leading factors overall. Understanding why governments prefer one policy set to another may improve policy analysts’ ability to encourage pro-poor policies which are more likely to be enacted, or to adapt policies which are more palatable to policy elites.Less
The food price crisis revealed contradictions in creating food policy. Much of the common policy response can be explained by a benevolent, unitary government. To understand the variance between countries, however, requires understanding fractured government decision-making, path dependency, and institutional constraints. Governments’ relationships with the private sector are very complex. They reveal both the firms’ lobbying successes as well as how the deep distrust between private and public sectors lead to perverse policy incentives and unintended consequences that undermine intended outcomes. Decision makers’ private interests and riot prevention played significant roles in selected cases, but were not leading factors overall. Understanding why governments prefer one policy set to another may improve policy analysts’ ability to encourage pro-poor policies which are more likely to be enacted, or to adapt policies which are more palatable to policy elites.
Emmy Simmons
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780813179001
- eISBN:
- 9780813179018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University Press of Kentucky
- DOI:
- 10.5810/kentucky/9780813179001.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter presents a history of food crises to illustrate the need for greater food security, and it urges government leaders to learn from the past and take action when the next inevitable crisis ...
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This chapter presents a history of food crises to illustrate the need for greater food security, and it urges government leaders to learn from the past and take action when the next inevitable crisis arises. Six priorities for action are presented, recognizing the roles of violent conflict, water, weather patterns, inequality, women, and waste reduction. While considering these factors, organizations must partner to ensure that food systems are sustainable and productive, providing nutritious and safe food to populations around the globe. For this system to work, collaboration among all participants is crucial.Less
This chapter presents a history of food crises to illustrate the need for greater food security, and it urges government leaders to learn from the past and take action when the next inevitable crisis arises. Six priorities for action are presented, recognizing the roles of violent conflict, water, weather patterns, inequality, women, and waste reduction. While considering these factors, organizations must partner to ensure that food systems are sustainable and productive, providing nutritious and safe food to populations around the globe. For this system to work, collaboration among all participants is crucial.
Camilla Barbarossa
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9781447336013
- eISBN:
- 9781447336051
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447336013.003.0024
- Subject:
- Law, Criminal Law and Criminology
Food safety scandals are recurring events in the food industry worldwide. Consumers and companies are not immune to these incidents. However, there is a paucity of studies that examine consumer ...
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Food safety scandals are recurring events in the food industry worldwide. Consumers and companies are not immune to these incidents. However, there is a paucity of studies that examine consumer responses toward food companies involved in food safety scandals. This chapter attempts to address these issues. First, it provides theoretical bases for the psychological mechanisms through which consumers form judgments of blame toward food brands involved in food safety scandals. Second, it clarifies how attributions of blame negatively affect relevant consumer non-behavioural responses (emotions and attitude) and behavioural responses (purchase intention, word-of-mouth, and boycott) toward faulty food brands. Third, it provides a literature review of the most relevant consumer-related, brand-related, and context-related variables, which may influence the psychological mechanisms of blame attribution, and subsequent non-behavioural and behavioural responses, in the context of a food safety incident.Less
Food safety scandals are recurring events in the food industry worldwide. Consumers and companies are not immune to these incidents. However, there is a paucity of studies that examine consumer responses toward food companies involved in food safety scandals. This chapter attempts to address these issues. First, it provides theoretical bases for the psychological mechanisms through which consumers form judgments of blame toward food brands involved in food safety scandals. Second, it clarifies how attributions of blame negatively affect relevant consumer non-behavioural responses (emotions and attitude) and behavioural responses (purchase intention, word-of-mouth, and boycott) toward faulty food brands. Third, it provides a literature review of the most relevant consumer-related, brand-related, and context-related variables, which may influence the psychological mechanisms of blame attribution, and subsequent non-behavioural and behavioural responses, in the context of a food safety incident.
Antony Chapoto
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The global food price crisis of 2007–8 raised fears about the impacts of higher and more volatile food prices for the poor in Zambia. Like in the past, the implementation of the strategies to deal ...
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The global food price crisis of 2007–8 raised fears about the impacts of higher and more volatile food prices for the poor in Zambia. Like in the past, the implementation of the strategies to deal with the rising food prices, especially for the staple crop maize were delayed due to ineffective response policies, mistrust between government and private sector, protracted discussions, inaction amongst key agriculture stakeholders and rent-seeking behaviour by some. Using the political economy framework, this study examines how the country responded to the 2007/08 global food crisis and the lessons learnt for dealing with future food crises.Less
The global food price crisis of 2007–8 raised fears about the impacts of higher and more volatile food prices for the poor in Zambia. Like in the past, the implementation of the strategies to deal with the rising food prices, especially for the staple crop maize were delayed due to ineffective response policies, mistrust between government and private sector, protracted discussions, inaction amongst key agriculture stakeholders and rent-seeking behaviour by some. Using the political economy framework, this study examines how the country responded to the 2007/08 global food crisis and the lessons learnt for dealing with future food crises.
David A. Cleveland
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780520277410
- eISBN:
- 9780520957084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520277410.003.0001
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Technology and Society
This book has two main goals. The first goal is to encourage critical thinking by explaining the key concepts for understanding the problems and potential solutions for the challenges facing our ...
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This book has two main goals. The first goal is to encourage critical thinking by explaining the key concepts for understanding the problems and potential solutions for the challenges facing our agrifood systems. The second is to demonstrate how the author has applied these concepts in his own thinking about agrifood systems and to share what he has concluded about the problems and solutions based on his own research and values. These two goals are synergistic, in that if the first is achieved, readers will be able to critique the author's conclusions on their own. A central conclusion is that small-scale, traditionally based, locally oriented, low-external-input agrifood systems are an important resource for the future.Less
This book has two main goals. The first goal is to encourage critical thinking by explaining the key concepts for understanding the problems and potential solutions for the challenges facing our agrifood systems. The second is to demonstrate how the author has applied these concepts in his own thinking about agrifood systems and to share what he has concluded about the problems and solutions based on his own research and values. These two goals are synergistic, in that if the first is achieved, readers will be able to critique the author's conclusions on their own. A central conclusion is that small-scale, traditionally based, locally oriented, low-external-input agrifood systems are an important resource for the future.
Chris Otter
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- May 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780226697109
- eISBN:
- 9780226705965
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226705965.003.0010
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
This final chapter follows the story through to the present, by situating the post-1945 world food system within the longer history traced by the book. The basic argument is that today's manifold ...
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This final chapter follows the story through to the present, by situating the post-1945 world food system within the longer history traced by the book. The basic argument is that today's manifold "world food crisis" did not appear ex nihilo but has clear and traceable connections to the vast extractive food system created by the British over the previous two centuries. The chapter—and book—concludes by arguing that while we are not deterministically moving towards a phase of complete system breakdown, urgent action is required to reverse the ecological, economic, and health trends of our carnivorous, fossil-fuel driven world food systemLess
This final chapter follows the story through to the present, by situating the post-1945 world food system within the longer history traced by the book. The basic argument is that today's manifold "world food crisis" did not appear ex nihilo but has clear and traceable connections to the vast extractive food system created by the British over the previous two centuries. The chapter—and book—concludes by arguing that while we are not deterministically moving towards a phase of complete system breakdown, urgent action is required to reverse the ecological, economic, and health trends of our carnivorous, fossil-fuel driven world food system
Jayati Ghosh
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231157643
- eISBN:
- 9780231527279
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231157643.003.0004
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This chapter examines the link between the global food crisis and the financial crisis. More specifically, it considers the dramatic increase in world food prices in 2007–2008, attributing it mainly ...
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This chapter examines the link between the global food crisis and the financial crisis. More specifically, it considers the dramatic increase in world food prices in 2007–2008, attributing it mainly to greater speculative activity in global commodity markets in response to earlier financial deregulation and the flight of capital from Wall Street following the bursting of the housing bubble with the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the United States. Despite the subsequent drop in agricultural prices, food prices remained higher than before 2007, and continued to be volatile in many developing countries. The chapter discusses two policy factors affecting global food supply: bio-fuels and the policy neglect of agriculture over the past two decades. It explains how the financial crisis has worsened food insecurity by constraining public investment in agriculture, limiting food imports in developing countries constrained by balance of payments.Less
This chapter examines the link between the global food crisis and the financial crisis. More specifically, it considers the dramatic increase in world food prices in 2007–2008, attributing it mainly to greater speculative activity in global commodity markets in response to earlier financial deregulation and the flight of capital from Wall Street following the bursting of the housing bubble with the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the United States. Despite the subsequent drop in agricultural prices, food prices remained higher than before 2007, and continued to be volatile in many developing countries. The chapter discusses two policy factors affecting global food supply: bio-fuels and the policy neglect of agriculture over the past two decades. It explains how the financial crisis has worsened food insecurity by constraining public investment in agriculture, limiting food imports in developing countries constrained by balance of payments.
Bryan L. McDonald
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- November 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780190600686
- eISBN:
- 9780190600716
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190600686.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
The end of the 1960s brought turbulence in American affairs at home and abroad, and sparked a set of changes that resulted in the first global food crisis since the end of World War II. In the early ...
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The end of the 1960s brought turbulence in American affairs at home and abroad, and sparked a set of changes that resulted in the first global food crisis since the end of World War II. In the early 1970s, just as American surpluses were being used up, a series of unexpected political, demographic, economic, and environmental shocks converged to plunge the world into the deepest food crisis in twenty-five years. Though American ideas and plans were central to the emergence of the postwar world food system, those ideas could not weather the convergence of so many trends into a world food crisis. The crisis ended the postwar system and replaced it with a world food network that involved many more actors and priorities in world food relations.Less
The end of the 1960s brought turbulence in American affairs at home and abroad, and sparked a set of changes that resulted in the first global food crisis since the end of World War II. In the early 1970s, just as American surpluses were being used up, a series of unexpected political, demographic, economic, and environmental shocks converged to plunge the world into the deepest food crisis in twenty-five years. Though American ideas and plans were central to the emergence of the postwar world food system, those ideas could not weather the convergence of so many trends into a world food crisis. The crisis ended the postwar system and replaced it with a world food network that involved many more actors and priorities in world food relations.
Ahmed Farouk Ghoneim
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0012
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The study focuses on the period 2004–9 during which Egypt experienced food crisis. The political economy context on how the government responded to the crisis is analysed while pinpointing to what ...
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The study focuses on the period 2004–9 during which Egypt experienced food crisis. The political economy context on how the government responded to the crisis is analysed while pinpointing to what extent there was a pass-through effect from international to domestic prices. The complexity of food price policy issues and their entanglement with poverty, agricultural, and economic policies in Egypt together with the structural aspects of the food subsidy policies are discussed and evaluated from a political economy perspective. Prospects for reform or lack thereof are also analysed in the context of the 25 January 2011 revolution and new political set-up. Dramatic shifts in food prices and their significant impact on many variables implied that countries have been experiencing a new situation where the interaction of economic and social policies need to be altered to face this new challenge.Less
The study focuses on the period 2004–9 during which Egypt experienced food crisis. The political economy context on how the government responded to the crisis is analysed while pinpointing to what extent there was a pass-through effect from international to domestic prices. The complexity of food price policy issues and their entanglement with poverty, agricultural, and economic policies in Egypt together with the structural aspects of the food subsidy policies are discussed and evaluated from a political economy perspective. Prospects for reform or lack thereof are also analysed in the context of the 25 January 2011 revolution and new political set-up. Dramatic shifts in food prices and their significant impact on many variables implied that countries have been experiencing a new situation where the interaction of economic and social policies need to be altered to face this new challenge.
Eckart Woertz
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199659487
- eISBN:
- 9780191749155
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199659487.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Chapter 1 shows how the Gulf countries have been affected by the global food crisis of 2008 and how they have reacted to it. Basic challenges of Gulf food security are outlined such as population ...
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Chapter 1 shows how the Gulf countries have been affected by the global food crisis of 2008 and how they have reacted to it. Basic challenges of Gulf food security are outlined such as population growth, lack of water, economic diversification, and vulnerability of poor migrant workers. The role of subsidies and price controls in the ruling bargain of the region’s rentier states is highlighted. Causes and consequences of the global food crisis are given. After a discussion of major factors like productivity development, biofuels, or dietary change, the chapter posits that there is reasonable indication for a paradigm shift towards higher food prices. It is then shown how the Gulf countries currently operate in global food trade and what items they import from which countries of origin.Less
Chapter 1 shows how the Gulf countries have been affected by the global food crisis of 2008 and how they have reacted to it. Basic challenges of Gulf food security are outlined such as population growth, lack of water, economic diversification, and vulnerability of poor migrant workers. The role of subsidies and price controls in the ruling bargain of the region’s rentier states is highlighted. Causes and consequences of the global food crisis are given. After a discussion of major factors like productivity development, biofuels, or dietary change, the chapter posits that there is reasonable indication for a paradigm shift towards higher food prices. It is then shown how the Gulf countries currently operate in global food trade and what items they import from which countries of origin.
Jikun Huang, Jun Yang, and Scott Rozelle
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0017
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The overall goal of this chapter is to analyse the political economy of food price policies in China during the global food crisis. The results show that given China’s unique economic and political ...
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The overall goal of this chapter is to analyse the political economy of food price policies in China during the global food crisis. The results show that given China’s unique economic and political context and the nature of its agricultural markets, the government’s reaction to the crisis was swift and decisive. Responses, which considered the interests of the relevant stakeholders, included both short-term counter-measures that covered a wide range of domestic and border policies as well as long-term policy changes on biofuels and agricultural investment. This, in conjunction with the country’s political system, meant that the decision-making process encountered no problems and that the impacts of policy responses by the government achieved the envisaged objectives.Less
The overall goal of this chapter is to analyse the political economy of food price policies in China during the global food crisis. The results show that given China’s unique economic and political context and the nature of its agricultural markets, the government’s reaction to the crisis was swift and decisive. Responses, which considered the interests of the relevant stakeholders, included both short-term counter-measures that covered a wide range of domestic and border policies as well as long-term policy changes on biofuels and agricultural investment. This, in conjunction with the country’s political system, meant that the decision-making process encountered no problems and that the impacts of policy responses by the government achieved the envisaged objectives.
Bernardo Mueller and Charles Mueller
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198718574
- eISBN:
- 9780191788017
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198718574.003.0018
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter argues that the effects of the food price crisis of 2007–8 put pressure on two variables that are of central importance to the Brazilian government: inflation and social inclusion. The ...
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This chapter argues that the effects of the food price crisis of 2007–8 put pressure on two variables that are of central importance to the Brazilian government: inflation and social inclusion. The chapter describes how political institutions in Brazil have given rise to a policy-making process where fiscal stability and social inclusion are the overarching priorities, irrespective of the party in power. It could be expected that the food price crisis would have led to significant reactions by the government to safeguard those two central policy objectives. However, government and social groups’ reactions were relatively subdued, compared to other countries. The authors explain this by showing that the negative impacts of the food price increases on consumers was partly counterbalanced by the benefits from agricultural production. Before the crisis the country already possessed a series of mechanisms offering protection to the poor.Less
This chapter argues that the effects of the food price crisis of 2007–8 put pressure on two variables that are of central importance to the Brazilian government: inflation and social inclusion. The chapter describes how political institutions in Brazil have given rise to a policy-making process where fiscal stability and social inclusion are the overarching priorities, irrespective of the party in power. It could be expected that the food price crisis would have led to significant reactions by the government to safeguard those two central policy objectives. However, government and social groups’ reactions were relatively subdued, compared to other countries. The authors explain this by showing that the negative impacts of the food price increases on consumers was partly counterbalanced by the benefits from agricultural production. Before the crisis the country already possessed a series of mechanisms offering protection to the poor.
