One billion people throughout the world suffer from hunger, a figure which has increased by 100 million because of the global financial crisis, says the UN.
The UN said almost all of the world's undernourished live in developing countries, with the most, some 642 million people, living in the Asia-Pacific region. In sub-Saharan Africa, the next worst-hit region, the figure stands at 265 million. Just 15 million people are left hungry in the developed world.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the next worst-hit region, the figure stands at 265 million.
Just 15 million people are left hungry in the developed world.
"Just"...
IPS: A recent declaration of the G8 development ministers in view of the G8 meeting in July seems to recognise the importance of agriculture for development. But support to agriculture has fallen from 17 percent of total aid spending in 1980 to less than 3 percent in 2006. Do you think that research in agriculture can be considered good investment for economic development? EF: In fact, this is the first time there is such strong accent on agriculture. There has been a call for action, not just for rhetoric, particularly in agriculture and food security. And a recognition also that the challenge of tackling food security and the problem of nutrition is something that needs to be science based, so that policies can be put in place that will be appropriate. An increase in investment in agriculture has been made virtually by all the development ministers of the G8 who recognised that we need to look at the longer-term solutions, including through research. And support to public research into agriculture is the most effective investment to promote long- term economic development; it offers a better return on investment than other forms of aid. We need to look at food security not only in terms of quantity of food but the quality of food, that will have an impact on health outcomes. And that requires diverse diet based on a broad use of local agriculture biodiversity.
Europe plans to hunt more whales than Japan for the first time in many years, dividing EU countries and dismaying conservationists who say that whaling is escalating in response to the worldwide recession. Figures seen by the Guardian before a meeting of more than 80 countries next week, show that Norway, Denmark and Iceland propose to hunt 1,478 whales compared to Japan's 1,280 in 2009. This would be an increase of nearly 20% by Europe on last year.
Figures seen by the Guardian before a meeting of more than 80 countries next week, show that Norway, Denmark and Iceland propose to hunt 1,478 whales compared to Japan's 1,280 in 2009. This would be an increase of nearly 20% by Europe on last year.
