This document summarizes a speech given by Shenggen Fan on food policy and the global food system. It notes that while economic recovery is occurring globally, inequality is rising due to conflicts, climate change, and political uncertainties. Open trade, international investment, migration, and access to knowledge and data are important for food security but face threats from anti-globalization sentiments like protectionism and closed borders. Cooperation across countries will be important to address challenges and leverage new opportunities in food systems.

1. Shenggen Fan
Director General
International Food Policy Research Institute
Moscow, Russia | May 30, 2018

2. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
 Despite economic recovery, inequality is on the rise
globally
 Global hunger is increasing, driven by conflicts and
climate change
 Food production is strong and food prices are
declining
 Anti-globalism and the changing global landscape
may create further uncertainties
PROGRESS, UNCERTAINTY & RISING
ANTI-GLOBALISM
Food policy in 2017-2018

3. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
Threats to
investments
Trade
protectionism
Knowledge & data
flow restrictions
Tightening
borders
Stalled farm
policy reforms
Weak global
governance
Anti-globalization Sentiments
GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEM UNDER RADICAL CHANGES

4. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
 Open trade can contribute to
• Food security
• Improving nutrition through diversification of
food baskets, producers, and suppliers
• Reducing natural resource use and
environmental impact
 Design targeted policies in human capital,
resource management, and education to
address trade-related challenges and
externalities
Water content embedded in
international trade
Source: Laborde 2017
FREE FLOW OF GOODS
is key for food security and nutrition

5. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
 International investment is key to
eliminating hunger
• Increases production, improves value
chains, develops infrastructure, etc.
 Agribusiness investments benefit
local food security
 Promote public-private
partnerships for agro-infrastructure
and inclusive business models
Product and market focus of
investors in agriculture
Source: UNCTAD and World Bank
INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT
benefits local food security

6. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
 Voluntary migration can improve food security
for migrants and families
• Increases incomes and reduces pressure on
natural resources
• But migration involves upfront costs that can
exclude the poor
 Integration of refugees into economies is
important for food security among refugees and
local communities
 Improve seasonal migration mechanisms
and innovative financial products to
facilitate migration
Household income and probability
of migration, Bangladesh
Source: De Brauw and Ambler 2018
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION
plays a major role in food security

7. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
IFPRI dataset downloads
Source: Yerramareddy and Babu 2018
OPEN ACCESS KNOWLEDGE AND DATA
drive improved performance in food systems
 Accessible data is critical for decision making in
food systems, from farm to consumers
 Open data can enhance accountability of all actors
in food systems, including government
 Data quality and ease of use are essential for open
access to succeed
 Enhance knowledge transfer efficiency, and
empower citizens through capacity building
 Adapt data platforms to facilitate information
privacy and responsible management of data

8. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
ADDRESSING RADICAL CHANGES
is central for progress in the global food system
 Encourage an open, efficient, and fair trading system
 Support rural development to break the vicious cycle of conflict,
food insecurity, and migration
 Invest more in research and innovation for food systems
 Promote cooperation and mutual learning
 Leverage new opportunities in emerging technologies and
knowledge-sharing
 Enhance evidence-based policy making, maximizing the
benefits while minimizing the risks of globalization

9. Regional developments: Eurasia
Despite progress, malnutrition persists
Source: WHO 2017
Source: FAO 2018
Prevalence of stunting in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (%)
Source: UNICEF/WHO/WB 2017
Prevalence of adult overweight and obesity, Russia (%)
Progress in reducing undernourishment (millions)
16.6
13.3
10.5
8.3
6.5 6.2
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2016
8.7
5.6
12.3
7.5
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 2015
Central Asia Eastern Europe
Anemia in women
of reproductive age
23%
In Russia:
Women with raised
blood cholesterol
52%
Men with raised
blood pressure
33%
Source: WHO 2017, NCD Risk Factor Collaboration 2017
48
54
12
25
53 55
15
26
58 56
18
27
Men Women Men Women
Overweight (BMI≥25) Obesity (BMI≥30)
2000 2008 2016

10. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
Regional developments: Eurasia
Steps toward cooperation
Source: Akramov, Ilyasov, and Park 2018
 Economic recovery
• Significant upturns in energy and metals
prices
• Resumed growth in Russia, a key regional
trading partner
• Appreciation of the Ruble contributed to
increased remittance flows from Russia
 Continued poverty reduction and food
security driven by income from employment
and remittances
 Improving environment for revived
cooperation in Central Asia

11. Shenggen Fan, May 2018
Regional developments: Eurasia
Looking forward to 2018
 Opportunities are ahead
• Favorable economic growth prospects, led by economic improvements in Russia
and Kazakhstan
• Positive impact of regional trade, investments, and remittances on household
welfare and food security
• Efforts being made on agricultural diversification in the region
• Potential to address infrastructure needs with China’s Belt and Road Initiative
 Nevertheless challenges remain
• Risk of slow recovery in Russia due to expanded Western sanctions
• Reduced credit availability and limited employment opportunities may have
negative impact on poverty reduction and food security
Source: Akramov, Ilyasov, and Park 2018

12. Global integration of national
food systems will be key for
progress in Eurasia