Agricultural cooperatives are key to feeding the world: UN

17 October, 2012

World Food Day (WFD) was observed on October 16 to mark the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. The theme for WFD this year is 'Agricultural cooperatives - key to feeding the world'. The theme has been chosen to highlight the role of cooperatives in improving food security and contributing to the eradication of hunger.

OBSERVED EVERY year in more than 150 countries, WFD is meant to raise awareness about the issues behind poverty and hunger worldwide and urge various countries to adopt the food security policies.

According to FAO, despite the importance of agriculture as the driving force in the economies of many developing countries, this vital sector is frequently starved of investment and there has been a marked decline in agriculture sector over the past two decades. The FAO also holds that closing the gender gap in agricultural inputs alone could lift 100–150 million people out of hunger.

"Women make significant contributions to the rural economy in all developing country regions. Their roles differ across regions, yet they consistently have less access than men to the resources and opportunities they need to be more productive. Increasing women’s access to land, livestock, education, financial services, extension, technology and rural employment would boost their productivity and generate gains in terms of agricultural production, food security, economic growth and social welfare,” observed FAO.

FAO has urged the member countries to promote equal access to resources and opportunities, to ensure that agricultural policies and programmes are gender-aware, and to make women’s voices heard as equal partners for sustainable development.

According to FAO, achieving gender equality and empowering women in agriculture is not only the right thing to do, but it is also crucial for agricultural development and food security.

On the occasion of WFD, the Spanish television has been active in broadcasting events held in the country on the day. Also, the FAO Goodwill Ambassador – Spanish soccer star Raul – took part in key events to highlight food-security issues across his country.