CFS sets path for greater food security but governments must follow through with action

The UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has delivered solid guidance and important recommendations that governments must now follow through with action, international development organization Oxfam said today at the close of the meeting.

The CFS annual meeting took place in Rome from 15 to 20 October amid growing concerns caused by national and regional food crises that are devastating lives and livelihoods of poor people.

“Oxfam welcomes the CFS formally adopting its ‘Global Strategic Framework’ as it is the most comprehensive set of clear policies and actions to achieve a world without hunger. This framework could be a critical turning point in building a better food system and it finally recognizes women’s rights and the central role of small scale food producers”, said Oxfam spokesperson Luca Chinotti.

When discussing climate change the CFS has reaffirmed vital principles by urging governments to address its root causes and ensure that all their policies and actions in this field are consistent with the goal of eradicating hunger and the right to food. The CFS has also set adaptation as the priority for small scale food producers, taking a much needed step forward to protect them.

“Unfortunately the CFS fell short when it came to finding the resources to support agro-ecological farming practices, despite acknowledging their critical importance in increasing the resilience and sustainability of the food system,” Mr Chinotti said.

Oxfam welcomes the steps the CFS made this week to improve the accountability of governments in ensuring food security for all by committing to deliver a new monitoring mechanism to guarantee that decisions are implemented on the ground.

“With 870 million people chronically undernourished, and global progress in reducing hunger stalling, it is vital that the commitments made this week in Rome turn into real action on the ground. The CFS is moving in the right direction and governments shouldn’t lag behind. In a world where there is enough to eat for everyone hunger is not acceptable,” Mr Chinotti said.

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