Format | |
---|---|
BibTeX | |
MARCXML | |
TextMARC | |
MARC | |
DublinCore | |
EndNote | |
NLM | |
RefWorks | |
RIS |
Files
Abstract
Free trade has become a modern-day creed, accepted by both wealthy
industrialized countries and many governments of developing countries as the
generator of economic growth, development and employment. However, free
trade has also been condemned by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in
developing countries as the tool through which the economic dominance of
wealthy, developed countries is institutionalized and maintained. Agriculture has
been one of the most controversial issues in the multilateral trade negotiations
for the past fifty years. The aim of this article is to examine food security
implications of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. It discusses the WTO
Agreement on Agriculture, which is systematically favoring agricultural
producers in industrialized countries at the expense of farmers in developing
countries, and explores ways in which the Agreement may be modified to
achieve a more equal chance for success for both parties. The article also deals
with the extent to which realization of the Agreement’s stated objective – the
establishment of a fair and market-oriented agricultural trading system—is likely
to advance food security in developing countries. The first section defines food
security, discusses the relationship between trade and food security, and
analyzes the impact of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture on food security in
developing countries. The second section sets forth the reforms necessary to
address inequities in the global trading system for agricultural commodities, and
enhance and protect food security in developing countries. The last section
concludes that leveling the playing field between industrialized and developing
countries is a necessity, but not sufficient to promote food security. Promotion of
food security requires additional trade reforms, so as to provide developing
countries with a wide range of solutions and ensure access by all people at all
times to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.