The United States is leading international efforts to address the need that people around the world have for reliable sources of quality food. American aid is, in part, directed to food security — ensuring every nation has the ability to feed its population adequate amounts of nutritional foods.
Importance of Global Food Security
Growth in the agriculture sector has been found, on average, to be at least twice as effective in reducing poverty as growth in other sectors. Food insecurity – often rooted in poverty – decreases the ability of countries to develop their agricultural markets and economies.
Access to quality, nutritious food is fundamental to human existence. Secure access to food can produce wide ranging positive impacts, including:
- Economic growth and job creation
- Poverty reduction
- Trade opportunities
- Increased global security and stability
- Improved health and healthcare
NIFA’s Impact
NIFA supports global efforts to strengthen agricultural production and end hunger by:
- Helping countries to improve their agricultural markets and increase food production
- Funding research to heighten disease resistance in beans and increase crop production
- Joining with USDA and other federal agencies on global initiatives intended to break the cycle of hunger and poverty
- Developing and testing new food products designed to improve the nutritional value of the food aid that is delivered overseas
- Strengthening developing countries’ extension systems
- Helping developing countries improve their agricultural economies