By Prabhu Pingali and Randy Stringer

The post Uruguay Round food security picture is rather bleak for a large number of developing countries. Between 1997/99 and 1998/2000, the number of undernourished people increased by 15 million, a disturbing development given the global community’s commitment to food security concerns, its capacity to produce more than enough food for every human being, and its power to use modern information systems to pinpoint exactly where food is needed and to mobilize rapid transport systems to move food quickly around the globe. The food security problem remains as formidable and deadly as ever.

From a longer term perspective, food security progress has been nothing short of remarkable. The proportion of people in developing countries living with average daily food intakes of less than 2200 kcal fell from 57 percent in the early 1960’s to just 10 percent by the end of the century. During this period, per capita food supplies increased by more than 70 percent in China and Indonesia; by more than 50 percent in Pakistan and the Republic of Korea; and by more than 30 percent in Brazil, Burkina Fasso, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Jamaica, Mauritania and the Philippines.

This paper reviews agricultural and food security performances of developing countries after the Uruguay Round. In particular, issues and trends relevant to the interests of the low income food deficit and the net food importing countries are examined as the world prepares for further trade negotiations. The paper attempts to answer several questions, including: How has food security in the low income countries been effected over the past ten years? Are agricultural policies evolving in ways that take advantage of emerging trade opportunities? What are the emerging policy issues facing the net food importing countries? What is the role of food imports, domestic production, export earnings and food aid? In concluding the article the author presents a review of the most common arguments against further trade reform.

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