Hosam Ibrahim - IFPRI, Egypt
On August 28th, 2018 the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in collaboration with the American University in Cairo (AUC), launched the 2018 Global Food Policy Report. The event was attended by a number of high-level government officials including the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Raclamation as well as members of the academic community in Egypt. The launch event was inaugurated by Shenggen Fan and was part of a series of global launch events taking place in North America, Asia, and Europe.
Antiglobalization sentiment threatens international trade and investment as well as the flow of people and knowledge. With the withdrawal of the United States from major international agreements, Britain’s “Brexit,” and rising anti-immigration rhetoric in many countries, the world began to step away from decades of global integration that have yielded unprecedented reductions in poverty and malnutrition. The 2018 Global Food Policy Report provides an in-depth look at the concerns raised by antiglobalism and how global integration can be harnessed to benefit our global food system.
The report helps answer critical questions addressing the global food systems and their ability to deliver food security in the face of the radical changes taking place. The report also reviews the role of trade in improving food security, nutrition, and sustainability, and how can international investment best contribute to better food systems.
Globally, open trade has helped reduce natural resource dependence, improve nutrition, and the status of food security. With different views on the effect of globalization on food security, the topic opened room for a policy debate on how globalization and trade liberalization can help promote growth in Egypt. Panelists from the academic community noted that technical and non-tariff trade barriers are the main factors hindering agricultural development in Egypt. Speakers from the private sector highlighted the need for a proper value chain strategy for agribusinesses in Egypt. Such strategies are pivotal for the progress of agribusinesses and contract farming.
During the launch evet, the panelists discussed the recent economic reforms that Egypt is undergoing. Particularly, how the currency devaluation, has helped boost competition by encouraging foreign investments in the agricultural sector.
Additionally, representatives from the government discussed the implementation of four major projects to develop the agricultural sector in Egypt, including the reclamation of 1.4 million acres (65% in Upper Egypt). Reiterating that economic reforms are vital to maintaining a sustainable growth trajectory in agriculture. Noting that it is equally important to have an inclusive growth strategy to resolve both short- and long-term challenges.
Dr. Saad Nassar, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, echoed that inclusive growth can only be achieved by addressing challenges in the supply side of the agriculture sector. He maintained that “there needs to be not only more jobs available in the agriculture sector, but rather more decent jobs”. Policies aimed at enhancing competitiveness, such as increasing irrigation efficiency, are key to integrating agribusinesses in Egypt with the global market.
In conclusion, Shenggen Fan highlighted the importance of awareness between governments and the private sector when drafting agriculture development strategies. Such policies must also include malnutrition targeting elements, by directing foreign investments and the private sector towards key foods and crops in Egypt.
