Famine, a silent tsunami?

Abstract

As this edition goes to print, the cla‑ mour of the world’s financial crisis has almost banished press headlines on the problem of the worldwide rise in food prices. But the problem is struc‑ tural, it still exists. Our Editorial Board approaches its analysis with the aim of answering a few basic questions. What is happening?: the old problem of hunger has been aggravated towards the end of 2007 and during 2008 by considerable rises in food prices with serious consequences for vulnerable populations; although the situation seems to have moderated in the second half of the year, we are talking about a structural problem. What are the causes behind these rises in prices?: it is a complex phenomenon that we are trying to clarify by pointing out the causes that come from offer and demand, as well as political interests present in the markets. From which ethical principles should we approach this question?: essentially, from the view that food supplies should be guaranteed as a basic human right. What short term measures should be taken and what actions should be undertaken on a medium and long term basis?: it is far from easy to answer this question; based on the commitment by society internationally to reach the Millennium Objectives, we suggest some urgent measures, we define tasks still pending, with special reference to establishing suitable agricultural policies.