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Simulation Study Guide

The document addresses the global issue of hunger, exploring its historical roots, including colonialism and the Industrial Revolution, and the ongoing factors that perpetuate it, such as wars, trade policies, and economic crises. It highlights the disparity between food production and distribution, emphasizing that solutions must consider political, social, and economic dimensions rather than just increasing food supply. The document also discusses proposed solutions like food justice and sovereignty, urging a comprehensive approach to tackle hunger effectively.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
12 views18 pages

Simulation Study Guide

The document addresses the global issue of hunger, exploring its historical roots, including colonialism and the Industrial Revolution, and the ongoing factors that perpetuate it, such as wars, trade policies, and economic crises. It highlights the disparity between food production and distribution, emphasizing that solutions must consider political, social, and economic dimensions rather than just increasing food supply. The document also discusses proposed solutions like food justice and sovereignty, urging a comprehensive approach to tackle hunger effectively.

Uploaded by

minikoyuncu.safa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................4
2. THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISSUE OF HUNGER...................5
2.1. Colonialism and Its Ongoing Impact on Global Hunger...................5
2.2. The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Capitaizm........................6
3. THE FACTORS THAT CAUSE AND PERPETUATE THE ISSUE OF HUNGER.....8
3.1. Wars and Armed Conflicts.............................................................8
3.2. Trade Policies and Food Speculation..............................................9
3.3. Economic Crises...........................................................................11
4. EVALUATION OF PROPOSED SOLUTIONS.................................................13
4.1. Western Approach.........................................................................13
4.2. Food Justice..................................................................................14
4.3. Food Sovereignty...........................................................................15
4.4. Regional Formation.......................................................................15
4.5. Food Aid........................................................................................16
5. AGENDA ITEM..........................................................................................16
6. REFERENCES...........................................................................................18

2
WELCOMING LETTER

Distinguished Delegates of the MUNIA Simulation Conference,

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the MUNIA Simulation Conference and,
specifically, to the World Food Programme (WFP) committee. In this committee, we will
address one of the most urgent global challenges: hunger and food insecurity. Despite
significant efforts by international organizations like the WFP, millions of people worldwide
still face hunger, malnutrition, and extreme poverty. As delegates, you will have the
opportunity to delve into the complexities of these issues, understand their underlying
causes, and explore effective solutions to tackle them on a global scale.

Our committee will focus on the ongoing global hunger crisis, highlighting the disparity
between food production and distribution. While food production has increased
dramatically in recent decades, vast portions of the global population remain without
access to sufficient, nutritious food. Throughout the conference, you will examine key
factors contributing to this crisis, including political instability, economic inequality,
climate change, and conflict. Additionally, we will explore the role of international
organizations, government policies, and sustainable practices in addressing food
insecurity and improving nutrition worldwide.

We encourage you to approach this issue with both urgency and creativity, keeping in mind
that the solutions we seek are vital for a better and more equitable future for all. Your
contributions to this committee will be essential in shaping a productive and meaningful
debate. We are excited to see the ideas you bring to the table and wish you the best of luck
in your endeavors at the MUNIA Simulation Conference!

Head Organizer - Zeynep İncekara

Deputy Head Organizer- Semanur Uslu

3
1. INTRODUCTION

Hunger is one of the oldest and most significant challenges humanity has faced to persist
throughout history. From the agricultural revolution to the industrial revolution and modern
economic systems, hunger has appeared in different forms in various periods. With
industrialization, economic imbalances increased, and in colonized regions, agricultural
processes were controlled by imperial powers, leading local populations into poverty.

Today, hunger has become more than just an agricultural or economic issue; it is also a
political and social concern. Factors such as wars, economic crises, trade policies, and
global food speculation play significant roles in perpetuating this problem. According to
2023 data, around 733 million people worldwide, or roughly 1 in 11 people, are living in
hunger, with Africa facing the most severe consequences, where 1 in 5 people are affected.
Additionally, as of 2024, 8.5% of the global population (approximately 692 million people)
lives in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 a day. In Turkey, the poverty line for a
family of four in 2024 is 68,675 TL, while the hunger line is 21,083 TL.

In this context, poverty is defined by the United Nations Economic, Social, and Cultural
Rights Committee, based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as “a persistent or
chronic deprivation of the resources, capabilities, choices, security, and power required to
live in conditions that allow individuals to enjoy civil, cultural, economic, political, and
social rights.” This definition encourages an approach to combating poverty that considers
not only resources and income but also the capabilities, choices, security, and power
necessary to ensure the enjoyment of these rights.

Absolute poverty primarily relates to the inability to obtain a certain group of products
necessary for basic survival. The lack or inadequate access to the minimum services or
goods necessary for maintaining physical existence is one of the most characteristic
features of poverty worldwide.

The Human Development Index (HDI), first introduced in the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) 1990 Human Development Report, emphasizes that understanding
human development requires more than just considering income deficiency. The HDI
incorporates three essential indicators: life expectancy, literacy, and the income required

4
to live a dignified life. Similarly, in the 1997 report “Human Development to Eradicate
Poverty,” the concept of “Human Poverty Index” (HPI) was introduced. This index considers
life expectancy, education, and basic human needs indicators.

Today, poverty cannot simply be understood by measuring income levels. It involves


looking at whether individuals have the capacity to overcome economic, social,
psychological, political, and environmental barriers in their lives. Globally, while food
production has increased faster than the population in recent decades, the majority of food
production is concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere. The real problem lies in the
imbalance between food production and distribution. Approaches that focus solely on
increasing production or providing food aid will not be enough to solve hunger. Instead,
promoting widespread production, regional solidarity, supporting small-scale farmers, and
adopting sustainable agricultural practices are crucial.

2. THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISSUE OF HUNGER

2.1. Colonialism and Its Ongoing Impact on Global Hunger

Colonialism began in the late 15th century when European countries started exploring new
trade routes and lands. What started as exploration soon became a race to control and
exploit other regions. Portugal and Spain were the first to claim territories in Africa, Asia,
and Latin America. Later, countries like Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium
joined this race, each wanting to gain power, resources, and markets for their growing
economies.

These colonial powers were driven by more than just wealth. As they developed their
industries, they needed cheap raw materials, new markets to sell their goods, and low-cost
labor. They found all of these in colonized regions. For example, Britain took control of India
and forced farmers to grow products like cotton and tea for export. Local food production
dropped, and when famine hit, millions of people died. One tragic example is the Bengal
Famine.

In Africa, Belgium controlled the Congo in brutal ways. People were forced to produce
rubber, and many were killed or severely punished if they did not meet targets. At the Berlin
Conference in 1884–85, European countries divided Africa among themselves without
asking local people. France ruled over much of West Africa, Britain controlled South Africa,

5
the Dutch ruled Indonesia, and France also took over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. These
regions lost their food systems, lands, and ability to feed their people. Resources were sent
to Europe, and local communities became dependent.

Even after independence in the 20th century, the effects of colonialism did not disappear.
Today, we see a new form of control called neo-colonialism. This means former colonial
powers still influence poor countries through money, trade, and politics. For example,
many West African countries still use the CFA franc, a currency managed by France. In
return, they must follow certain economic rules that benefit France more than themselves.
At the same time, big companies from rich countries still take oil, cocoa, coffee, and
minerals from Africa and Latin America. These are sold cheaply and processed in the West,
then sold back to the poor countries at high prices.

As a result, many countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America still struggle with hunger—not
because they don’t produce food, but because they are part of an unfair global system.
They grow food to export, not to feed their own people. The hunger we see today is deeply
connected to the past. The names have changed—from “empire” to “trade agreement,”
from “colony” to “developing country”—but the structure often remains the same.

2.2. The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Capitaizm

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, brought a fundamental
transformation to production systems. Manual labor gave way to mechanization and large-
scale factories, accelerating the pace of production and laying the groundwork for a new
profit-driven economic order. These developments played a crucial role in shaping the
capitalist system, which gradually concentrated ownership of production means and
capital in the hands of the private sector. In this context, economic relationships inherited
from the colonial era were largely maintained, especially to meet the growing demand of
industrialized nations for raw materials and markets.

The global influence of industrialized countries became more pronounced over time. To
sustain their economic interests, these countries invested in less developed regions, but
these investments often focused on raw material extraction or monoculture agricultural
systems. For instance, many countries in Africa and Southeast Asia were guided toward
specializing in export-oriented crops like cotton, coffee, or bananas. This orientation led to
food production being deprioritized and local food systems weakened. According to several
6
studies, such dependency contributed to declining domestic food production and rising
prices. Within this framework, it can be argued that capitalist modes of production have
had an indirect but significant impact on food security.

In the last quarter of the 20th century, the globalization process further intensified
economic interactions. The end of the Cold War, advances in technology, and the
liberalization of financial markets created a fertile environment for the global spread of
neoliberal policies. During this period, structural adjustment programs promoted by
international institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank
included reforms such as reducing public expenditures, minimizing the role of the state in
the economy, and privatizing public services. Although these policies aimed to promote
macroeconomic stability, various studies have shown that in many developing countries,
they also impacted access to basic social services such as food, healthcare, and
education.

Especially after the 1980s, many countries were required to reduce agricultural subsidies
under these programs. As a result, small-scale farmers struggled with rising production
costs, and significant portions of rural populations moved away from agricultural activities.
At the same time, the privatization of health and education services made them accessible
primarily to those who could afford to pay. According to World Bank data from 2021, in low-
income countries, 42% of health expenditures are paid out-of-pocket by individuals,
contributing to the deepening of social inequality. These examples suggest that neoliberal
reforms, in some cases, resulted in the retrenchment of public services, with adverse
effects especially on vulnerable groups.

Moreover, many experts today emphasize that these processes have also played a critical
role in shaping food security. Privatization policies and market-centered approaches in
agriculture have left small producers without sufficient support and allowed the prices of
agricultural goods to be determined by global markets. Under such conditions, access to
essential food items became subject to market dynamics, and food turned from a
fundamental human right into a tradable commodity for some populations.

Recent examples, such as in Argentina, illustrate the contemporary relevance of this issue.
Following the election of President Javier Milei in 2023, the country implemented austerity
measures in alignment with IMF agreements. Public spending was significantly cut,
including on healthcare and education. While inflation saw a short-term decline, social
research indicates that these policies have increased feelings of poverty and restricted
access to basic needs for large segments of the population.

7
In conclusion, the historical process that began with industrialization and continued with
neoliberal reforms has, in many cases, weakened public services and exacerbated social
inequalities. These developments are among the primary structural issues affecting food
security, either directly or indirectly. Considering that the problem of hunger is not merely
about insufficient production but is also deeply tied to the structure and direction of
economic policies, it becomes clear that any effective solution must take this complex
framework into account.

3. THE FACTORS THAT CAUSE AND PERPETUATE THE ISSUE OF HUNGER

3.1. Wars and Armed Conflicts

Wars and armed conflicts have historically been one of the most significant factors in the
emergence and escalation of hunger crises. The food insecurity caused by armed conflicts
is directly linked not only to the duration of the conflict but also to the pre-existing
conditions and its aftermath. Food systems, from agricultural production chains to
distribution networks, are highly fragile structures, and in any political instability or conflict
environment, they can break down quickly. The consequences of such breakdowns range
from the violation of the right to food for civilians living in conflict zones to long-term
economic collapse and social vulnerability.

In the modern era, the nature of warfare has changed, no longer confined to direct battles
between soldiers on the frontlines but also targeting civilian areas, destroying
infrastructure, and paralyzing essential services. In this context, for example, the civil war
in Yemen, which began in 2015, directly targeted the country’s agricultural production
areas, markets, and food storage facilities. Ports were closed, imports were almost entirely
halted, and the public’s access to basic food items was severely restricted. According to
2023 data, around 17 million people in Yemen faced food insecurity. The substantial
destruction of infrastructure, healthcare systems, and import routes caused by the war is
identified as a key factor contributing to this situation.

Similarly, in Syria, the civil conflict that began in 2011 severely disrupted the country’s
agricultural production, displacing millions of people from rural areas and severing their
ties to food production systems. The destruction of farmland, damage to irrigation
systems, and the displacement of farmers resulted in long-term risks of famine. In this
case, it can be argued that war not only destroys existing food stocks but also erases future
food production capacity.

8
Another significant example is South Sudan, where the civil war that broke out in 2013 led
more than 50% of the population to live below the hunger threshold. Armed groups seizing
food aid or obstructing its delivery further exacerbated the food security crisis. These
examples show that war does not only destroy local food production but also severely
limits external aid. Humanitarian organizations often face challenges delivering aid due to
security risks, especially in conflict zones.

Moreover, food has been used as a weapon in many conflicts. In sieged cities, deliberately
starving civilians has become a strategic tool aimed at forcing the opposing side to
surrender. While such practices are clear violations of international law and human rights,
they are still employed in many conflict areas. For instance, during the Tigray conflict in
2021, the United Nations reported that people were deliberately denied access to food aid
as a tactic of war.

Another structural issue caused by war is the refugee crisis. Millions of people forced to
flee their countries often seek refuge in neighboring states with limited resources,
increasing food demands in those regions. Chronic malnutrition in refugee camps
highlights how hunger risks are not only confined to the conflict zones but also spill over
into surrounding countries. For example, as of 2024, approximately 6 million Syrian
refugees were residing in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon, where large-scale international aid
programs are being implemented to meet their basic needs.

Considering all these examples, it is clear that the effects of war on hunger are
multifaceted. War is not just a destructive process; it is also one that leaves lasting scars
on food production, distribution, and accessibility. Therefore, addressing hunger in conflict
zones should not only focus on humanitarian aid but also on strategies that mitigate the
direct impacts of war on food security and involve rebuilding infrastructure. The success of
hunger alleviation efforts depends not only on the establishment of peace but also on the
stricter regulation of military strategies that threaten food security under international law.

3.2. Trade Policies and Food Speculation

Trade policies, particularly those that govern food trade, play a crucial role in determining
the availability of food and, consequently, global food security. The way countries manage

9
trade, especially concerning agricultural products, has a significant impact on both food
prices and access to food for their populations, particularly in developing countries. Trade
policies are often designed to protect domestic markets, achieve economic goals, and gain
competitive advantages. However, these policies can sometimes exacerbate food
insecurity, especially in poorer nations, by distorting markets and making local food
production less viable.

One of the key ways that trade policies impact hunger is through the imposition of tariffs,
trade barriers, and restrictions on food imports and exports. Developed nations, especially
those in the global north, have historically subsidized their agricultural sectors, allowing
their farmers to produce goods at lower prices than those in developing countries. This has
created an uneven playing field, where local farmers in poorer nations are unable to
compete with cheap food imports from wealthier countries. For instance, the European
Union and the United States have long provided subsidies to their agricultural industries,
which enables their products to flood into markets in developing countries at artificially low
prices. This often undermines local agriculture, making it more difficult for small-scale
farmers to maintain their livelihoods, and thus contributes to food insecurity in those
regions.

Another significant factor that exacerbates hunger through trade policies is the practice of
“dumping,” where developed countries sell surplus goods, including agricultural products,
at extremely low prices on global markets. This creates an artificial glut of goods, which
lowers market prices to the point where local farmers in developing countries cannot
compete. For example, in Haiti, the import of cheap rice from the United States led to the
collapse of the domestic rice farming sector. This not only caused economic hardship for
Haitian farmers but also made the country more reliant on imported food, deepening its
food insecurity.

Furthermore, trade policies that prioritize exports of cash crops over food security can also
contribute to hunger. In some regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, governments
have been encouraged to specialize in the production of cash crops like coffee, cocoa, and
cotton, which bring in significant export revenues. However, this has often meant that land
that could have been used to grow food for domestic consumption has been allocated to
cash crops instead. In these cases, countries often need to import food to feed their
populations, but the lack of economic resources to purchase such food can worsen food
insecurity.

The liberalization of trade, particularly under the influence of global institutions like the
World Trade Organization (WTO) and through free trade agreements, has exacerbated food
insecurity in developing countries. By reducing tariffs and eliminating other trade barriers,
10
these policies have led to an influx of cheap food imports into developing nations. This, in
turn, has undermined local food production, making it difficult for small farmers to survive.
The liberalization of trade has made these countries more dependent on global food
markets, which are vulnerable to price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and trade
disputes.

Food speculation also plays a crucial role in the dynamics of hunger. The global food
market is increasingly influenced by speculative trading, where investors buy and sell food
commodities like wheat, corn, and rice on international exchanges. These activities can
drive up food prices, even when there is no actual shortage of food. Speculation can
contribute to price volatility, making it harder for developing countries to secure affordable
food. The 2007–2008 food price crisis is a stark example of this, where food prices
skyrocketed due to a combination of factors, including speculation, poor harvests, and
biofuel production, resulting in widespread hunger, particularly in low-income countries.

Speculators in the global food market often profit by trading food futures and derivatives,
which are essentially bets on future food prices. While this can provide investors with
significant returns, it can also destabilize food prices, making it harder for vulnerable
populations to access nutritious food. For instance, when food prices rise due to
speculative activity, low-income households, particularly in developing countries, struggle
to afford basic staples. The negative impact of food speculation is especially evident in
countries that are already vulnerable to food insecurity, where price hikes can push
millions into deeper poverty and hunger.

3.3. Economic Crises

Economic crises, whether they are global, regional, or localized, have a profound impact on
food security and contribute significantly to the persistence of hunger worldwide.
Historically, economic downturns have disrupted food systems, leading to skyrocketing
food prices, diminished purchasing power, and job losses, all of which exacerbate hunger.
These crises often force governments to cut back on public spending, including social
safety nets, which further heightens the vulnerability of the poor and marginalized
populations who depend on state support for access to basic needs.

11
For instance, the global financial crisis of 2008 triggered a widespread economic recession
that caused food prices to surge dramatically. As a result, millions of people, especially in
developing countries, faced extreme food insecurity. The crisis forced many governments
to implement austerity measures, reducing subsidies on basic goods, including food. In
countries like Egypt, where food is a major part of the daily budget for most families, the
2008 crisis led to protests over rising bread prices, which are often considered the staple of
many people’s diets. The reduction of subsidies, coupled with the increasing cost of food
imports, placed an additional strain on the populations already struggling to meet their
daily needs.

Moreover, economic crises typically lead to an increase in unemployment rates, which


further diminishes people’s ability to afford food. The contraction of industries and services
during economic downturns leads to reduced income, meaning many families are forced to
make difficult choices, such as cutting back on food consumption. In Greece, during the
economic crisis that began in 2009, the unemployment rate rose sharply, peaking at over
27% by 2013. This decline in employment, along with government-imposed austerity
measures, caused an increase in food insecurity, with many Greeks relying on food banks
and charities to meet their nutritional needs.

A significant example of an economic crisis exacerbating hunger can also be found in


Venezuela. The economic collapse of the Venezuelan economy, driven by a combination of
falling oil prices, government mismanagement, and economic sanctions, led to one of the
most severe food crises in Latin American history. By 2020, over 9 million people were
estimated to be living in extreme food insecurity, a result of skyrocketing inflation, which
made basic food items unaffordable for the majority of the population. In this case, the
economic crisis directly contributed to the country’s inability to import food and maintain a
stable domestic agricultural sector, creating a catastrophic food shortage that persists to
this day.

Economic crises also often lead to a decrease in the availability of foreign aid, as wealthier
nations may reduce their international development assistance due to their own economic
troubles. For example, the 2008 financial crisis led to a reduction in the amount of aid sent
to many impoverished countries. When the global economy suffers, donor countries often
prioritize domestic issues over international commitments, further impeding the ability of
nations facing hunger crises to receive necessary support.

The economic impact of crises on hunger can also be seen in the rise of inequality. In many
countries, the poorest are hit hardest during economic downturns, as they have fewer
12
assets to cushion the blow. The rich often have the means to weather such crises, but for
the poorest, the crisis can lead to deeper poverty, increased malnutrition, and worsened
hunger. Inequality during economic crises contributes to the uneven distribution of food
and resources, where the most vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly,
are often left without adequate access to food.

4. EVALUATION OF PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

The fact that the world population increases by about 70-75 million people each year
highlights the urgency of finding solutions to hunger. Therefore, many approaches to
reducing hunger are being discussed. These approaches can be categorized into Western
approach, food justice, and food sovereignty. In addition, regional formations and food aid
approaches should also be considered in this context.

4.1 Western Approach

This approach is often referred to as the “Global North approach,” reflecting the interests of
the North. It primarily refers to the common agricultural policy implemented in the
European Union (EU) and focuses on “production increase.” This policy, initiated in the
1960s, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture. However, significant changes
occurred in this policy by the late 1990s. The “New Common Agricultural Policy” (CAP)
began to emphasize sustainability and environmental compliance in agricultural activities
while removing production quotas. Despite this, the policy has been criticized for placing
too much emphasis on internal subsidies.

The increase in internal subsidies has led to more financial resources being allocated to
large agricultural enterprises. However, this approach is criticized for neglecting
international responsibilities, especially with regard to less developed countries. The
agricultural policies of the EU may create unfair competition conditions for small farmers in
developing countries. For example, the high subsidies provided in the EU’s internal market
can make it difficult for small farmers in developing countries to compete in the market.
This situation may be seen as a violation of international trade obligations. The EU’s
internal support policies may conflict with the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules,
potentially hindering the fair operation of global trade.

13
The EU is the largest food importer and exporter in the world. The new common agricultural
policy is criticized for placing too much weight on internal subsidies and neglecting
international responsibilities. Additionally, the preferential import policies disadvantage
poor countries. This approach, which focuses solely on increasing production within its
own region without considering distribution, cannot be considered a solution to hunger.

4.2. Food Justice

This approach is based on the idea that food security is a fundamental human right.
According to this approach, food should not primarily be viewed as a “commercial
commodity,” but as a substance that satisfies nutritional needs. Hunger is not caused by a
lack of food production, but by the inequitable and imbalanced distribution of the available
food. Since food security is a human right, it should be distributed justly. Political will is
necessary to achieve this.

This approach faces challenges, especially in low-income countries, as each country has
different policies and priorities regarding food production and distribution. Furthermore,
this approach lacks a focus on production; sustainable production methods and
environmental impacts are not sufficiently considered. For example, focusing solely on
food distribution could overlook the environmental impacts. The unsustainable agricultural
methods used in food production may threaten food security in the long run.

4.3. Food Sovereignty

According to the food sovereignty approach, it is just as important to consider how food is
produced and where it comes from, as it is to ensure that people have enough food to eat
every day. Food should be produced in ecological and sustainable ways, and should align
with health and cultural needs. Every community should have the right to determine its
own food policy. Resources such as land, water, seeds, and animals should be controlled
and managed by food producers. Strengthening family-based farming is essential for
achieving an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable food system. This
approach is also against food aid from wealthy countries.

One of the key differences of this approach is the significant role of civil society
organizations. An example of this movement is the international food security forum held in
14
2007 in the village of Selingue, Mali. Over 500 civil society organizations (farmers, the poor,
fishermen, environmentalists, consumers, etc.) from more than 80 countries participated
in the forum. This movement is actually a continuation of the “Via Campesina”
organization, founded in 1993 to advocate for the rights of small farmers.

While it serves as a reminder about the sustainability of agriculture, the approach’s realism
is debatable in light of the increasing food requirements. Given the growing world
population and environmental problems, it is clear that the production capacity of this
approach may not be sufficient. Additionally, the lack of concrete steps to increase
agricultural productivity in this approach could threaten food security in the long term.

4.4. Regional Formation

Regional formation refers to an approach where countries with similar conditions unite to
create a common agricultural market. Within the region, food trade should be free, but
local production should be protected against imports through customs. The goal is to
prevent the deterrent effects of low-cost products on regional agriculture and to ensure the
sustainability of farming through subsidies.

In this approach, it is essential that the countries in the region have roughly similar food
costs and that the region includes different ecological zones and climate regions, ensuring
food diversity within the region. For success, it is crucial that countries within the region
genuinely adhere to the free trade rules. However, international agreements like those of
the World Trade Organization (WTO) may limit the effectiveness of such regional
agreements. For instance, the free trade agreement signed in 2008 between Tanzania and
Zambia within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), despite both
countries producing maize, led to increased illegal maize imports from Tanzania due to the
lower yield in Zambia. This situation did not contribute to increasing Tanzania’s agricultural
production or ensuring food security in Zambia.

4.5. Food Aid

15
Food aid refers to the voluntary transfer of food from countries with surplus production to
poor countries. It is considered a complementary application of the Western approach,
with many aid and donation organizations working for this purpose. Some of the most
effective platforms for food aid include the GDPRD (Global Partnership for Rural
Development) and GPAFS (Global Partnership for Agriculture and Food Security).

While this practice has temporarily alleviated hunger problems, it has several weaknesses.
First, the total amount of aid/donations is quite low, representing only about 0.3% of global
food production. Aid commitments are often not fulfilled, making its sustainability
questionable. Therefore, food aid does not provide a long-term solution. Additionally, food
aid can create dependency and harm the development of local agricultural producers.

5. AGENDA ITEM

Agenda Item: Addressing Global Hunger and Ensuring Food Security

How can the international community ensure that the right to food, as defined in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is upheld for all people?

What measures can governments take to guarantee that food security is recognized as a
fundamental human right, especially in conflict zones and underdeveloped regions?

How can nations implement sustainable farming methods that increase food production
while preserving the environment?

What role do international organizations play in encouraging sustainable agricultural


practices in both developed and developing nations?

How can food distribution systems be optimized to ensure equitable access to food in both
developed and underdeveloped regions?

16
What are the main barriers to achieving balanced food distribution and how can they be
overcome?

What policies can be implemented to support small-scale farmers and improve their
productivity?

How can microfinance and credit systems be leveraged to empower smallholder farmers in
the Global South?

How can countries mitigate the effects of climate change on agricultural production and
food availability?

What are the roles of international cooperation and climate adaptation strategies in
securing global food systems?

How can international trade agreements be reformed to ensure food security for vulnerable
populations?

What is the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in ensuring fair trade practices
related to food production and distribution?

17
6. REFERENCES

Suat SÖYLEMEZ “Küreselleşen Dünyada Yoksulluk Sorununun İnsan Hakları Açısından


Değerlendirilmesi” İstanbul – 2009, İstanbul Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Kamu
Yönetimi Anabilim Dalı

UN(2006), “Principles and Guidilines For a Human Rights Approach to Poverty Reduction
Strategies”, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights,2006, HR/PUB/06/12,
Foreword. 2 UN(2001), Statement on Poverty by the Committe on Economic, Social and
Culturel Rights, 4 May 2001, E/C. 12/2001/10

World Bank, ‘‘Global Poverty Down By Half Since 1981 But Progress Uneven As Economic
Growth Eludes Many Countries.’’News Release, 2004/309/S. Washington,23 Nisan 2004.

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