Fight Against Food Shortages and Surpluses, The: Perspectives of a Practitioner

Food commodity prices are unstable, causing hunger and famine. A grain surplus can cause food prices to rapidly fall, wiping out the profits of farming families. This book explores how governments can manage food and farming so that there are neither food shortages nor food surpluses, using theory and evidence to address major ideologies and global problems. It is essential reading for students, researchers, and policy makers in the areas of economics, international and sustainable development, agriculture, and food security.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: CABI Publishing

The unstable price of food commodities, including wheat, corn, and rice, has significant consequences for millions of people worldwide. It can lead to sudden price hikes, making food unaffordable and causing hunger and famine. Various factors, such as bad weather or human-induced disruptions, can contribute to food shortages. On the other hand, a surplus of grain can result in rapidly falling food prices, devastating farming families and jeopardizing their livelihoods. A more stable price environment would benefit the entire world.

Governments play a crucial role in managing food and farming to ensure stability in commodity prices. This book explores the causes, consequences, and potential moderation of food price volatility. It evaluates various policy tools proposed to eliminate hunger and reduce volatility. The book concludes with a practical strategy for maintaining grain buffer stocks, which can help moderate volatility.

The book is authored by an agricultural economist with extensive practical experience in farm policy. It is designed to assist governments in designing food and agricultural policies that benefit consumers and farmers without compromising market efficiency. The book is accessible to students, researchers, and policy makers in economics, international and sustainable development, agriculture, and food security.

In conclusion, the unstable price of food commodities is a critical global issue that requires urgent attention. By exploring the causes, consequences, and potential moderation of food price volatility, this book offers valuable insights and practical strategies for governments to manage food and farming for the benefit of consumers and farmers. It is essential reading for anyone interested in addressing this critical challenge.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800621213