In one of my recent applications (which I have filled out far too many at this point), they asked the question "How will we feed a growing global
population in the face of a wide range of adverse factors?" And then they said to answer the question in 150-200 words, yikes! Well this is what I came up with, how would you answer this question?
"To feed a growing global population in the face of a wide
range of adverse factors is a complex challenge which will take a concerted
effort to improve both the production and distribution of food. For
agricultural production to increase, private and public agricultural research
institutions must be committed to greater investment, coupled with well-trained
extension agents to assure that technology reaches the field. Producers,
particularly women in low-income countries, must be given equal access to
productive capital, including inputs, education, credit, and crop insurance.
Agricultural production must increase while conserving soil and water resources,
learning from both successes and mistakes of the Green Revolution. But an
increase in agricultural production will not guarantee that every mouth is fed;
producers and consumers alike must be well connected to markets. Governments
must commit to policies which reduce food waste, stimulate the production of
nutritious food, and protect its most vulnerable citizens, particularly women
and children. They must invest in rural infrastructure, giving farmers access
to capital and allowing them to easily move surplus grain as yields increase. The challenge is great, but with strong
commitment from various actors, both public and private, feeding our growing
planet is within reach."
195 words, whew, barely made it.
And a picture to attract fellow bloggers:
A bridge in Nicaragua connects small farmers to a market where they can sell extra produce and buy goods
And finally a quote from Josette Sheeran, Vice-Chairman of the World Economic Forum, in her address to IFPRI on December 4, 2012, "Over the next 40 years, we need to produce more food than the last 8,000 years combined."
The challenge is great. Let's get too it! How would you answer this question?
