Millions Fed

Profiles in Success against Hunger

With a large population, little arable land, unpredictable monsoons and frequent droughts, Bangladesh has long battled hunger. But if food security problems abound, so do solutions, thanks to advances in agricultural research and development. While some success stories are well known - such as the development of high-yielding rice varieties - others have received less attention. Government policies that eased restrictions on the importation and sale of irrigation equipment in Bangladesh, for example, have also played an important role in feeding its people, while homestead gardening programs that encouraged Bangladeshi households to grow foods rich in vitamins and minerals have improved the nutrition of 5 million people.

As the case of Bangladesh demonstrates, the battle against hunger is complicated. Science and technology, infrastructure development, policy reforms, and market incentives are critical to achieving food security. A new book, Millions Fed: Proven Successes in Agricultural Development, showcases these and other agricultural initiatives that have helped reduce the global proportion of hungry people from one-third to one-sixth in the past 50 years.

At the request of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) evaluated 20 case studies that are documented to have had substantial, long-term effects on hunger and malnutrition. These success stories were chosen from more than 250 cases that were identified through a rigorous process that included an open call for nominations, an extensive literature review of scholarly articles and other publications, an expert opinion poll, and key informant interviews. Together, these successes improved the food security of more than 2 billion people in the developing world over the last 5 decades.

But progress is slowing. Rapid population growth, stagnating crop yields, volatile commodity markets and the threat of climate change are posing new challenges to global food security. Understanding the various factors that made these past achievements possible is an important first step in designing agricultural initiatives that will replicate their success and usher in a healthier, more prosperous future.

"These successes provide valuable lessons about how to put agriculture to work to solve hunger and malnutrition," says Rajul Pandya-Lorch, head of IFPRI's 2020 Vision Initiative and co-author of Millions Fed. "Until now, however, relatively little evidence has been available on where, why and how these interventions succeeded."

Farmer applies fertilizer to maize, Kenya. ©One Acre Fund

The cases presented in Millions Fed vary widely in their scope and focus. For example, in Kenya, policy reforms in the early 1990s contributed to expanded private investment in fertilizer and maize marketing that increased fertilizer use and improved crop yields throughout the country. Other interventions include shifts away from collective agriculture in China and Vietnam, the use of zero-tillage farming in Argentina and India, and the rehabilitation of thousands of hectares of desert through the innovative use of agroforestry, water and soil management practices in Burkina Faso and Niger. "Each of these initiatives tells a different story of what worked, how and why," says David Spielman, IFPRI research fellow and the book's co-author. "While no single story offers a complete solution to ending hunger, each one illustrates the importance of combined approaches to achieving food and nutrition security."

Several important drivers of success stand out. Sustained investment in science and technology is critical but must be complemented by investment in such areas as irrigation, rural roads, market infrastructure and regulatory systems. Creating effective private incentives can encourage farmers, entrepreneurs and companies to invest in agriculture. Many of the achievements in Millions Fed demonstrate the power of strong partnerships and collaboration among global and local research institutions, governments and nonprofit organizations. Good timing and thorough planning are also essential. In addition, many successful initiatives leave room for experimentation involving the communities affected, thereby enabling them to shape the development process. Finally, dedicated leadership is crucial, whether it comes from a senior policymaker or a local farmer.

With the global population on pace to reach 9 billion by 2050 and unprecedented food security challenges ahead, the agricultural success stories of future generations may have to be measured in billions rather than millions fed. Achievements on this scale will require the kind of collaboration that underpins the work of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research around the world. Understanding the interventions that have worked in the past, and creatively applying successful models of innovation, cooperation and leadership to current problems, is more important now than ever before.

To access the book, video and other materials on Millions Fed, please click here.