International Development Law Organization

Food Security

The transformation of food systems can play an essential role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 on zero hunger, and ensuring that all people have adequate access to food and nutrition.

IDLO supports this through a rule-based transformation of food systems that is equitable, just and sustainable, and in line with international human rights principles and instruments. We embrace the rule of law as a catalyst for this transformation firmly embedding it in IDLO’s Strategic Plan 2021-2024, and focusing our work on three core elements:

  • Empowering the most food insecure people to claim their rights,
  • Strengthening food systems governance through sound legal and regulatory frameworks and effective institutions; and
  • Improving and safeguarding equitable access to land, water and natural resources.

A thematic area focused on the rule of law for food security also provides opportunities for strengthened collaboration with UN agencies focused on food and agriculture.

Read more about IDLO’s work on the rule of law for food security:

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Key Initiatives

  • The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to the right to food for populations, and especially for marginalized groups. In many countries, COVID-19 is intertwining with pre-existing factors affecting food security and nutrition, by limiting the access to affordable and nutritious food, including lack of economic opportunities, extreme weather conditions, ongoing conflicts and more.
  • In 2016, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched a needs-driven Umbrella Programme to enhance responsible investment in agriculture and food systems with a view to addressing the global challenges of food security and hunger, particularly in low income countries. The work includes support for the application of guidance instruments such as the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI), endorsed by the Committee on World Food Security in 2014.
  • The agricultural sector in low income countries has suffered from serious underinvestment for decades, with considerable consequences for long-term food security. The investment needed to eradicate hunger by 2030 has been estimated at US$1.5 billion annual additional investments per year, of which US$276 million is required for rural development and agriculture.
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