About 200 million euros until 2020 will be invested by the German development cooperation to interventions in rural development, agriculture and food security, says Stefan Schmitz of the BMZ. There is again a renewed international interest in these sectors, however, the commitments are long overdue. Linking agriculture, health and nutrition is the key development policy as it reduces poverty compared to other investments. “We will have a stronger focus now on healthy and nutritious food that is readily accessible and available”, he added.
Plenary: The Way Forward
Urban scare
Cities will change and grow rapidly such that 70% of the global population will live in the cities. Consumers in the urban area will demand for high value and nutritious food. “The question lies now, will the food be sourced globally, locally or regionally?” Stefan Schmitz asked. Big opportunities await the agriculture sector to provide for the food demand of the cities particularly the middle class. It is also a chance for the smallholder farmers to grow and produce food for the urban market.