How to feed our cities? – Agriculture and rural areas in an era of urbanisation

More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas.

According to forecasts, three-quarters of the global population will be living in cities by 2050. Everywhere, discussions are addressing pressing questions on how to supply urban residents with housing, water, energy, education, health care and income opportunities. The key issues at stake across the globe include the economic, ecological and social development of a rapidly growing population and thus also political participation, governability, security and maintenance of stability.

But what impact does urbanisation have on food security?

Urbanisation is changing the structure of cities and countrysides. In some places, urban flight is leading to depopulation of the countryside and the potential of political unrest due to limited access to food in the cities. In others, there is still a substantial rural population that looks to farming for the promise of a future.

Agriculture is crucial for food security in cities

Modern and sustainable agricultural production provides healthy and diverse food, while efficient supply chains ensure that this food reaches urban residents. Rural and urban areas must be connected to ensure a constant supply of nutritional food. Agricultural policy must regard urban and rural structural change as an interconnected process.

A forum to address the challenges of rural-urban food security

Securing global food supplies in an era of urbanisation is a challenge for agricultural policy-makers. The 2016 GFFA conference will bring together key international actors from politics, industry, academia and civil society toward this effort.