1. Global Food Policy Report 2017:
Highlights and Reflections on Eurasian Countries
Shenggen Fan
Director General
International Food Policy Research Institute
Moscow, Russia | May 26, 2017

2. Looking back at 2016 A glimmer of hope
Global extreme poverty and hunger rates declined
Food prices remained low
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Paris Agreement & ICN2 follow-up began implementation
Urbanization elevated in global agenda

3. 2017 GFPR Overview Urbanization in the spotlight
Urban Hunger
Nutrition Transition
Value Chains
Rural-Urban Linkages
Informal Markets
Regional Developments
Food Policy Indicators

4. Growth of urban population in major developing regions
Rapid urbanization especially in developing countries
Growth of urban population in major developing regions
Projected urban share of global population
Urban
67%
2050
2014
Urban 54%

5. Challenges in urban hunger and malnutrition
Burdens of malnutrition are shifting to urban areas
The urban poor face unique challenges
Dependence on the informal sector
Vulnerability to income & price shocks
Limited access to basic services
Better data on urban poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition are needed

6. Diets are changing with urbanization
A “nutrition transition” is underway
Higher consumption of animal-source foods, sugar, fats and oils, refined grains, & processed foods
Overweight and obesity & other diet-related diseases are rising
Urban food environments pose challenges and opportunities
Easier access to unhealthy diets AND nutritious foods (for those who can afford them)

7. Urban growth is reshaping agricultural value chains
Drivers of change: Increased commercial flows of agricultural goods, diet transformation, greater role of commercial markets
“Quiet revolution” in staple-food value chains
Increased investment in technology & modern inputs
Greater vertical integration with growing scale of midstream & retail sections
Rise of mobile phone use by farmers for market information
Policies should account for growth in post-farmgate segments and urban markets

8. Governance of informal markets are key
in African cities
In Africa, where urbanization is most rapid, urban poor rely heavily on informal markets for accessible, affordable food
Policies face institutional, administrative, political challenges
Lack of local mandate for food security
Lack of policy integration across sectors & ministries
Political contest over cities can lead to violence
Governments often focus on control, regulation, or eradication of urban informal food economy

9. Rural-urban linkages are crucial for ending hunger and malnutrition
Urban growth creates opportunities for rural producers
Rural-urban linkages help propel economic development, food security, and nutrition
Broken value chains and poor coordination weaken linkages, hold back progress

10. Example of activities enhancing rural-urban linkages
Strong links have win-win outcomes Achieving improved food systems and multiple SDGs
Benefits
Example of activities enhancing rural-urban linkages
Processing & storage facilities
Reduced food loss
Increased food diversity
Improved coordination & planning
More labor & market opportunities for smallholders
Land use mgmt & improved food security
Leverage intermediate towns & cities
Increased scale of & access to markets
Improved food access & quality

11. Improving rural-urban linkages Recommendations
Improve policy coordination between rural and urban areas
Support efficient and inclusive rural-urban value chains
Leverage towns and intermediate cities to facilitate economic and social links
Improve targeting of public investment
Promote social protection in rural and urban areas

12. Food security and nutrition in Eurasian countries
Photo source: World bank, Local fruit stand in Armenia

13. Despite progress, multiple burdens of malnutrition persist in Eurasian countries
Progress in reducing undernourishment, Caucasus & Central Asia
Prevalence of overweight, male adults
Source: WHO 2017
Prevalence of under-5 stunting in Central Asia (%)
Source: FAO 2017
Russia off course on several World Health Assembly targets
21.4%
58.7% 9%
Anemia in women of reproductive age
Adult overweight & obesity
Adult diabetes
Source: IFPRI 2016
Source: UNICEF/WHO/WB 2017

14. Regional developments Adjusting to external shocks
Some economic stabilization in 2016
Partial recovery in oil and metal prices
Less volatile environment for trading and remittances
Demand for migrant labor rebounding for some countries
Slower economic growth and uneven remittance recovery may have reduced household food security, especially for the poor
Total remittance inflows from Russia ( , quarters 1-3)
*Note: full annual data of total remittance inflows from Russia now available, trends are the same as above graph of quarters 1-3
Akramov, Park, and Ilyasov 2017

15. Regional developments Diversifying agriculture
Increased focus on diversification and development of horticulture (esp. fruits and vegetables) for export opportunities
Greater attention to addressing malnutrition
Crop diversification could contribute to nutrition goals through greater diet diversity and more nutritious foods
Major development partners enhanced support to intensify horticulture production and improve farmers’ skill and knowledge
Uzbekistan:
Established Uzagroexport, a joint-stock company, specializing in horticultural products
Increased international cooperation to improve their farming practices, provision of seeds and seedlings, storage, and marketing
*Note: While Uzagroexport, a state corporation, has had positive outcomes in promoting horticulture, other developing countries have had mixed results from state corporations
Akramov, Park, and Ilyasov 2017

16. Regional developments Looking forward (1)
Establishing monitoring and evaluation frameworks and systematic data collection is key to measure progress on nutrition goals
% Missing nutrition indicators in Global Nutrition Report
Akramov, Park, and Ilyasov 2017

17. Regional developments Looking forward (2)
Strengthening regional integration by improving institutions and infrastructure will be important for food security and growth
Trends toward harmonization of border-crossing procedures
Initiatives (e.g. China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’) spurring movement towards greater integration
Mitigating risks from external economic shocks
Lessen dependence on commodity exports and remittance inflows
Diversify economies, expand domestic employment opportunities
Akramov, Park, and Ilyasov 2017