The future of food and agriculture: Trends and challenges

The purpose of this report is to increase understanding of the nature of the challenges that agriculture and food systems are facing now and will face into the 21st century. Its analysis of 15 global trends provides insights into what is at stake and what needs to be done. Most of the trends are strongly interdependent and, combined, inform a set of 10 challenges to achieving food security and nutrition for all and making agriculture sustainable. 

The report discusses international policy mechanisms for addressing food insecurity including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. 

Despite these promising international frameworks for action, achieving policy coherence is a major challenge. Different instruments implemented at different levels of governance will need to be combined in ways that are mutually reinforcing. 

‘Business-as-usual’ is not an option. Major transformations in agricultural systems, rural economies and natural resource management will be needed to reduce the risk of food insecurity and to ensure a healthy future for all people and the planet.