Food and Agriculture

The work of the Humanitarian Agenda supports the development, access, and adaptation of humanitarian food aid programs in responding to evolving global food security challenges

Effective food systems are a critical component of human security. Beyond basic nutrition, agriculture and food security are linked to long-term health, economic stability and prosperity, and gender equality. Access to food is considered a human right, yet 870 million people worldwide suffer from chronic hunger, and the mutually reinforcing conditions of rising incomes, climate change, and global conflict and insecurity are likely to intensify these conditions. The work of the Humanitarian Agenda supports the development, access, and adaptation of humanitarian food aid programs in responding to evolving global food security challenges.

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Climate Change and U.S. Agricultural Exports

This report examines how global rising temperatures will fundamentally change one of the U.S. economy’s foundational sectors as crop yields become less efficient and livestock suffer more killing-degree days and individual severe weather events.

Report by William Alan Reinsch, Thibault Denamiel, and Emilie Kerstens — October 24, 2023

Conflict Prevention, Climate Change, and Why Ghana Matters Now

Climate change, structural challenges, and security threats are heightening the risk of conflict in Ghana, a stable country amid a region beset by volatility. This CSIS brief analyzes the risks and outlines a comprehensive conflict prevention approach.

Brief by Anastasia Strouboulis, Erol Yayboke, and Abigail Edwards — March 22, 2023

Drought Hits the Horn of Africa

Against a backdrop of ongoing violence and political instability in the region, the worst drought in decades has hit the Horn of Africa. With millions of lives and livelihoods at stake, a lack of resources looms large and gives rise to fears of mass irregular migration.

Critical Questions by David Del Conte — March 21, 2022

The Truth of the Matter

Ukrainian Refugees and Food Insecurity

CSIS Global Food Security Program director Caitlin Welsh and CSIS Humanitarian Agenda director Jake Kurtzer join the podcast to talk about the Ukrainian refugee crisis, the growing food insecurity in Ukraine, and the internationalization of food insecurity due to Russia’s invasion.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz, Caitlin Welsh, and Jacob Kurtzer — March 16, 2022

CSIS the truth of the matter

What the Taliban Takeover Means for Food Security in Afghanistan

To address the growing hunger crisis in Afghanistan, the international community should quickly remove restrictive measures on humanitarian aid. Strengthening local agricultural systems and capacity is also imperative to stabilize the country’s long-term food security.

Critical Questions by Jamie Lutz and Jacob Kurtzer — September 27, 2021

Addressing the Growing Hunger Crisis in Syria

While a political settlement in Syria remains elusive, a life-threatening food security crisis threatens millions. As the new U.S. administration begins its term, it should increase the effectiveness of the aid response to reduce hunger and promote long-term recovery.

Commentary by Ali* (*Pseudonym for staff based in Syria), Mohamad* (*Pseudonym for staff based in Syria), and Kari Reid — February 18, 2021

Humanitarian Aid in Sahelian Cities: Lessons for Long-Term Food Security

Humanitarian aid agencies are adapting to urbanization, targeting city residents as direct beneficiaries. With urban food insecurity soaring, long-term food security programs should also target city residents—or see further setbacks against Sustainable Development Goal 2.

Commentary by Caitlin Welsh — January 21, 2021

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to UN World Food Programme

CSIS’s Caitlin Welsh and Jacob Kurtzer explain the connection between food security and peace as the World Food Programme wins the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize.

Critical Questions by Caitlin Welsh and Jacob Kurtzer — October 9, 2020