The problem of the 850 million world citizens who remain chronically malnourished is precisely the lack of employment and income opportunities to have access to enough food. Therefore we should not expect that a world agricultural system based only on market forces would solve this problem. What is needed is concentrated international and national efforts to create employment and income opportunities for the poor and malnourished through access to productive assets, human capital and appropriate technologies, while reinforcing remedial actions and safety nets. This being the case, we cannot afford to entrust the future of world agriculture to market forces alone. Different options must be protected, and it is the farmers that must define the value of these options.
Information technology can help to inform all interested parties of alternative options.
Private markets are especially deficient in funding basic research. It is highly desirable to promote and stimulate the maintenance and development of a diversity of land uses and farming practices to achieve rural sustainability. There is no one technology or policy that can be applied all over the world to achieve sustainability in the rural environment. Globalization and increased trade should be done in such a way that it will enhance each region' ability to satisfy its demands for food while at the same time allowing it to concentrate on its own peculiar mix of characteristics. A key function that is the responsibility of government is investment in human capital, education and skills.