Humanity is forgetful.
Today, many are unaware of the fact that, until recently, the risk of extensive famines was a stark reality. This was the case half a century ago, when the founders of FAO raised the Organization's flag - committing themselves to ensuring humanity's freedom from hunger. In the late 1940s, parts of the world were recovering from devastating war damages and others struggling against colonialism. The majority of the world's population was poor and powerless and agricultural productivity was low. Famines threatened, particularly in the densely populated continent of Asia, and in some tragic cases became a reality.