One Billion Hungry: Can We Feed the World?
"The existence of one billion hungry people, despite sufficient production to meet contemporary consumption needs, is a stark (and shameful) reminder of the complexity of these issues, and of the inadequacy of current thinking. Conway's text lays out, in careful detail, the many dimensions that need to be considered in trying to answer these questions, and starts to provide a future vision for a food-secure world that is both equitable and environmentally sustainable. This is a masterful survey of the landscape, and is essential reading for anyone hoping to understand these issues, and to engage in informed discussion about alternative options for global food security."—Bhaskar Vira,International Affairs(May 2013)"The author is notably, and refreshingly, open to any approach that solves world hunger as long as it meets site-specific needs, particularly at the farm scale. He appreciates the multidisciplinary nature of addressing world hunger, painting his topics in broad strokes—not superficially, but appropriately scaled so that average readers can understand trends and concepts outside their own discipline or experience. From a classroom perspective the individual chapters provide a superb launch point for more in-depth discussion. Summing Up: Highly recommended."—M.S. Coyne,Choice(July 2013)"In 350 information-packed pages, Conway systematically builds an answer to the book's title question. His answer is 'a qualified yes'.... This is the first 21st Century manual on how to feed the world. There may not be time to wait for another edition, so I recommend reading it now."—Jeff Waage,Food Security(April 2013)"We all want to end hunger. Conway's book provides the roadmap for how to do it.... Conway provides clear (if lengthy) guidelines for what to do and how to do it. His is a voice of optimism, and he speaks convincinglty and authoritatively when addressing the promise of agricultural science in this endeavor."—C. Peter Timmer,Journal of Economic Literature(March 2014)"InOne Billion Hungry, Gordon Conway lays out the formidable challenges we face in feeding the world by 2050 and reminds us why we have reason to be optimistic. History shows that we can reduce hunger and poverty, but to make a lasting difference we will need to help smallholder farmers sustainably increase their productivity."—Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation"We will not have a fair and secure world until we overcome the global challenge of feeding our ever-increasing population. Gordon Conway's insightful book addresses the complex issues of achieving global food and nutrition security."—Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations (1996–2007)"Gordon Conway has set out a bold but doable agenda for meeting the food challenges the world faces. The brilliant and practical insights expounded in this book will help drive a sustainable green revolution in Africa."—Akinwumi Adesina, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nigeria"One Billion Hungryis an excellent source of evidence-based proposals on how to feed the world in a sustainable manner. It is an antidote for pessimism and will go a long way in inspiring the global community to act in time. The book is as inspirational as it is pragmatic."—Calestous Juma, Harvard Kennedy School"Sadly, the majority of the one billion hungry are smallholder farmers faced with limited opportunities to improve their livelihoods. This book promotes access to technology and, in partnership with the hungry, links evidence to policy and action."—Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, CEO and Head of Diplomatic Mission, FANRPAN (Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network)