Then there is the issue of agricultural trade. One of the reasons so many of the world's poorest countries are facing an interlocking hunger and balance-of-payments crisis is their dependence on food imports. Across Africa, local production of crops such as rice and cassava has been displaced by imported food, depriving farmers of markets - and leaving vulnerable populations exposed to the vagaries of a volatile world food market.

Reduced self-reliance is driven by many factors. The neglect of smallholder agriculture by national governments and aid agencies is one factor, reflected in the shocking state of transport and marketing in poor rural areas. But domestic neglect has been encouraged by what was until recently the ready availability of food dumped in African markets courtesy of US and EU subsidies.

The World Bank's reckless support for rapid import liberalization and the dismantling of state support, exposing African farmers to subsidized competition, abetted the demise of smallholder markets.

Putting in place a WTO agreement that stops rich countries dumping surpluses, opens up their agricultural markets and allows poor countries to protect their producers is a vital ingredient for any viable long-term recovery strategy.

We urgently need a "new deal" on malnutrition and the global food crisis, addressing the long-term problems that hold poor farmers back, marginalize the poor and perpetuate hunger. The sticking plasters and daft advice on offer in Rome are not fit for the purpose. 

(China Daily June 4, 2008)