Food Insecurity and Conflict : Applying the WDR Framework

Delineates the link between food insecurity and conflict, addressing both traditional (civil and interstate war) and emerging (regime stability, violent rioting, and communal conflict) threats to security and political stability. National governments, intergovernmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) all work to address food insecurity and break the vicious cycle between food insecurity and instability. Increased food prices, especially in 2007-08 due to biofuel and energy prices and demand outpacing supply, lead to heightened tensions and enhance fragility. Food assistance and rebuilding social capital along with institutional reform that supports market development allows communities to develop social cohesion. Regional and global reserves, international support, and food transfers all contribute to solutions but all have negative factors as well as positive, especially because none of them can stabilize food prices and adequately address climate change effects. During transition and peacebuilding phases, food assistance plays a critical role and should not be phased out too quickly.