The pandemic has reversed economic growth globally as countries respond to this tragic health crisis. At the same time, the risk of food insecurity is rising. ADB estimates that the economic fall-out pushed 75 million to 80 million more people in developing Asia into extreme poverty. The UN Agencies estimate undernourished population in Asia increased from 361.3 million to 418.0 million between 2019 and 2020, increasing the prevalence of undernourishment from 7.9% to 9.0%.

​​​​​​​International food prices, according to the FAO Food Price Index (FFPI), have recorded its highest value since July 2011. On a year-on-year basis, FFPI was up 31.3% in October. The concern on domestic food price is rising. On 1 November 2021, Ministry of Commerce in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) issued a notice to encourage stockpile daily necessities in consideration of high food price during this winter. Countries need to make urgent responses to manage growing food insecurity risks, while preparing a medium-long term strategy to build resilient food systems to diverse risk including climate, health, and nutrition.

This webinar shared the current food security situation and discussed potential responses by the countries, facilitated by leading experts and practitioners in this area.