International agricultural markets and malnutrition in the third world

Abstract

The main goal of any agricultural production is to provide the population with food. At present this goal is more than met in developed countries, while in other parts of the world, shortages of food and abject poverty are widespread. This article tries to show the complexity of the problem that arises. Based on a conceptual model of the international interdependency, analyses are presented of such relevant aspects as the international markets, the agricultural policies in industrial and developing countries, and the specific situation of the agricultural sector in the Third World as well as both realized and possible international measures like commodity agreements and food aid. The article ends with an outline of possible solutions. Briefly, these are (a) priority of the agrarian sector, (b) deficiency payments to solve the dilemma of prices, (c) price policy in favor of basic food, and (d) reducing protectionism in industrial countries.