SID Netherlands Chapter in cooperation with NCDO, the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs present the third lecture in the series ‘Agriculture, Rural Employment and Inclusive Growth’

Concern about food security has returned to the global agenda, alongside rising investment in farmland acquisition. What do we know about the form and scale of such investments, and the implications for food security of countries hosting them? Who are the main actors and what are the interests? This lecture reflects on findings of the study on land tenure and international investment in agriculture, commissioned by the CFS HLPE, and the parallel study on food price volatility. Together, these studies paint a picture of rising threats and complexity, which put the needs and rights of smallholder producers at ever greater risk. These threats stem from the huge asymmetries in political and economic power evident between local land users, local and national governments, and the unequal struggle for food and resources between investors and consumers from rich and poor countries. The lecture outlines steps to address such asymmetries, get a better deal for smallholders, and build a more resilient farm economy, which is better able to assure decent food for all.

Camilla Toulmin is Director (CEO) of the International Institute for Environment & Development (IIED) since 2004. Her work mainly focuses on social, economic, and environmental development in dryland Africa. She has maintained a strong research and academic interest in land and agricultural issues in Africa. She also has long-standing experience as a member of trustee boards and advisory committees, such as WWF-UK, ICARDA, and CIRAD’s Environment and Society programme. Early 2011 she was appointed team leader of the High Level Panel of Experts  on Food  Security and Nutrition (HLPE) Project Team on Land Tenure and International Investments in Agriculture .

Logistical details: Date: Tuesday 4 October 2011/ Location: Aula, ISS, Kortenaerkade 12, The Hague / Time: 17:00-19:00 (drinks at 19:00) / Language: English / Admission: Free / Please register through registration@sidnl.org