Third McGill conference on global food security

“Addressing the Water and Nutrition Challenges”

October 19-21, 2010 – McGill University, Montreal, Canada

Food Security, Water Scarcity, and Nutrition

One-fifth of the world’s population, more than 1.6 billion people, live in areas of water scarcity, where human capacity and financial resources are insufficient to access adequate clean water and water supply for food production. Agriculture and food production account for 70% of fresh water withdrawals; in many countries, irrigation has been able to help achieve food security or at least meet a significant portion of food demands.

Based on climate change predictions, the situation is likely to get worse; greater variability of rainfall and more droughts in arid areas are expected. Those areas suffering from poverty and hunger are often those that also lack adequate water and sanitation. Water management is required not only for food production but also to improve quality of life through better access to water and sanitation, hygiene, food and adequate nutrition.

In trying to cope with the burden of consecutive food and economic crises over the past few years, households have been reducing their diet diversity and quality. One consequence is that insufficient caloric intake often leads to micronutrient malnutrition. Deficiencies in iron, iodine, vitamin A and zinc affect each successive stage of growth and development. Mothers who suffer chronic caloric or micronutrient deficiencies are more likely to have low birthweight babies. In effect, malnutrition is passed on to the next generation.

The Third McGill Conference on Global Food Security seeks to address the present challenges of water scarcity and malnutrition in food security. High-ranking government and private sector participants from several countries affected by food security, water scarcity and malnutrition will present their unique perspectives on the current situation and engage in a dialogue to find long-term solutions. Representatives of international development agencies will present results of their on-going efforts to provide a better quality of life for 2-billion of the world’s poorest.

Some 400 leading scholars, international experts, private sector representatives, politicians and government decision-makers will participate in the conference, guide the deliberations and shape the debate on food security, water scarcity and nutrition. The conference participants are actively engaged through their work and direct involvement with vulnerable groups and populations in various regions around the world.

The Third McGill Conference on Global Food Security will start on the evening of Tuesday October 19th with a Public Lecture by a leading international dignitary. This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of a high level, well recognized and well established international event on global food security.

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