Paul P S Teng and Margarita Escaler provide an analysis of the current state of food

security in Asia. Their paper portrays the development over the past decades and explains the

multi-dimensionality of food security. Future trends and how those can be addressed through

policies are discussed. Finally, the authors take a look at how the EU influences the situation

in Asia and what are the possible opportunities for cooperation.

Jun Yang and Xuetao Huang look at food security and policies in the People’s Republic

of China. Being the most populated country in the world and characterized by huge development

differences, China faces many challenges in ensuring a stable food supply. These

challenges and their consequences for food security are analyzed. As fast-growing urbanization

has an impact on food production, the authors also look into the role of urban agriculture.

Food security in Indonesia is addressed by Purwanto by providing an overview on the

policy changes in the country over the years. Specific attention is given to the role of food

security in national development planning as it is an integral part of the strategy. It is argued

that the strategy has to involve all stakeholders and the three subsystems of food security –

availability, distribution and consumption.

Ritika Sehjpal, Aparna Vashisht, Shailly Kedia and Supriya Francis discuss the linkages

between green growth and food security in India. The country has a chronic problem

of hunger. Food security and policy initiatives are analyzed in the context of the agricultural

sector’s performance and development challenges.

A.N.M. Muniruzzaman addresses food security in Bangladesh. Being one of the most

densely populated countries with a high level of poverty and exposed to severe environmental

changes, Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to food insecurity. The author analyzes the various

threats to food security and its socio-economic impacts by putting it in the regional context

and discussing government initiatives.

J. Jackson Ewing and Sandra Silfvast provide a profound analysis of regional initiatives

in food security in the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). By discussing the situation in two key agricultural countries, France and Thailand

respectively, the authors illustrate the connection between the domestic level and the regional

level and the challenges arising from this.

Current megatrends in agricultural production are the focus of Rudy Rabbinge and

Prem Bindraban’s analysis. Of particular interest is the role of public and private actors in

addressing these trends as they direct many developments.

Jerome R. Hassler and Dr.Vilailuk Tiranutti discuss the linkages between fair trade

and food security. They argue that fair trade can support sustainable production and consumption

chains. However, there are a number of pitfalls and thus, the current system

requires certain modifications.

Gouranga Gopal Das analyzes the possibilities for cooperation between Europe and

Asia via technology transfer. The paper shows how technology transfer has to go hand in

hand with capacity building and entitlement.