Food and poverty in the Americas: institutional and policy obstacles to efficiency in food aid

This article reviews trends in poverty, hunger and food security in the Americas; examines some of the principal processes, institutions and policies which generate unsustainable development; and speculates on reforms required at all levels in order to improve food security. While food aid offers opportunities for alleviating poverty and hunger, it may contribute to intensifying rather than resolving livelihood crises. Since the World Food Programme is a major player in the context of food aid, some issues crucial for WFP policies in the Americas are considered.