Thumbnail Image

The evolution of the global structure of food and agricultural trade: Evidence from network analysis

Background paper for The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO) 2022












Jafari, Y., Engemann, H. & Zimmermann, A. 2023. The evolution of the global structure of food and agricultural trade: Evidence from network analysis. Background paper for The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO) 2022. Rome, FAO.




Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Document
    Other document
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Technical study
    Impact of trade policy measures on agricultural markets during global disruptions
    A multicountry analysis
    2024
    Also available in:
    No results found.

    The past COVID-19 pandemic has led to severe economic consequences worldwide. The global health crisis has affected supply and demand, both domestic and international. However, the shock has been noticeably heterogeneous across sectors. Since the onset of the pandemic, agricultural markets have been resilient compared to other industries, in part due to moderately stable international trade flows. Are export restrictions less determinant than in previous crises? Have countries adopted a more trade-promoting approach compared to the previous food price crisis a decade before? This study evaluates trade policy interventions adopted since the onset of the pandemic, using a gravity setting with data on monthly trade flows. Overall, our findings suggest that government interventions have had a more positive effect on agricultural trade compared to the 2007–2008 crisis. Despite initial and short-lived export restrictions, governments have largely focused on facilitating trade flows. The most significant effect has come from trade-promoting measures and the benefits translated into enhanced trade across all regions. Some of these practices, such as acceptance of digital import documentation, could be established on a permanent basis, while others, like temporary elimination of import quotas, might be considered as efficient interventions for future crises. Products of animal origin were most affected by import restrictions, highlighting the importance of timely and accurate international notification of potential health risks to avoid speculation and market disruptions. Food import-dependent nations remain vulnerable to crises due to their sensitivity to export restrictions, even when temporary. Therefore, keeping a certain level of stock in key staple foods as well as a diversified portfolio of trade partners is imperative to ensure the resilience of domestic food markets.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Technical book
    Climate Change, Agricultural Trade and Global Food Security
    The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets (SOCO) 2018. Background paper
    2018
    Also available in:
    No results found.

    The present research was commissioned as backgroud paper for The State of Agricultural Commodity Markets 2018. Climate is an essential input to agricultural production. Changes in climate will inevitably have an impact on agricultural productivity, output, farm incomes and prices. Elevated temperatures will also affect human and animal health. To date, most of the studies of climate impacts on agriculture have ignored the impacts on humans and livestock, focusing instead on the consequences for crop production. One of the foremost reasons is that research on crop impacts assessment is the field where the necessary modelling infrastructure was most fully developed. The present paper provides an overview of the latest modelling research on the impact of climate change and agriculture. It specifically focuses on different modelling approaches that include the interlinkages between climate change and trade, and the potential role trade can play to support adaptation and mitigation to climate change.

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

  • Thumbnail Image
    Document
    Other document
    Reducing inequalities for food security and nutrition
    A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition
    2023
    The report “Reducing inequalities for food security and nutrition” has been developed by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) following the request by the United Nations Committee on World Food Security (CFS) as included in its Programme of Work (MYPoW 2020-2023). In particular, the CFS requested the HLPE-FSN to develop a report to: (i) analyse evidence relating to how inequalities in access to assets (particularly land, other natural resources and finance) and in incomes within food systems impede opportunities for many actors to overcome food insecurity and malnutrition; (ii) analyse the drivers of inequalities and provide recommendations on entry points to address these; and (iii) identify areas requiring further research and data collection. This report will inform the ensuing CFS thematic workstream on inequalities, aiming at addressing the root causes of food insecurity with a focus on those “most affected by hunger and malnutrition”.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (series)
    Flagship
    The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023
    Urbanization, agrifood systems transformation and healthy diets across the rural–urban continuum
    2023
    This report provides an update on global progress towards the targets of ending hunger (SDG Target 2.1) and all forms of malnutrition (SDG Target 2.2) and estimates on the number of people who are unable to afford a healthy diet. Since its 2017 edition, this report has repeatedly highlighted that the intensification and interaction of conflict, climate extremes and economic slowdowns and downturns, combined with highly unaffordable nutritious foods and growing inequality, are pushing us off track to meet the SDG 2 targets. However, other important megatrends must also be factored into the analysis to fully understand the challenges and opportunities for meeting the SDG 2 targets. One such megatrend, and the focus of this year’s report, is urbanization. New evidence shows that food purchases in some countries are no longer high only among urban households but also among rural households. Consumption of highly processed foods is also increasing in peri-urban and rural areas of some countries. These changes are affecting people’s food security and nutrition in ways that differ depending on where they live across the rural–urban continuum. This timely and relevant theme is aligned with the United Nations General Assembly-endorsed New Urban Agenda, and the report provides recommendations on the policies, investments and actions needed to address the challenges of agrifood systems transformation under urbanization and to enable opportunities for ensuring access to affordable healthy diets for everyone.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Technical book
    The future of food and agriculture - Trends and challenges 2017
    Also available in:
    No results found.

    What will be needed to realize the vision of a world free from hunger and malnutrition? After shedding light on the nature of the challenges that agriculture and food systems are facing now and throughout the 21st century, the study provides insights into what is at stake and what needs to be done. “Business as usual” is not an option. Major transformations in agricultural systems, rural economies, and natural resources management are necessary. The present study was undertaken for the quadrennial review of FAO’s strategic framework and for the preparation of the Organization Medium-Term plan 2018-2021.