INTRODUCTION

Least Developed Countries (LDCs) remain epicenters of chronic and acute food insecurity, undermining their sustainable development efforts. They face substantial food security challenges owing to their heavy reliance on food imports, limited financing, and escalating debt. Hunger and malnutrition remain a pressing challenge in LDCs, exacerbated by conflict, climate change, economic shocks, and fragile food systems. According to 2023 data, a significant portion of the population (57.3%) in LDCs were food insecure, with worsening hunger driven by rising food prices, displacement, disruptions in agricultural production, and extreme weather events. In the period 2011– 2022, LDCs accounted for close to 70% of all global food emergencies, with devastating impacts on lives and livelihoods. In 2020, food imports accounted for 15% of total merchandise imports in LDCs, nearly double the global average, exacerbating the risks of hunger and malnutrition. The LDC Food Stockholding Mechanism aims to build resilience by enhancing the capacity of LDCs to better prevent, anticipate and absorb food crisis resulting from the structural vulnerabilities that render LDCs exceptionally susceptible to food emergencies.

BACKGROUND

The Doha Programme of Action recognizes the need to address the severe food insecurities LDCs face. In response, the Secretary-General's report, "Food Insecurity in the least developed countries: options fora System of Stockholding and complementary means at the Global, regional and sub-regional levels, " proposed a dedicated food reserve system for LDCs to bolster the efforts of existing multilateral organizations. This proposal was recognized at the UN Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2), underscoring the urgency of operationalizing the LDC5 Food Stockholding Mechanism.

Subsequently, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to carry out a study to further elaborate the proposed recommendations for such a system, in consultation with all relevant United Nations entities and taking into account existing initiatives and programmes on food security as well as WTO members’ existing obligations.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The Food Stockholding Mechanism provides an innovative system to deliver emergency food assistance to vulnerable populations, including during times of crisis, while promoting sustainable agriculture and capacity-building. Through these efforts, it contributes to the development of long-term, resilient food systems in LDCs. The mechanism will significantly bolster the resilience of LDCs to external shocks and climate change impacts, providing vital safety net for the most vulnerable populations and helping to prevent food emergencies. It directly contributes to SDG 2 ("end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture) and SDG1 (ending poverty in all its forms everywhere) by mitigating the adverse effects of food in security on the most vulnerable populations. The Mechanism will enhance national level preparedness, build readiness to respond and mitigate food emergencies, and improve access to food supplies in the event of a crisis. This intervention is part of the global effort to transform food systems to make them healthier, and more sustainable.

This important initiative has been made possible through the generous financial support of the Government of Qatar.

WAY FORWARD

OHRLLS is currently preparing a Feasibility Study for the operationalization of the FSM. Building on existing work, the LDC Food Stockholding Mechanism will be implemented in collaboration with Rome-based agencies and other relevant partners, to foster complementarity and optimize the use of resources. To guide the initial scoping phase and to ensure broad support for the Mechanism, OHRLLS has set up a UN system-wide Task Force comprising relevant UN agencies. The Task Force will focus on the best possible operational modalities for the Food Stockholding Mechanism, to address and alleviate food emergencies in LDCs, with the overarching goal of ensuring that all people have access to safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

Background documents

• Inception Report - Feasibility Study for the Operationalization of the Food Stockholding Mechanism for the Least Developed Countries SG Report
• Report of the Secretary-General: Food insecurity in the least developed countries: modalities, terms of reference, governance and support structures for the Food Stockholding Mechanism for the Least Developed Countries
• Food insecurity in the least developed countries: options for a system of stockholding and complementary means at the global, regional and subregional levels Report of the Secretary-General
• The Doha Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (2022-2031)