Degree Name
MA in Sustainable Development
Abstract
This Policy Analysis and Advocacy Methods (PAAM) course-linked capstone examines successes and failures of U.S. policy to adequately address global food insecurity and offers recommendations going forward through the use of a policy paper. President Obama called for global leaders to increase funding to agriculture at the 2009 G-8 Summit in Italy in an effort to decrease global hunger through long-term food security programs. The initial $3.5 billion President Obama pledged became the Feed the Future Initiative. The move to codify Feed the Future is currently seen in the Global Food Security Act 2015.
The U.S. approach to addressing long-term food security emphasizes inclusion, specifically of women and smallholder farmers. However, because policy implementation has roots in the Green Revolution, promotes a globalized food system, and prioritizes corporate agribusiness investment, disenfranchised populations are often excluded. Going forward implementation of U.S. policy to address long-term food security should focus on agro-ecology, locally based solutions, and public sector investment in order to ensure inclusion.
In addition to the policy paper, this capstone includes an overview of concepts relevant policy advocacy with focus on research and analysis, and techniques to produce effective policy papers. A reflection on lessons learned in the production of the policy paper is included as well.
Recommended Citation
Henderson, Marissa L., "Designing U.S. Policy To Achieve Inclusive Agricultural Development And Food Systems" (2015). Capstone Collection. 2809.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/2809