Food security in South Asia: Much-needed regional co-operation

Abstract

With 1.7 bn people, South Asia has more inhabitants than Europe, North and South America put together. In a few years’ time South Asia is expected to overtake East Asia to become the most populous region of the world. Unfortunately, it is also the poorest region. More people are going hungry than in Africa. Feeding a rising population in a speedier and more efficient way will be one of the most pressing needs of the years ahead. Regional cooperation is much needed in providing food security in South Asia, mainly by a prudent use of scarce flow resources like water that cross borders and that are indispensable for food production.