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Food security

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maruppharm:
"We saw decade after decade of declining food prices in real terms, and if that gets to a level where there is not a sufficient return for farmers then you won't get the increase in production to feed the increase in demand.

"There needs to be a fair price both for farmers as well as consumers. It is the judgement of Solomon as to what that price is. Our view is let the market decide."

Short-term supply shocks have a major impact on price.

"We have seen occasions in the last few years where a government's reaction to that has been to do things like introduce export bans, or cap maximum prices," Mr Conway says.

"It is understandable they are doing that to protect essentially the urban poor, to keep prices down."

He notes that such actions are actually harmful because it means that farmers receive lower prices and people are deterred from investing in food production.

With 60% of the world's unexploited arable land in Africa, Mr Conway says it needs to become more productive.

"Brazil is now a powerhouse. What has happened in Brazil in the last 20 years needs to be replicated in Africa.

"Farmers need clarity of tenure, better infrastructure, better markets for their produce - and when you provide that sort of environment, you will see an increase in production."

Mr Conway concludes with an African proverb about long-term investment.

"Live as if you will die tomorrow - plant as if you will live forever."

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