Most rich countries produce enough food for themselves and for export as well. Affluent manufacturing countries that are not self-sufficient in food production can afford to import as much food as they need, and more. Also, developed countries protect their agricultural sectors with various economic incentives and trade barriers—including price supports for key commodities, such as wheat and corn, and tariffs to shield domestic growers from cheaper imports.

In contrast, the poorest countries, particularly those with food deficits, usually export only one or two raw commodities, such as rubber or cacao. When prices of export commodities decline on the world market, or when prices of vital imported supplies rise, they are hit hard (54). During the 1980s raw commodities exported by developing countries lost 40% of their value in relation to the manufactured goods that these countries imported (98). Between 1982 and 1992 the real value of cacao fell by 60%, cotton by 40%, and natural rubber by 45% (54). In 1991—just one year—Africa lost an estimated US$5.6 billion because of declines in commodity prices (50). Recently, however, some raw commodity prices have risen, providing relief to developing-country trade balances (83).

Declining commodity prices usually are good for consumers in wealthy countries, but in poor countries small-scale farmers suffer (108). In the 1970s and 1980s, for example, while real farm incomes increased substantially in most developed countries, real income from agriculture dropped for the average farmer in the developing world (98). To maintain their purchasing power, these poor farmers often try to bring more marginal land into production, even though this land yields less per hectare. Farmers may be pushed off their land altogether to make room for export- driven agriculture, as governments try to make up the short-fall in international trade revenues (50, 82).

National governments and international organizations can help to improve food distribution systems and can adopt new policies that make food more available and affordable. Over the long run, FAO argues, increased regional trade and cooperation are important to raising living standards in poor countries (99) and to providing more affordable food. In addition, better world markets for developing-country agricultural produce could help provide more jobs in these nations, raise incomes, reduce hunger, and minimize pressures from subsistence farming on the resource base (83).

At the same time, however, FAO contends that international trade alone "cannot solve the problems of poverty and access [to food] which are the keys to food security" (99). Given current population growth trends and land degradation patterns, FAO has warned that "future nutritional requirements challenge....both food production and environmental capabilities" (100).