United Nations Radio

Governments should avoid reducing aid to developing countries’ agriculture and introducing protectionist trade measures in response to the global financial crisis.

The call comes from the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Jacques Diouf.

In a statement Wednesday, Diouf said such steps could increase the risk of another food crisis occurring next year.

The statement said another food crisis could happen despite the record 2008 cereal harvest which is now expected to increase by nearly 5 per cent.

Diouf said the great uncertainty now enveloping international markets and the threat of global recession may tempt countries towards reassessing their commitments to international development aid.

He said it would be unfortunate if this were to be the case and the recently mobilized political will towards enhanced international support for developing country agriculture were to evaporate.

This is Donn Bobb for United Nations Radio.

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