Whither Food Aid?

The extent of food aid since the 1960s is examined, focusing in particular on US food aid and its political context. The dimensions of food aid in the future are calculated, taking into account the effects of the Uruguay Round of Trade negotiations, the impact of new US agricultural legislation, and the prospects for improved implementation of food programmes. A series of political, economic and technical constraints will prevent large-scale changes in food aid in the future. A total food aid transfer of 10 million t per annum is the most likey forecast for the 1990s.