ABSTRACT

The UN proclaimed the 1960s the first decade of development and it became a time of hope for ending hunger in the Third World. There was also growing optimism vis-à-vis agricultural productivity and agrarian reform; however, growing concern over the problems of malnutrition and the economic and social development prospects of poorer countries still weighed heavy (SOFA 2000). This period also saw the UN Organisations-the WHO, FAO and UNICEF-joined by new international players, policies and initiatives and numerous conferences that many believed would unite them in a common cause. The decade began with two new UN’s enterprises: the Freedom from Hunger Campaign and the World Food Programme. This was quickly followed by the first World Food Conference, the creation of the Common Agricultural Policy and the arrival of the US Department of Agriculture onto the world food analysis stage. Lastly, the birth and growth of modern environmentalism began with Rachel Carson’s attack on what was seen as questionable agricultural practices.