Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses food issues and explains why the right to food is vital to human beings. Globalization and the expansion of international trade made food security an international issue rather than a regional or local issue. The book examines the justiciability of the right to food under constitutions by considering the constitution is the supreme law for a sovereign State and most States reserve fundamental rights to their citizens in constitutions. It provides constitutional provisions of the countries of the world that proclaim the right to food and life. The book discusses multilateral trade negotiations, the Doha Round negotiations launched in Doha, Qatar in November 2001. The book also explores agricultural policies in the United States and the impacts on international agricultural trade. It reaffirms the importance of food aid in mitigating emergency food shortage.