Globalization and Human Nutrition: Opportunities and Risks for the Poor in Developing Countries

Globalization is here to stay. Those of us concerned about nutrition among low-income families should focus on how globalization can be guided for their benefit. This chapter provides a conceptual framework for assessing the linkages between globalization and nutrition, and suggests action to be taken by governments and civil society. Policy changes are needed in developing countries to give poor people access to productive resources and markets, and to assure that the poor are not marginalized in the globalization process. Policies are also needed to guide domestic markets for imported foods. Industrialized countries must open their markets for developing-country goods and services (including agricultural commodities and processed foods) and remove unfair trade practices. Globalization can help or hurt the poor and malnourished. Accompanying policies will help determine which it will be. (Af. J. Food and Nutritional Sciences: 2001 1(1): 9-18)