Who will feed the 7-billionth person, IFAD president asks

"Whether you are number seven billion or number seven billion and one, all of us, in this generation and the next, must have enough safe, nutritious and affordable food," Nwanze said. "As the population grows exponentially, we must support smallholder farmers so that they can feed themselves and contribute to the world's food supply. And, at the same time, ensure that those who need to buy food have the income to do so."

This week, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), marks the population milestone of 7 billion people.

Increase the productivity of smallholder farmers

"Having more mouths to feed is certainly a challenge at a time when already one billion children, women and men are chronically hungry. But it also presents an opportunity to increase the productivity and income of smallholder farmers, those already producing up to 80 percent of the food consumed locally in developing countries," Nwanze added.

Fifty years ago, the population was half of what it is now. According to the United Nations Population Division, the world population is expected to increase to 8 billion by 2025 and by 2050, it will be 9.3 billion. Food availability must go up by 70 percent over the next 40 years if it is to keep pace with the expected demand.

The challenge, Nwanze said, is to make food production less insecure and more profitable for the majority of the world's poorest people - smallholders and family farmers in developing countries.

"Improve their ability to feed themselves and you also improve their ability to feed others," he said. "Improve their ability to generate income and you create new consumers and stronger economies."

Critical to improve cereal yields

Specifically, it will be critical to improve cereal yields and to integrate smallholder farmers into high-value national, regional and international markets. Governments, development agencies and the producers themselves have key roles to play in the transformation of agriculture into a thriving sector.

But, Nwanze added, future food security also depends on whether rural areas create opportunities for young people. Currently, in some sub-Saharan African countries, more than 60 percent of the population is under 25 years old and in India more than 70 percent is under the age of 35. Agriculture must be a viable and attractive option, and young entrepreneurs should be provided with finance and other resources so that they can grow small businesses and build vibrant rural communities, he said.

"We must ensure that rural girls, as well as boys, are educated and receive training, so that they can be the community leaders, the entrepreneurs and the productive farmers of tomorrow," Nwanze added. "It is one of the most effective strategies for reducing poverty and malnutrition."