266 million people are experiencing acute hunger — nearly double what was recorded in 2016 — as conflicts, economic instability, and climate shocks send shockwaves through global food systems. That’s why IFAD’s focuses on what it calls "the first mile:” the starting point of global food supply chains. Throughout the Summit, President Lario met with heads of state and senior officials from across Africa to discuss food systems, economic growth, and the contributions IFAD14 will make to both. That’s because when food systems buckle, the global food prices rise. This decision may not dominate headlines, but its consequences will be felt far beyond the first mile — through food prices, economic opportunity, and the resilience of food systems everywhere.