For decades, economically advanced nations have attempted to remedy this situation through the use of improved farming techniques, higher-yield crop strains, and other agricultural technologies. But now, debate is raging over which farming methods have the most potential gain for developing nations. 

Advanced genetic technologies developed in the latter part of the 20th century led to the growing of genetically modified foods, and to a growing controversy. Political figures such as England's Prince Charles have criticized genetically modified foods, saying they could create an "environmental disaster."

Studies frequently cited by organic food advocates have found that GM foods increase use of pesticides, and, indeed, most genetically modified crops have been altered not for drought-resistance or increased productivity, but for resilience against chemicals used in industrial farming.

That having been said, genetically modified foods still show tremendous promise. The so-called “golden rice” provides developing communities all over the world with a healthier and more complete diet, without any additional time or resource investment.

Crops modified to create pharmaceuticals could drastically reduce the price of vaccines and antibiotics, improving health care in the developing world. While there are risks, it’s clear that the potential benefits are too large to simply dismiss the technology out of hand.

But purely in terms of feeding people, it may be more efficient and  beneficial to focus on improving crop yields through organic agriculture techniques. While commonly thought of as a niche consumer market in modern economies, organic foods can actually create longer-term sustainability by maintaining soil fertility and reducing the energy involved in crop production. It can also limit expenses by eliminating the need to invest in mechanization and other costly forms of infrastructure. 

Further proving the worth of these organic practices, the Independent recently reported that "an analysis of 114 projects in 24 African countries found that yields had more than doubled where organic, or near-organic, practices had been used. That increase in yield jumped to 128 per cent in east Africa."

In the end, the best solution to the problems of world agriculture may be a combination of both genetically engineered foods and improved organic farming techniques. Strains of staple crops engineered to make up important dietary deficiencies could be raised organically, reducing chemical runoff into local water supplies, while ensuring higher yields and longer-term food supply sustainability