Leaders of the G8 group of nations have pledged $US20 billion for efforts to boost food supplies to the hungry, on the final day of a summit in Italy.
The amount is $US5 billion more than expected.
In a a shift in focus away from food aid towards practical help, the fund is for a three year programme to help poor nations develop their own agriculture.
US President Barack Obama said rich nations had a moral responsibility to help poorer nations and the issue of food security was of huge importance to all nations.
The United States will reportedly contribute about $US3.5 billion . Japan and the European Union between $US3 billion and $US4 billion each.
