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Topic : Global Hunger Crisis

GS-2 Mains  : Health

Key Points

• SOFI Report 2023: Released by 5 UN agencies.
• Global Hunger: 733 million people faced hunger in 2023 (1 in 11). Projected to rise to 582 million by 2030, with Africa bearing the brunt.
• Regional Variations:
  • Africa: Hunger rising, 20.4% population affected.
  • Asia: Stable at 8.1% but still a major concern.
  • Latin America: Progressing, hunger at 6.2%.
• Urbanization: Reshaping food systems, impacting availability and affordability of healthy diets.
• Setback in Progress: 15-year setback in fighting hunger, levels similar to 2008-2009.
• COVID-19 Impact: Exacerbated hunger crisis, hindering progress towards SDG 2: Zero Hunger by 2030.
• Food Insecurity: 2.33 billion faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023, with 864 million experiencing severe food insecurity. Africa worst affected.
• Child Malnutrition: 8 million children under 5 at risk of death due to severe wasting in 15 crisis-hit countries.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Aim: Ensure access to safe, nutritious food for all.
• Progress: Far off track, with 2.4 billion people facing moderate or severe food insecurity in 2022.
• Positive Trend: Child stunting declining, but efforts need acceleration.

Dimensions of Food Security

• Availability: Food production, imports, and stockpiles. India self-sufficient in food grains.
• Accessibility: Distribution networks, affordability, transportation.
• Affordability: Ability to purchase food, linked to poverty eradication.

India’s Hunger Situation

• Significant burden of malnutrition.
• Millions of children severely nutrition insecure.
• Soaring food prices worsening situation.
• Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023: India ranked 111/125, categorized as ‘serious’ hunger.
• Indicators for GHI: Undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, child mortality.

Government Initiatives

• Positive trends in child malnutrition due to programs like ICDS and mid-day meal.
• Natural calamities impact food security, leading to shortages and price hikes.
• Targeted Public Distribution System, National Nutrition Mission, National Food Security Act, and emergency COVID-19 assistance.

Way Forward

• Nutrition education.
• Agricultural reforms.
• Strengthening social safety nets.
• Reducing food waste.
• Community participation.

Conclusion

• Zero Hunger requires global, national, and local efforts.
• India must prioritize food security as a fundamental right.