Daily Hot Topic
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.