Food Insecurity: Zero Hunger by 2030 Still Feasible?

Across continents and cultures, all humans, regardless of race, or nationality need food to survive. But despite this universal truth, millions of individuals around the world lack access to the nourishment their bodies require to thrive. Food insecurity, defined by the United Nations as a lack of consistent access to enough, safe and nutritious food for normal growth, development and an active and healthy life remains one of the gravest challenges facing the world today.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations says “a person is food insecure when they lack regular access to enough, safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life.”  The statistics paint a very grim picture as more than 700 million people faced hunger in 2022. It is projected by FAO 2023 report that almost 600 million people will be chronically undernourished in 2030.

From 2021 to 2022, progress was made towards reducing hunger in Asia and in Latin America, but hunger is still on the rise in Western Asia, the Caribbean, and all subregions of Africa. These staggering figures highlight the urgency of addressing food insecurity as it has far-reaching impacts on human health and social stability

Poverty is at the root of food insecurity, with millions of people trapped in a never-ending cycle of insufficient income. Moreover, conflict and unrest exacerbate food insecurity by disrupting agricultural activities and the supply chain. Additionally, the increasing effects of climate change such as droughts and floods pose significant threats to food production systems worldwide.

The impacts of food insecurity cannot be understated. Research has it that food insecurity and the lack of access to affordable nutritious food are associated with increased risk for multiple chronic health conditions such as malnutrition, obesity, heart disease,  and other chronic diseases. With malnutrition and displacement, the need for health services will increase as people become weaker and more vulnerable to diseases. This points to the fact that food insecurity is a problem that breeds multifaceted challenges.

Regardless of the gravity of the problem, it is important to note that the global community has recognized food insecurity as a critical issue with the second SDG focused on “Zero Hunger” by 2030. However, progress has been slow and the covid-19 further exacerbated food insecurity worldwide. At the national level, countries like India, Kenya, Somalia and Nigeria, strides have been made to tone down the level of food insecurity.

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is a leading provider of food assistance, reaching around 128 million people across 118 countries and territories in 2021. For instance, WFP in Nigeria uses either food or cash transfers to support displaced people living in camps or with host communities, as well as vulnerable host populations. These programs and initiatives, undoubtedly will go a long way in curbing food insecurity only if all hands can be joined together to fight this global problem.

Given the growing impacts of food insecurity worldwide, it is essential to take concerted action to address this crisis. Achieving food security has never been more urgent than it is today.