Daily Current Affairs : 24-July-2023
The Global Report on the Food Crises (GRFC) 2023, recently released, sheds light on the concerning issue of food insecurity worldwide. The report estimates that between 691 million and 783 million people around the globe suffered from hunger in 2022. While the two pandemic years did not show a growth in food insecurity, the data for 2022 indicates levels far higher than pre-pandemic 2019. This year’s report reflects on historic events such as the pandemic and its economic fallout, the war in Ukraine, and the soaring prices of food and agricultural inputs, all of which have contributed to the food crisis.
Understanding Food Security
Food security, as defined by the World Food Summit of 1996, is when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life. The prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population is measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES).
Key Findings of the GRFC
The Global Report indicates that while hunger is no longer on an alarming upward trend at the global level, it remains far above pre-COVID pandemic levels. The world is still off track towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger. In 2022, an estimated 2.4 billion people did not have access to adequate food, which is 391 million more people than in 2019. Global hunger measured as the prevalence of undernourishment affects around 9.2% of the world’s population in 2022 compared to 7.9% in 2019. Although stunting among children under five has declined, child wasting and childhood overweight or obesity remain significant concerns.
Key Drivers of Food Insecurity
Several factors contribute to food insecurity, including economic slowdowns due to lockdowns and pandemic-related disruptions that led to job losses and reduced incomes for many people. The ongoing war in Ukraine, unfavorable governmental policies, and increasing urbanization driving changes in agrifood systems also play a role.
The Way Forward
Identifying Vulnerable Populations: The GRFC plays a crucial role in identifying vulnerable population groups, providing evidence to inform decision-making and effective action through targeted policies and programs.
Focus on Nutrition: Sound nutrition is fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and it should be central in government policies, supported by civil society and the private sector.
Healthy Food Outlets: Supporting healthier food outlets is key to enabling access to nutritious diets. Policy incentives can encourage shops to sell greater amounts of fresh and minimally processed foods, promoting healthier choices for consumers.
Street Foods: The report highlights the significance of street foods, consumed by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide daily. Addressing infrastructure and regulatory gaps can improve the nutritional safety and quality of street food, ensuring healthier options are available.
Building Rural Infrastructure: Investing in rural infrastructure, such as quality rural and feeder roads, can connect remote farms and enterprises to main road networks. Other public investments like warehousing, cold storage, electrification, digital tools, and water supply can support linkages between small farms and small and medium enterprises.
Role of Local Government: Local governments play a fundamental role in implementing essential policies to make healthy diets available and affordable for all. Leveraging multilevel and multi-stakeholder mechanisms can prove effective in achieving this goal.
Important Points:
Global Report on the Food Crises (GRFC) 2023
Key Details:
- 691 million to 783 million people suffered from hunger in 2022.
- Food insecurity in 2022 was far higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
- Historic events impacting the assessment: pandemic, economic crisis, war in Ukraine, soaring food prices.
What is Food Security?
- Definition from the World Food Summit (1996).
- Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) measures moderate or severe food insecurity.
Key Findings:
- Hunger no longer on an alarming upward trend globally but still far above pre-COVID levels.
- Progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) is lacking.
- Around 2.4 billion people lacked access to adequate food in 2022 (391 million increase from 2019).
- Global hunger prevalence remains high compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- Stunting and child wasting decline, but childhood overweight or obesity remains a concern.
- Almost 3.2 billion people couldn’t afford a healthy diet in 2020.
- Cost of a healthy diet increased by 6.7% from 2019 to 2021.
- An estimated 600 million people will be chronically undernourished in 2030.
Key Drivers of Food Insecurity:
- Economic slowdown due to lockdowns and pandemic-related disruptions.
- War in Ukraine.
- Unfavorable governmental policies.
- Increasing urbanization affecting agrifood systems.
Way Forward:
- The report helps identify vulnerable populations for targeted policies and programs.
- Focus on nutrition to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
- Support healthier food outlets for better access to nutritious diets.
- Improve safety and quality of street foods through regulatory measures.
- Invest in rural infrastructure to connect remote farms and enterprises.
- Empower local governments to implement essential policies for food security.
Why In News
The Global Report on the Food Crises (GRFC) 2023, a comprehensive assessment of the world’s food security, was recently published, shedding light on the evolving challenges faced by vulnerable populations. As nations grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic and other environmental factors, the report emphasizes the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes of food crises and ensure a sustainable future for all.
MCQs about GRFC 2023
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What is the key driver of food insecurity ?
A. Climate change
B. Pandemic-related disruptions
C. Increase in food production
D. Political stability
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What does the Global Report recommend as a way forward to address food insecurity?
A. Encouraging fast-food outlets to offer healthier options
B. Providing subsidies for luxury food items
C. Investing in rural infrastructure and feeder roads
D. Banning street foods to improve food safety
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What organization is responsible for producing the Global Report on the Food Crises (GRFC)?
A. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
B. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
C. World Food Programme (WFP)
D. Food Security Information Network
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