In celebration of World Food Day, on October 16, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the campaign “A world #fomezero for 2030 is possible”. According to Agência Brasil, the objective is to sensitize society to the importance of actions to fight hunger and food waste and to the need to develop a more sustainable agriculture.
After a period of decline, world hunger is on the rise again. Today, more than 820 million people suffer from chronic malnutrition, according to the latest FAO report on food security and nutrition. “Conflicts, extreme weather events linked to climate change, economic slowdowns and rapid increases in overweight and obesity are reversing the progress made in the fight against hunger and malnutrition,” the organization says.
According to the FAO, while millions go hungry, another 672 million are obese and 1.3 billion are overweight. Each year, 3.4 million people die from overweight and obesity. On the other hand, 45% of infant mortality is related to malnutrition.
Rural economy
According to FAO, to eradicate hunger requires a transformation of the rural economy, since 70% of the world’s poor live in rural areas, dependent on agriculture, fishing or forestry. “Governments should create opportunities for more private sector investment in agriculture, while pushing social protection programs for the vulnerable and linking food producers to urban areas,” the organization says.
In addition, small farmers need to adopt new sustainable farming methods to increase productivity and income. According to the FAO, ensuring the resilience of rural communities requires a conscious approach to the environment, harnessing the power of technological innovation and creating stable employment opportunities. By 2050, agriculture will need to produce 50% more food to feed the population.
But the organization warns that employment and economic growth are not enough, especially for those facing conflict and suffering. “Zero Hunger goes beyond conflict resolution and economic growth, adopting the long-term approach to building peaceful and inclusive societies,” he warns.
The World Food Day events are organized in over 150 countries to promote global awareness and action on the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all. This year’s campaign theme also demonstrates countries’ commitment to the sustainable development agenda. One of the objectives is, by 2030, to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.