FAO: Urgent Actions Needed to Achieve Zero Hunger in 2030

TEMPO.CO, Jejangkit, S. Kalimantan - Evidence continues to point to a rise in world hunger in recent years. New data suggest the number of people who suffer from hunger has been growing over the past three years, returning to levels of almost a decade ago.

The absolute number of people in the world affected by undernourishment, or chronic food deprivation, is now estimated to have increased from around 804 million in 2016 to nearly 821 million in 2017, or 11 percent of the world population - one in nine people on the planet.

Conflict, extreme weather events linked to climate change, and economic slowdown are reversing progress made in the fight against hunger.

However, growth in the number of undernourished people is not the only big challenge we are facing. The proportion of adult obesity continues to rise, from 11.7 percent in 2012 to 13.3 percent in 2016 (or 672.3 million people). 

Other forms of malnutrition have also increased. In 2017, at least 1.5 billion people suffered from “hidden hunger” in which the food that they eat does not have adequate vitamins and mineral that are needed for growth and development.

“The problem of malnutrition, in particular undernutrition, still remains in many parts of the region. In Indonesia, the Office Vice President confirmed only last week that a total of more than one third of children under five years of age are stunted, which is high for a country of its economic status, “ Stephen Rudgard, FAO Representative said in his speech in the opening of 2018 World Food Day in Jejangkit Banjarmasin, October 18.

In the global report on the “State of Food Insecurity - 2018” published by the United Nations, Indonesia shows a high prevalence in all three forms of child malnutrition - stunting, wasting and obesity. 

The statistics imply inadequate access to diverse and nutritious foods. Food production is only one of the factors affecting that access.

Stephen cited global theme for 2018 WFD this year Our Actions are Our Future, A #Zerohunger world in 2030 is possible and stressed that with #ZeroHunger ambition comes a right and responsibility to value food and reduce losses and waste. 

Hunger does not necessarily mean insufficient food availability/production as Indonesia loses or wastes around 300 kg of food per person per year.

“To transform our vision of a world free of hunger and malnutrition into reality, we all need to work together. That requires not only the leadership shown by the Government - but it means everybody has to contribute. “ Stephen said.

Sustainable Approach in Agriculture is important. Global food production has to be doubled by 2050 to ensure sufficient food is available to feed a population of more than 9 billion.   

By that time, Indonesia’s population will have reached 300 million, with increased urbanization and changes in consumer demand, and this will put great strains on the country’s food systems. 

Stephen highlights the Government’s focus for World Food Day this year on “Optimization of tidal and freshwater swampland towards Indonesia to become World Food Barn in 2045” as major attempt to face the challenges.

FAO notes the Government estimates that there are around 34 million hectares of swamps in Indonesia, and that over 9 million of that total have potentials for agriculture production. 

In Jejangkit District alone, there are more 3,000 hectares under cultivation targeted under the new programme.

“We acknowledge this leadership by Government, and we are especially happy that the Ministry of Agriculture promotes the adoption of good practices associated with FAO’s model for Sustainable Intensification of Rice Production, including reducing the use of pesticides through Integrated Pest Management, “ Stephen said.

He also emphasized that increasing productivity is critical to feed a growing population, however, it is more important to have a sustainable approach in agriculture interventions.

FAO | LA