Did you know the world already produces more than 1.5 times enough food to feed everyone on the planet? That’s enough food to feed 10 billion people. Despite the fact that global overall food scarcity isn’t a problem, hunger is a major issue around the world. People face food insecurity in every part of the globe, with data indicating that more than 820 million people—which equates to 11 percent of the world’s population—go hungry each year.
Reasons for Hunger
Poverty and hunger go hand in hand. It’s no surprise that people who live in poverty often find it difficult to put enough food on the table. The most recent comprehensive data on global poverty indicates that as recently as 2013, 767 million people were living below the international poverty line of less than $1.90 per person per day.
Another cause of hunger around the world is conflict. Conflict is recognized as a key driver of severe food crises, including famine. When conflicts occur over an extended period of time, hunger and malnourishment intensify. Conflict can displace people from their homes, interfere with food and agriculture production, and destroy resources. Data shows that more than half of the food insecure people in the world live in countries affected by conflict.
Another contributing factor to food insecurity is weather-related events, partly due to climate change. Weather crises such as drought, flooding, hurricanes, and earthquakes can impact local economies and food availability—resulting in an increase in food insecurity.
Where Hunger Hits the Hardest
The vast majority of the world's chronically undernourished people live in developing countries. Africa has the highest prevalence of food insecure individuals, but as the most populous region in the world, Asia has the highest number of undernourished people. In Southern Asia—including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—the prevalence of hunger has been on the rise, increasing from 9.4 percent in 2015 to 11.5 percent in 2016.
The sub-Saharan region of Africa has the highest prevalence of hunger in any region of the world, with about 23 percent of its population going hungry. Additionally, more than 17 percent of people living in the Caribbean are food insecure.
Children are the most visible victims of hunger, and it’s estimated that malnourishment is the cause of more than 3 million child deaths annually, and equated to nearly half of all child deaths in 2011. One out of six children in developing countries—roughly 100 million kids—is underweight.
The Good News
Fortunately, some progress has been made toward reducing world hunger. Data dating back to 1990 shows that since then, the number of hungry people in lower-middle-income regions has fallen by more than 200 million, from 991 million to 790.7 million.
The proportion of undernourished people globally has fallen from 15 percent in 2000-2004 to 11 percent in 2014-2016. And the rate of stunting—the term used to describe children who are categorized as unusually short for their age as a result of chronic malnutrition—has declined from 33 percent of children 5 or younger in 2000 globally, to 23 percent in 2017.
These are steps in a positive direction and the results of hunger relief efforts around the world happening day in and day out. Let’s take a look at a few of the initiatives that are working toward the common goal of ending hunger around the world.
Hunger Relief Efforts Around the World
Hunger Relief Month
Every September, Feeding America hosts Hunger Action Month. It’s a time when people all over the country stand together with Feeding America and its nationwide network of food banks, with a mission to spread the word and take action on the hunger crisis. Everyone is encouraged to volunteer and advocate for Feeding America’s Campaign to End Hunger.
World Food Day
Started by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Day takes place annually on Oct. 16 and brings attention to how governments and individuals can help combat world hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. The day commemorates the FAO’s founding in 1945, celebrates the progress that has been made, and focuses on what needs to be done to fight hunger-related issues.
With a goal of achieving zero hunger worldwide by 2030, on World Food Day, the FAO asks governments, farmers, organizations, and individuals to get involved in working toward a world where everyone has reliable access to enough nutritious food. Many local, national, and global hunger relief groups participate in World Food Day by holding events of their own.
Programs that Empower Communities
There are numerous hunger relief organizations that are doing wonderful work to reduce food insecurity by empowering vulnerable communities. As a leader in international development and humanitarian efforts, USAID is taking a holistic approach to ending world hunger. The organization is working with its partners to improve agricultural environments and build stronger food systems through programs such as Feed the Future. USAID is also working to educate people on proper nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene, empower women to start businesses in places like Haiti and Senegal, and help vulnerable communities manage natural resources and prepare for disasters.
Another organization that is taking a holistic approach to fighting hunger is Action Against Hunger. The organization not only works to treat acutely malnourished children through a community-based approach, but also works to improve child survival and prevent undernutrition by addressing its underlying causes. Last year, their programs reached more than 21 million people in nearly 50 countries.
To find out how you can take action and help in our hunger relief efforts here at Feeding Westchester, visit us to learn more.
