Archive for category: Food Insecurity

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The World Food Program: The Fight to End African Hunger

The World Food ProgramThe World Food Program (WFP), established in 1961 by the United Nations (U.N.), is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to combating hunger and food insecurity. Founded in response to the global food crises of the early ’60s, the World Food Program continues to be instrumental in addressing the needs of millions of people affected by famine and conflict. The organization has expanded its reach and impact throughout the years, evolving from initial emergency food aid efforts to a more comprehensive approach that includes nutrition support, development programs and resilience-building initiatives.

Today, WFP operates in more than 80 countries, providing critical assistance to more than 150 million people annually. Its programs include immediate food relief, school feeding initiatives and cash-based transfers designed to address urgent needs and long-term food security. WFP’s work supports smallholder farmers, improves agricultural productivity and fosters community resilience. With a mission to end hunger and save lives by providing food assistance and relief, WFP strives toward a world where no one goes hungry, leveraging its extensive experience and global network to address food insecurity and create lasting change.

A Lifeline in Africa

In Africa, hunger remains a persistent threat, exacerbated by conflict, climate emergency and economic instability. WFP plays a critical role across the continent, supporting millions facing acute food insecurity. The organization’s interventions are diverse, ranging from emergency relief in conflict zones to longer-term initiatives to improve food security. One example is the WFP’s school feeding programs, which help keep children in school while simultaneously working toward alleviating hunger. Additionally, the WFP’s cash-based transfers empower families to buy food locally, boosting economies and enhancing market access.

To combat the impact of climate instability, the WFP has implemented various resilience-building programs. These include supporting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing water management systems and promoting climate-resilient crops. In countries like Niger and Somalia, these efforts are crucial in helping communities adapt to the increasing frequency and severity of droughts and floods.

The World Food Program in Uganda

Uganda stands as a testament to the WFP’s extensive and multifaceted operations. The country, though lush and fertile, has been plagued by regional conflicts, leading to a significant influx of refugees from neighboring countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2023 alone, the WFP provided food assistance to more than 1.3 million refugees in Uganda’s settlements. Despite the country’s agricultural potential, many Ugandans face chronic food insecurity due to erratic rainfall and economic hardship, particularly in rural areas.

Operations and Strategies

WFP’s approach across Africa is not merely about providing immediate food relief but also about developing long-term solutions. One of its key strategies is to support smallholder farmers, helping them to increase crop yields, access markets and ultimately break the cycle of poverty. In Africa, WFP has implemented programs that provide farmers with tools, training and financial assistance, empowering them to sustain their livelihoods.

Additionally, WFP’s resilience-building initiatives aim to prepare communities for the adverse effects of climate emergencies. These programs include constructing water harvesting systems, promoting drought-resistant crops and providing weather-related insurance. Such measures are vital to reducing vulnerability in a region where rainfall can be unpredictable.

Challenges on the Ground

Despite its successes, WFP faces significant challenges while combating hunger in Africa. Funding remains a critical issue, with the organization often making difficult decisions about which programs to prioritize. The needs across Africa are vast and while the WFP strives to reach everyone, limited resources mean that not all can receive the assistance they require.

Another challenge is the growing impact of adverse climatic conditions. In Africa, unpredictable weather patterns have led to severe droughts and flooding, further intensifying food insecurity. The WFP’s work increasingly focuses on helping communities adapt to these changes. However, the scale of the problem is daunting.

A Path Toward a Hunger-Free World

WFP’s work across Africa underscores the complexity of fighting hunger. It requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the immediate need for food and the underlying causes of food insecurity. WFP’s efforts to support smallholder farmers, build resilience to unpredictable climate patterns and advocate for systemic change are crucial steps toward creating a hunger-free world.

WFP’s mission to end hunger is a formidable one. However, with continued support and collaboration, it is a goal within reach. As Africa continues to face challenges, WFP remains a beacon of hope, providing food and the tools and knowledge to build a better, hunger-free future.

– Benjamin DeMarais

Benjamin is based in Rogers, MN, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Projects in Tunisia Combat Food Insecurity and Boost the Economy

Projects in TunisiaOn March 15, 2024, the World Bank’s Board of Directors approved two loans worth $520 million to strengthen Tunisia’s economy. The loans will be used for two projects aiming to address and combat food insecurity and reduce regional inequalities in Tunisia. High unemployment, a five-year drought and the nation’s dependence on agricultural imports have amplified inflation rates and led to many food shortages in the country.

The Emergency Food Security Support Project (PAUSAT) will have a range of objectives that will help combat the food insecurity problem while also strengthening Tunisia’s economy and self-sufficiency. Meanwhile, the second loan will focus on the Tunisia Economic Development Corridor Project. This will address the urban infrastructure along the Kasserine – Sidi Bouzid – Sfax corridor.

PAUSAT

This project will help to strengthen Tunisia’s economy by increasing resilience to future food crises. This is by supplying short-term agricultural inputs for farmers to guarantee the next cropping season. A difficult cereal harvest of 2023 contributes to the string of droughts that Tunisia has suffered. By focusing on long-term solutions, this project will also provide barley and climate-resilient seeds to small-scale farmers and milk producers.

This assistance will help to rebuild Tunisia’s economy as it aims to prevent future agricultural challenges. With 30% of children aged less than 5 and 32% of pregnant and breastfeeding women having been affected by malnutrition, the economy is not Tunisia’s only focus. Ensuring access to bread for impoverished and vulnerable households is one of PAUSAT’s short-term objectives.

PAUSAT also aims to combat food insecurity in the short term by offering the vulnerable percentage of the population bare necessities such as bread. With women making up 46%-51% of the family farm labor force and are also 50% of Tunisia’s rural population, PAUSAT’s supply of soft wheat and barley to local markets will also help reduce food insecurity and prevent malnutrition among children and pregnant women.

Tunisia Economic Development Corridor Project

The Kasserine–Sidi Bouzid–Sfax corridor faces regional economic disparities that this project seeks to address. By adding 65 km of new roads and 117 km of feeder roads, the initiative aims to enhance accessibility to inter-regional areas, facilitate business financing and improve mobility for Tunisia’s rural population. The creation of these feeder roads and roadworks will benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encourage small businesses to open up further.

The Tunisia Economic Development Corridor Project also benefits households that depend on roads. By improving mobility and expanding access to more regions, the enhanced rural infrastructure enables isolated households in the countryside to reach nearby towns and cities more easily. Significantly, this connectivity opens up new employment opportunities, allowing access to businesses and fostering the growth of new SMEs.

Toward a More Connected, Well-Fed Future

Tunisia continues to face extremely challenging conditions regarding cereal harvests, droughts and rural mobility. These two new loans bring new hope as they commit to two projects dedicated to fighting food insecurity and strengthening the economy of Tunisia. By addressing important issues with these two projects, Tunisia will be able to provide both long and short-term solutions for a more sustainable and self-sufficient future.

– Chelsey Saya McCloud

Chelsey is based in Southampton, Hampshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Feed the Future: What You Need to Know

Feed the FutureFeed the Future, an American initiative led by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), collaborates with the U.S. government, volunteers and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to combat global hunger. The initiative aims to solve one of the greatest challenges of our time through partnerships that focus on tackling the underlying causes of poverty. Furthermore, it supports people to end their dependence on aid and opens up opportunities for future generations.

Feed the Future’s strategies include boosting agricultural growth, improving security and supporting community resilience against natural disasters. It also focuses on guaranteeing proper nutrition, specifically for women and children. Created in 2010 in response to the food crisis of 2007-2008, Feed the Future currently focuses on selected countries such as Ghana, Nepal and Uganda. The organization selects locations based on their level of need, the potential for its programs to grow and the availability of resources.

Global Food Security Strategy

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, 97 million more people have been surviving on $2 a day, leading to the first global increase in extreme poverty in more than 20 years. In response, the U.S. government introduced the Global Food Security Strategy to combat the rise in poverty and ensure that families worldwide have access to food. The Global Food Security Strategy seeks to reduce global poverty, malnutrition and widening inequality through initiatives like Feed the Future. It also aims to achieve a 20% reduction in poverty and reduce stunting in the countries where it operates with assistance from other foreign governments.

In Uganda, the Global Food Security Strategy aligns with the Government of Uganda’s Third National Development Plan. The strategy focuses on boosting household income and improving living standards. From 2012 to 2015, the stunting rate in children younger than 5 in regions where Feed the Future operated dropped by 11%. In Senegal, Feed the Future facilitated $64 million in loans for Senegalese farmers, wholesales and millers. With access to mechanization services, smallholder farmers increased their productivity. As a result, rice production increased by 123% from 2012 to 2018.

Feed the Future Target Country Expansion

In a Feed the Future target country, the U.S. government takes a coordinated approach to plan its investments. This encourages other groups, like donors and local governments, to provide support and funding. In 2022, the U.S. announced it would expand Feed the Future’s reach to eight new countries, bringing the number of countries the program is involved in from 12 to 20. These countries include Rwanda and Tanzania. Feed the Future plans to increase its efforts to reduce food insecurity in the next few years in these nations.

Results and Achievements

The program’s seven-year efforts have lifted approximately 23 million people above the poverty line. Additionally, 3.4 million children are no longer stunted and 5.2 million families are no longer at risk of hunger. The initiative has unlocked $6.2 billion in agricultural financing and developed more than 1,000 innovations. From 2011 to 2022, Feed the Future generated $28 billion in farm sales, aiding farmers.

Moving Forward

As Feed the Future advances in its global reach, it proves that ending hunger is possible. Indeed, this project plays a key role in the effort to alleviate poverty worldwide, aiming to help families in impoverished nations overcome food insecurity. With the significant progress it has made and its extensive global reach, tangible improvements in people’s lives are evident.

– Nouf Hunaiti

Nouf is based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Feeding the Future: Uttar Pradesh’s Community Kitchens

Uttar Pradesh’s Community KitchensDuring the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh in India, initiatives to establish community kitchens emerged as critical lifelines for vulnerable citizens. Launched as a part of the state’s relief efforts for both those living in poverty and for citizens stranded due to lockdown, these kitchens provided essential meals to those facing food insecurity. 

Uttar Pradesh’s Community Kitchens

In 2020, Uttar Pradesh launched a significant community kitchen initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat hunger and support populations like migrant workers and daily wage earners. Collaborating with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and religious groups, the state’s government quickly established more than 7,000 community kitchens across all 75 districts. These kitchens provided meals for the impoverished and displaced individuals as lockdown measures disrupted livelihoods.

Furthermore, to make these kitchens even more accessible, Uttar Pradesh became the first state to geotag its kitchens and shelters, partnering with Google Maps to help people locate nearby facilities. This geotagging effort helped ensure that needy individuals could easily find food and shelter during the crisis. This initiative was especially significant during the crisis, as it helped ensure that needy individuals, including the elderly, migrant workers and those stranded in remote locations, could easily find food and shelter without unnecessary delays.

Global Impact

The creation of these community kitchens has evolved into a larger, global trend of efforts to combat food insecurity. Though these initial community kitchens were pandemic-driven, many such initiatives were adapted to address ongoing socioeconomic challenges continuously. Community kitchens in Uttar Pradesh now serve as emergency responses and as a buffer against the growing inequality exacerbated by the pandemic. They have become permanent safety nets for those facing prolonged food insecurity driven by unemployment and disrupted food supply chains.

By providing consistent access to nutritious meals, these initiatives help alleviate the pressures on struggling families and individuals, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need. The sad reality is that food insecurity has doubled in parts of Asia, further underscoring the critical role that initiatives like these play​. In the aftermath of the lockdown, local authorities and NGOs have kept these kitchens running to help people whose livelihoods were yet to recover fully.

The impact of such efforts greatly supports similar global community-based programs that seek to combat hunger. These programs continue to address the population’s long-term economic vulnerabilities, including the pandemic’s financial effects and unemployment.

Moving Forward

The challenge moving forward will be ensuring that Uttar Pradesh’s community kitchens are supported as permanent fixtures in public welfare systems, adapting to post-pandemic realities and the continued economic instability they were designed to mitigate. However, by taking Uttar Pradesh’s initiatives into consideration, we may also make great strides against the longstanding issue of food insecurity.

– Trinity Lee

Trinity is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The WFP’s Efforts to Address Food Insecurity in North Korea

The WFP’s Efforts to Address Food Insecurity in North Korea North Korea has long struggled with food insecurity, a challenge that natural disasters, international sanctions and economic mismanagement have exacerbated. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been active in the country since 1995, playing a critical role in providing food assistance and fighting malnutrition. In recent years, however, the situation has become even more dire. WFP’s most recent efforts have focused on expanding support to the country’s most vulnerable populations. Indeed, food insecurity levels in North Korea have reached their highest point since the 1990s.

An Escalating Crisis

North Korea faces deep-rooted structural challenges in its agricultural sector, including a lack of arable land, inadequate access to modern agricultural technologies and persistent natural disasters. Droughts, floods and typhoons have devastated agricultural production in recent years. Even small-scale disasters have a disproportionate impact on the country’s food system, which is already fragile and prone to disruption. North Korea ranks 29th out of 191 countries in terms of its vulnerability to natural disasters.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation. With borders closed and imports restricted, North Korea has been cut off from many of the external resources it once relied on, including agricultural inputs and food imports. The pandemic has also disrupted the domestic food distribution system, compounding the country’s food insecurity. Economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations (U.N.) further restrict North Korea’s access to international trade, exacerbating shortages of essential goods such as fertilizers, modern farming tools and food.

The WFP estimates that 10.7 million North Koreans—approximately 40% of the population—are undernourished. Many suffer from chronic malnutrition, which is particularly severe among children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. The country’s child malnutrition rate is alarming. In children under five, 18% suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition. These numbers highlight the urgent need for external food assistance.

Recent WFP Initiatives to Combat Hunger

In response to the worsening food crisis, the WFP has adapted and expanded its programs in North Korea. The organization’s recent focus has been on scaling up the delivery of specialized nutritious food, enhancing food production resilience and securing additional funding to meet the growing need.

  • Specialized Nutrition Programs. A key WFP strategy in North Korea is providing fortified foods to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. These fortified foods, which include enriched blended cereals and high-protein biscuits, are designed to combat malnutrition by supplying essential nutrients that are lacking in the North Korean diet. These products are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, which are crucial for children’s development and for improving maternal health. The WFP distributes these foods through nurseries, hospitals, pediatric wards and boarding schools. This ensures that the most at-risk individuals receive targeted nutrition support. Currently, the WFP’s food assistance reaches about one million people across North Korea, with a specific focus on reducing child malnutrition. By addressing the nutritional gaps in the population’s diet, the WFP is helping to alleviate both acute and chronic malnutrition. Local production of fortified foods is also supported through WFP’s partnerships with North Korean food factories, which helps maintain a consistent supply of these essential products.
  • Food Production Resilience. Alongside its nutrition-focused programs, the WFP has also been working to support North Korea’s agricultural production. The country’s farming system is highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks and recurrent natural disasters frequently damage crops and food infrastructure. The WFP aims to improve the resilience of local food production by providing technical assistance and resources to boost agricultural output. While international sanctions limit the scale of these interventions, the WFP has continued to seek ways to strengthen food production capacities in the country.
  • Recent Funding Initiatives. The growing food crisis in North Korea has prompted the WFP to call for a significant increase in funding for its food assistance programs. In early 2023, the WFP sought to triple its budget for North Korea. The organization warned that without additional resources, the country’s food insecurity could lead to a full-scale famine. According to the WFP, food insecurity levels are now the worst they have been since the 1990s, a period marked by widespread famine and mass starvation. The organization has stressed that without urgent action, millions of North Koreans will remain at risk of severe hunger.

The Impact of Sanctions and Border Closures

The WFP’s efforts in North Korea are complicated by the country’s political isolation and economic sanctions. U.N. sanctions, aimed at curbing North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, include restricting international trade and investment in the country. In particular, sanctions have limited North Korea’s ability to import essential agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and modern farming equipment, which are necessary to boost local food production.

The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the WFP’s work. North Korea implemented strict border closures to prevent the spread of the virus. These closures cut off the country from most external aid and imports, including food and medical supplies. Additionally, the closure of public institutions and restrictions on movement within the country disrupted the distribution of food and aid. This has made it even harder for the WFP to reach those in need.

The Road Ahead

Despite the WFP’s efforts, North Korea’s food crisis persists, with millions still suffering from malnutrition. The need for expanded food assistance is critical. However, sanctions, political isolation and the ongoing effects of the pandemic continue to limit the WFP’s operations in North Korea. The organization has consistently called for increased funding and international cooperation to overcome these ongoing challenges. However, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty.

– Sophia Lee

Sophia is based in Media, PA, USA and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hunger Amid Progress: Addressing Food Poverty in India

Food Poverty in IndiaDespite India’s strides in poverty reduction, the country still struggles with severe food poverty, especially among children. A recent United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report underscores this contradiction, revealing that 40% of children in India face severe food poverty. These two statements highlight different aspects of the issue, but their lack of nuance makes it harder to grasp the broader picture.

Comparisons With the National Family Health Survey

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provides additional context to the UNICEF findings. The NFHS-5 data indicates that India’s child wasting rate is the highest globally at 18.7% and the child stunting rate is 31.7%. These figures reflect the persistent challenges in addressing malnutrition despite various government initiatives like the National Nutrition Mission and the Public Distribution System.

Insights From the Global Health Index

The Global Health Index (GHI) further corroborates the severity of India’s hunger crisis. With a score of 28.7, India is categorized as having a “serious” hunger level. This index highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of malnutrition, including food insecurity, poor dietary diversity and inadequate health services.

Gaurav Dwivedi: Methodology and Challenges

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Gaurav Dwivedi, a data journalist from New Delhi Television (NDTV), emphasized the importance of data validation in assessing food poverty. Dwivedi noted that much of the available data is not validated by the government, resulting in discrepancies that hinder effective policy-making. He also highlighted the lack of awareness and educational programs on nutrition and motherhood, which further exacerbates the issue at the grassroots level.

Dwivedi noted that dietary diversity plays a crucial role in understanding food poverty. In India, ancestral knowledge rather than formal education often influences nutritional choices. This lack of formal nutritional education is particularly ironic in urban areas, where access to information is ostensibly better. Additionally, Dwivedi criticized the rigid criteria set by organizations like UNICEF, which may not accurately reflect the nutritional realities of different countries.

The Urgency of Addressing Food Poverty

Figures and insights from various reports highlight the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to tackle food poverty in India. This involves improving data validation, enhancing nutritional education and adapting policies for climate change and population growth. Additionally, more substantial political commitment and accountability are essential to ensure that economic progress improves nutritional well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations.

While India has made significant economic progress, the persistence of severe food poverty among children highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, civil society and international organizations to ensure every child has access to a nutritious and diverse diet, paving the way for a healthier future.

– Malaikah Niyazi

Malaikah is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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An Unusual Cookery Show is Supporting Refugees in Algeria

Refugees in AlgeriaAmid the rising tide of global crises, an unusual cookery show provides hope to Sahrawi refugees living in Algeria’s remote desert region of Tindouf. Many refugees in Algeria are in dire straits as a result of increased food and fuel prices brought on by the conflict in Ukraine, the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and food shortages. However, a fellow Sahrawi refugee named Haha is hosting a cookery show to help these displaced individuals create nutritious meals with limited resources.

Refugees in Algeria

Sahrawi refugees, who have lived in camps around Tindouf for decades, are now struggling more than ever to access food for their families. With food rations reduced to less than five kilograms per person per month, many are receiving far below the minimum caloric intake needed to maintain health.

Abdel Halim Elfaki, acting representative for the UNHCR in Algeria, expressed concern over the situation. According to UNHCR, this reduction has forced refugees like Muna Hamid, a 35-year-old single mother of two, to make heartbreaking decisions as she watches her children skip meals due to the lack of affordable food.

A Creative Response

In response to the escalating food crisis in the Sahrawi refugee camps, Haha’s cookery show, Min chway nadal chi zayn (translated as “With few ingredients, we make meals”), has become a vital resource for many struggling families. The show, which has been on air since 2012, started as part of a broader initiative from the Italian NGO CISP in collaboration with the Sahrawi Red Crescent and the World Food Programme (WFP). The initiative aims to strengthen food security by raising awareness about nutrition and making the most of the food distributed in the camps.

Haha’s show provides practical lessons on how to create nutritious meals from the limited and often unconventional ingredients available in the desert environment of Tindouf. By creatively blending traditional Sahrawi recipes with new ideas, the show empowers families to maximize their reduced rations. In addition to recipe demonstrations, the show educates viewers on the nutritional benefits of these meals, helping them understand how to combat malnutrition with the resources they have.

The program is filmed in a fully equipped television studio and is part of a broader effort to improve food practices among the refugees in Algeria, according to CISP. It also includes post-distribution monitoring of food availability, access and consumption, as well as training sessions on cooking techniques that enhance the nutritional value of distributed food items.

A Lifeline for Refugees in Algeria

The impact of the cookery show is felt deeply among the refugee community. For instance, Deheba, a 55-year-old grandmother, credits the show with helping her find new ways to provide essential nutrition to her family despite the food shortages, UNHCR reports. The show has introduced her to new recipes that incorporate available vegetables, helping her grandchildren maintain their health.

Deheba mentioned that what she has learned from Haha’s cooking show has been very helpful and has contributed to her family’s well-being, even with the food shortages they face.

Another refugee, Mohamed, a 65-year-old widower and father of six, also relies on the show’s advice. According to UNHCR, after losing his herd of goats during the pandemic, Mohamed has struggled to provide for his children. Yet, thanks to Haha’s guidance, he finds creative ways to use the little he has to keep his family fed.

Empowering Families Through Knowledge

Haha, began her journey as a TV chef driven by the desire to help her community in the Tindouf camps, where she has lived for decades. Despite starting with a simple goal, the show gained popularity and expanded its reach. She invites doctors and nutritionists to her show to educate people about healthy diets.

Haha began collaborating with the WFP to extend her efforts beyond the television screen, taking her knowledge to local schools. She worked with WFP to incorporate her recipes into school feeding programs, which could improve the nutrition of young students.

Looking to the future, Haha hopes that her show will continue to expand, not only providing practical cooking tips but also fostering a greater sense of resilience and hope within the refugee community. She envisions the show as a long-term platform that can inspire healthier eating habits, improve nutrition and perhaps even offer a model for other refugee communities facing similar challenges.

– Sumaiya Sultana

Sumaiya is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations Tackling Food Insecurity in Chad

Food Insecurity in ChadChad, a landlocked country in central Africa, faces some of the highest levels of food insecurity and starvation globally. Approximately 42% of its population lives below the poverty line. With a score of roughly 35 on the 2023 Global Hunger Index, Chad has a severe hunger level. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has disrupted trade, driven up food prices and led to below-average market supplies, contributing significantly to the severe starvation in Chad. 

In addition to the extreme poverty faced by its residents, more than 600,000 refugees seeking shelter and security have entered Chad. Already hosting more than one million refugees, the country continues to grapple with widespread hunger and food insecurity despite the substantial refugee influx. However, several organizations are actively working to tackle food insecurity in Chad.

Action Against Hunger

This organization has already assisted more than 520,000 people, yet with a staggering 5.5 million people in need in Chad, many continue to struggle with food insecurity. While Action Against Hunger (AGA) provides food to vulnerable populations, the ready-made supplies are only a temporary solution. To address this issue more sustainably, AGA is teaching communities in Chad how to grow their own crops and manage limited rainfall to enhance local food production.

Concern Worldwide

Concern Worldwide has addressed food insecurity in Chad by implementing programs designed to enhance livelihoods. These initiatives provide participants the tools to achieve sustainable living, acquire new skills, improve crop yields and nutritional quality and generate income through small businesses.

Concern Worldwide’s efforts to build sustainable livelihoods in Chad have reached 62,000 people. The organization has also provided free health services, improved nutritional support and access to clean and safe drinking water to approximately 133,000 vulnerable individuals and people with disabilities.

Additionally, Concern Worldwide launched the Concerted and Inclusive Development in the Lake Province (DECILAC), a pioneering project supported by Facilité G5 Sahel. This project focuses on inclusively investing in food security, strengthening local value chains, enhancing education and mitigating food insecurity in the Lac province.

The World Food Programme

The World Food Programme (WFP) plans to assist 2.5 million people across Chad, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and other vulnerable groups. Between June and August 2024, WFP aims to reach more than one million individuals with food, cash and nutritional advice. The organization also focuses on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers facing food insecurity by providing malnutrition treatments and supporting school children with nutritious meals to help combat hunger and promote education.

Final Note

While hunger rates in Chad are high, the efforts of organizations like WFP and Concern Worldwide offer hope for a brighter future. With continued support and intervention, Chad can work toward overcoming these challenges, enabling its people to thrive within their communities and shift from merely surviving to truly living.

– Sadie Virgin

Sadie is based in Newport, Wales, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Global Food Insecurity: Trends and Policy Recommendations

Global Food Insecurity: Trends and Policy Recommendations Food insecurity, a socioeconomic condition of limited or uncertain food access, often coincides with geopolitical tensions. Recent reports underscore the world is off track to achieve the United Nations’ (U.N.’s) zero hunger goal. Escalating conflict worsens acute food insecurity and international efforts face financial and structural challenges. Recent reports detail the trends in global food insecurity and food crises. Here are the key takeaways from the U.N. State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, the 2024 Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), International Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) and the World Bank Food Security Update.

Food Insecurity: Global Trends

Global progress toward SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) remains stagnant since 2021. The broader picture reveals that hunger rates have plateaued since spiking in 2019. The prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) affected 9.1% of the population in 2023 — a slight increase from 7.5% two years prior. 

Regional disparities are evident. In 2023, undernourishment increased in Africa by 0.5%, by 0.3% in West Asia and by 0.4% in the Caribbean, while remaining stable in East Asia and decreased by 0.4% in Latin America. This means more than 14 million additional undernourished individuals in Africa but five million fewer in Latin America and Asia. 

Since 2019, the number of people facing acute food insecurity has increased across countries surveyed by the GRFC. While the situation improved in 17 countries, reducing the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity by 7.2 million, it worsened in 12 countries, where an additional 13.5 million people now face high levels of acute food insecurity. Gaza, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia and Mali are at risk of famine in 2024.

Food prices are rising globally, especially in middle and lower-income countries. The number of people who can afford a healthy diet returned to pre-pandemic levels, albeit with a disparity between lower and higher-income countries. 

Overall, the world is not on track to meet its seven nutrition targets by 2030. While stunting and wasting are declining and exclusive breastfeeding rates are rising, there has been no improvement in low birthweight, obesity and anemia among women. Additionally, El Niño weather patterns have worsened food insecurity in southern Africa but have contributed to improved harvests in parts of East Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Conflict

The main driver of global food insecurity is conflict. In the 59 countries and territories surveyed by the GRFC, more than 134 million people face high acute food insecurity where conflict is the primary driver, compared to 71.9 million and 75.2 million for extreme weather and economic shocks respectively.  

In Sudan, the onset of civil war in 2023 disrupted food production, leading to acute food insecurity for 20.3 million people — an increase of 8.6 million. It is expected that more than 25 million people will face crisis conditions in 2024.

In Gaza, due to mass displacement, infrastructural damage and limited humanitarian access 2.5 million people (96% of its population) will face acute food insecurity in 2024. 

In Haiti, approximately half of its population faced acute food insecurity due to violence. Armed gangs seized farms, agricultural products and the main port. Subsequent transportation disruptions and internal displacement are increasing food prices.

Policy Recommendations to Address Global Food Insecurity

Addressing food insecurity could prevent future social, economic and environmental costs. This includes aid for famine relief, refugee costs from hunger-caused displacement, health expenses and productivity loss due to undernutrition. According to estimates from the Global Nutrition Report 2021, economic gains from nutrition investment can potentially amount to $5.7 trillion annually by 2030 and $10.5 trillion annually by 2050.

While estimates vary, it would cost around $4 trillion to eliminate hunger by 2030. The current architecture is fragmented; food security financing must be scaled through international financial institutions, the U.N. emphasized. Recently, the World Bank made $45 billion available for food and nutrition response, supporting agricultural plans, employment opportunities and resilience programs. 

The IPC warned the cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access is needed to alleviate famine in Gaza. Likewise, Haiti and Sudan risk famine as the effects of conflict worsen. Conflict must be reduced to effectively address systemic failures and strengthen governance. The IPC also calls for early action, humanitarian access and multi-sectoral responses to avoid famine.

Looking Forward

The U.N. reports highlight that global food insecurity remains a pressing issue, with conflict being the primary driver. Countries like Sudan, Gaza and Haiti face severe food crises due to ongoing conflicts and economic challenges. Addressing food insecurity through comprehensive international efforts and improved governance could prevent future crises and significantly enhance global well-being.

– Luke Ravetto

Luke is based in Boston, MA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Poverty and Hunger in Yemen Are Interconnected

Hunger in YemenYemen has triumphed through a difficult past. Unfortunately, remnants of this politically complex past, from civil wars to foreign interference, continue to affect the population today. Hunger in Yemen is rampant – out of a population of 33.7 million, 17 million are food insecure, with 18.6 million also requiring humanitarian assistance. Poverty and hunger in Yemen are not mutually exclusive, with food prices rising by 45% and the expensive scramble to eat resulting in more than 70% of the population residing below the poverty line. Having already withstood numerous injustices, the population shines in their ability to cope, but this does not mean hunger in Yemen can be overlooked, and these harrowing statistics raise the critical question of what must be started, or reinforced, to ensure that Yemen can recover from its rocky past.

Hunger and Poverty in Yemen

Conflict since 2015, from civil to proxy, has resulted in unfortunately growing hunger in Yemen as well as poverty extremes. Around 4.5 million people are internally displaced, with the majority residing in camps. In the 2023 Global Hunger Index, Yemen had a score of 39.9, with the range of 35.0 to 49.9 labelled as “Alarming.”

However, this score of 39.9 has dropped from the score of 42.1 in 2015, proving that global action to subvert this crisis as much as possible has been slightly beneficial.

Additionally, more than 308,000 migrants, mainly from Ethiopia and Somalia, are currently in Yemen while migrating through the Eastern Route, according to the INTERSOS. Escaping conflict of their own, these migrants only add to the mouths to feed within the country and intensify the hunger crisis.

Subverting Poverty

Bearing this in mind, The World Food Programme (WFP) and other subsets of the United Nations, have played a critical role in attempting to alleviate hunger and poverty in Yemen. According to WFP, it provides food over 4,360 distribution points across the country, covering all 333 districts of Yemen. Close to 2 million students across 4,600 Yemeni schools received fortified date bars or biscuits every day, under the Healthy Kitchens project.

Each month, the WFP distributes close to “100,000 metric tons of food commodities at more than 5,000 points, reaching more than 8 million Yemenis.”

Reinforcing These Initiatives

In December 2023, the WFP notified the world of a halt in food distribution due to limited funding and no agreement with local authorities on the best way to proceed with food deliveries. Considering the slow yet positive impact of the initiatives mentioned above, it is imperative to intensify the funding to the WFP, taking global action towards mitigating hunger.

Bearing this in mind, increasing WFP funding efforts and encouraging greater food distribution will help ensure the gradual mitigation of hunger in Yemen. Raising awareness, engaging with the WFP and interacting with Yemenis will help drive efforts to resume food distribution and convey the seriousness of arriving at funding agreements.

– Disheta Anand

Disheta is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay