Archive for category: Food & Hunger

Information and stories on food.

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Food Systems in Northern Ireland Are Growing Stronger

Food Systems in Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland is a region of the United Kingdom (U.K.) made up of six counties on the northeast side of the island of Ireland. The Government of Ireland Act separated Northern Ireland from the independent Republic of Ireland in 1921. In more recent history, the region has struggled with issues of food insecurity. In 2010, an estimated 28% of Northern Irish adults and 23% of their children were experiencing food poverty. However, the situation has drastically improved, with only 9% of households in Northern Ireland reporting food insecurity concerns as of 2025. Here are some factors that have helped improve food systems in Northern Ireland in recent years:

1. Brexit 

In January 2020, the United Kingdom withdrew its membership from the European Union. The U.K. signed the Brexit referendum four years prior, in 2016. Brexit has caused a variety of financial effects, some positive and some negative. It has also enabled the U.K. to create more tailored legislation targeting the roots of food insecurity across the country.

The U.K. Department for Environment, Food & Rural affairs released a statement in July 2025 detailing plans for new food systems legislation to combat hunger and malnourishment specifically affecting children and rural populations. This food strategy aims to create a “good food cycle” by uplifting British farmers, improving agrifood trade relations with the European Union and combat biodiversity loss to allow for more balanced diets. After separating from the EU, the U.K. has shifted its focus to reprioritize food systems at a nationwide level that support its citizens financially and physically.

2. Increased Community Involvement

The Food, Farming & Countryside Commission (FFCC) has directed its attention to amplifying the voices of community members and local farmers in order to strengthen food systems in Northern Ireland. The FFCC has been operating as an independent commission since 2017. In the last two years, it has succeeded in bridging communication between the U.K.’s citizens and government through initiatives such as The Food Conversation and reports including “The False Economy of Big Food” and “Paying the Price.” The action items the FFCC is currently prioritizing include: 

  • Increasing trust between the FFCC, Northern Irish Farmers and Northern Irish people by assembling meetings across various sectors of government and community leadership.
  • Fostering relationships and networks of support between farmers across the region. This includes educational opportunities to increase Northern Ireland’s agricultural production.
  • Bringing citizens and government leaders together for important discussions on what the people want and need from their food systems.
  • Establishing and implementing a common Land Use Framework across Northern Ireland’s estimated 25,000 farms.

3. Technological Innovation 

Improving technologies in the agriculture and supply chain sectors have a high potential to continue improving the efficacy of food systems in Northern Ireland and globally. One example of a recent promising innovation for Northern Irish food security is the Food Co-Centre Conceptual Framework which Oxford University researchers developed at their Environmental Change Institute. The Institute launched this framework in 2025 and aims to deliver “environmental, economic and social stability by 2050” through tracking all stages of food production and distribution in Northern Ireland and optimizing the process by metrics of sustainability and affordability. 

Dr. Alice Gilmour is the lead author of the study responsible for designing the Food Co-Centre Conceptual Framework. When asked about what the framework will help to accomplish, she stated: 

“This framework will help policymakers and food systems stakeholders avoid a siloed approach as it provides the wider context of the entire food system. It brings together insights from industry, NGOs, government, and academia to guide smarter, more sustainable decisions.” This new technology is capable of identifying gaps in the food systems of Northern Ireland and the U.K. more broadly and problem-solving outside of the often “siloed” thinking of regulatory bodies. With this information, the Food Co-Centre Conceptual Framework will suggest more informed and optimally beneficial solutions for governmental, industry and research approaches to how the U.K. grows and distributes its food.

Looking Ahead

Food insecurity and malnutrition rates in Northern Ireland have improved by 14% for children and 19% for adult populations in the past decade. These positive margins come as a direct result of increased community involvement, implementation of new technologies and reformed socioeconomic policies that better reflect the U.K.’s specific interests. Initiatives like the ones highlighted in this article project to minimize and hope to eradicate food insecurity and strengthen food systems in Northern Ireland and across the U.K. within the next two decades.

– Natalie Naylor

Natalie is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Protecting Nutrition Security in Rwanda amid USAID crisis

Nutrition Security in RwandaFrom receiving approximately $12.7 billion from USAID grants in 2024, to the slashing and the cancelling of USAID programs in 2026, Africa faces reductions in multiple life-saving programs focusing on HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal and child health and nutrition.

In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 55 million people face severe food shortages, and more than 13 million children could suffer severe malnutrition. Across the region, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger are the most affected by the cancellation of nutrition programs, with malnutrition levels inching towards critical and mortality rates among children skyrocketing. Rwanda also faces similar challenges due to the cuts in USAID; however, they are positioned better than neighbouring countries. Proactive planning, policy implementation, health services and nutrition programs underlay the long-term efforts towards nutrition security in Rwanda, enabling them to withstand the shocking blow of aid cuts.

The Long-Term Plan to Establish Nutrition Security in Rwanda

Rwanda’s government has taken a proactive, autonomous approach to direct foreign aid into investing and developing its own aid programs. This ensured the maximum and most efficient use of the foreign aid provided, and Rwanda used this to build a long-term nutrition security plan that cushioned the country during the aid cuts.

Rwanda’s National Food and Nutrition Policy served as a basis for the strategic plan from 2013 to 2018, including a framework for fortified foods for mothers and children, school milk programs, and community awareness campaigns, including the following programs, which have delivered results amid the aid crisis.

Shisha Kibondo

This program saw the local production of a range of nutrient-dense fortified blended food (FBF) products under the brand Shisha Kibondo. These supplements are freely distributed among children younger than 2 years. Pregnant mothers also receive a locally produced maize-corn flour blend with a vitamin/mineral premix. The FBP distribution has contributed to the reduction in child stunting from 33% in 2020 to 27% in 2025, and an overall increase in food security among Rwanda’s households, enabling more than 80% of them to get three meals a day. This data has been uninterrupted by disruptions due to the global pandemic or the aid cuts.

Iron Beans

Iron deficiency is prevalent among Rwandans. Notably, 19% of pregnant women and 37% of the children under the age of 5 suffer from iron deficiency anaemia. To specifically combat these numbers, the Rwanda Agriculture Board and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, in partnership with HarvestPlus, introduced iron-fortified bean varieties to Rwandan farmers and provided them with training for suitable agricultural practices. They also worked with the private sector to scale up production and delivery of the iron beans. The ministries of Education and Agriculture have encouraged adding these iron beans to school feeding programs. These iron beans quickly reduce iron deficiency and anaemia among consumers, and enhance their cognitive and physical capabilities.

Feeding Programs

Among multiple school feeding programs, the National Early Childhood Development Programme funded the “One Cup of Milk per Child” program, ensuring pre-primary and primary students receive milk servings two times a week across 19 districts in Rwanda. The overall aim of the program was to improve the nutritional status of students and to encourage them to pursue their education. These feeding programs helped reduce dropout rates among the children, with dropout rates declining by half since 2021 and encouraged students who previously left school to return and pursue their education.

Nutrition and Hygiene Awareness Programs

Community Health Workers (CHW) are responsible for providing health care services within the community. CHWs also implement nutritional interventions, train and educate parents and caregivers in proper nutrition and hygiene practises, and regularly monitor and support households at risk. The CHW network helps contribute to the decline in stunting among children and the reduction of mortality rates among children and pregnant women. While families benefit from CHWs’ guidance, they are sometimes unable to implement the required recommendations and may need additional resources and support to protect their families from nutrition-related tragedies.

By investing in nutrition security in Rwanda, the government was able to maintain core services and protect its citizens, while its neighbours bore the brunt of aid cuts. As the effects of aid cuts continue to ripple across the region, Rwanda’s model of self-sufficiency offers a blueprint for cultivating permanent systems instead of fostering reliance and dependency.

– Nishtha Mahendra Kumar

Nishtha is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need To Know About Hunger in Nepal

Hunger in NepalDespite improvements in recent years, hunger in Nepal remains a significant challenge. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), 16.5% of the population was food insecure in October 2024, and about 4.81 million people were consuming inadequate diets.

The country’s overall hunger level is classified as “moderate” by the Global Hunger Index, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges. Malnutrition remains one of the most serious aspects of the problem. Limited dietary diversity and poor access to nutritious food contribute to long-term health issues, particularly among women and children.

The Geography of Hunger in Nepal

Geography plays a central role in shaping hunger in Nepal. Mountain regions are among the most isolated in South Asia, with limited road networks and difficult terrain. Transporting food to these areas is costly and time-consuming, which drives up the price of basic staples.

According to the World Food Programme, food prices are two to three times higher in mountain regions, even when national food prices remain relatively stable. Limited farmland, harsh weather conditions and seasonal isolation also make it difficult for many communities to produce enough food locally. As a result, households in remote regions are more vulnerable to shortages and price shocks.

What Drives Hunger in Nepal?

Several interconnected factors contribute to hunger in Nepal, with poverty remaining one of the most important drivers. In rural areas, employment opportunities are limited and many households depend on small-scale agriculture, but limited land and low productivity restrict income and food production. For example, the average farm size is only about 0.7 hectares, and more than half of farming households cultivate less than 0.5 hectares, making it difficult to produce enough food beyond subsistence levels.

Changing weather patterns and environmental hazards also intensify food insecurity. Natural disasters such as floods and landslides frequently damage crops and disrupt food systems, while many farmers rely on rainfall because only just over half of Nepal’s agricultural land has irrigation.

Geographic and infrastructural challenges further compound the problem. Food access is particularly limited in mountainous regions, and child stunting rates reach 46.8% in mountain areas compared with 36.7% in the Terai, highlighting regional inequalities in nutrition and food access. Poor infrastructure and limited market connectivity in remote areas make it more difficult for farmers to transport food and access markets, reinforcing existing food insecurity.

Progress Made in Reducing Hunger

Despite these challenges, Nepal has made notable progress in reducing hunger in Nepal over the past two decades. Economic recovery and steady development have helped improve household incomes and strengthen food access.

The country’s GDP growth increased from 1.9% in 2023 to 3.9% in 2024, with projections reaching around 5% in 2025. 

Food insecurity has also declined compared with recent years. While 16.5% of Nepalis were food insecure in 2024, this represents a 6.4-percentage-point drop from the peak recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Programs Tackling Food Insecurity

Several initiatives are working to address hunger in Nepal. The World Food Programme has been supporting food security programs in the country since 1963, assisting vulnerable communities and responding to disasters.

One key initiative is the national school feeding programme, which in January 2026 expanded when 1,039 schools in Sudurpaschim Province were integrated into Nepal’s Mid-Day Meals Programme.

Nutrition education programmes initiated by the World Food Programme are also helping communities improve diets. Cooking demonstrations and training sessions have taught thousands of caregivers how to prepare healthier meals using locally available ingredients.

However, experts note that most nutrition policies in Nepal have historically focused on undernutrition, with far less attention given to overnutrition and diet-related diseases. While undernutrition remains a major concern, Nepal is increasingly facing a “double burden” of malnutrition, where both undernutrition and obesity coexist. For instance, 35.8% of children under five were stunted and 11% suffered acute malnutrition in 2016, indicating persistent undernutrition. At the same time, rates of overweight and obesity are rising: 22.8% of women and 19.1% of men were classified as overweight, and overweight among women aged 15–49 increased from 13% in 2011 to 21% in 2016. 

Diet-related health risks are also growing, with noncommunicable diseases accounting for about 66% of total deaths in Nepal. These trends are linked to limited access to diverse, nutritious foods and changing dietary patterns, particularly in geographically isolated areas where access to fresh foods can be restricted.

Changing Weather and the Future of Food

Agriculture remains central to Nepal’s economy and food system, but changing weather patterns are increasingly shaping how farmers produce food. Changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events threaten crops and rural livelihoods. To strengthen resilience, initiatives such as Farmer Nutrition Schools have trained about 4,000 smallholder farmers in climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. These programs promote techniques such as improved irrigation, composting and crop diversification to help farmers adapt to environmental pressures.

The Road Ahead

Nepal’s progress in addressing hunger in Nepal shows that sustained investment in nutrition, agriculture and social protection can make a difference. Yet geography, climate risks and persistent inequalities continue to shape who benefits most from that progress.

Experts say that while Nepal has adopted numerous food and nutrition policies, many lack clear implementation and monitoring mechanisms, limiting their long-term impact.

Strengthening these systems, alongside improving road networks, supporting climate-resilient agriculture and expanding nutrition programs, will be essential to ensuring that all Nepalis have reliable access to nutritious food.

– Sayanee Mandal

Sayanee is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Boosting Food Security: The Golden Yolk Project in the Bahamas

The Golden Yolk ProjectThe Bahamas, an island country situated in the Atlantic Ocean, comprises approximately 700 islands and has a population of 399,440 as of 2023. With a tropical climate all year round due to the Gulf Stream, the Bahamas’ population continues to suffer from food malnutrition. The Golden Yolk Project initiative involves increasing sustainable egg production, boosting food security, decreasing malnutrition rates and improving employability rates in the country. It is a government-invested scheme which targets lower-middle-income families across the Bahamas.

Malnutrition Across the Bahamas

A very small number of the food consumed in the Bahamas is naturally grown and produced across the region, meaning the population is highly reliant on imported food sources. According to the Global Nutrition Report, obesity rates across the Bahamas are considerably high, with 41% of women (above the age of 18) and 27.4% of men living with obesity. According to the International Trade Administration, the Bahamas imports almost 90% of its food, totaling around $1 billion a year.

These include meat, beef, dairy, eggs, fruit, vegetable juices and oil products. These foods are highly processed and have led to unhealthy dietary challenges. Due to rising and fluctuating prices of imported food, low- and middle-income families are facing food insecurity. Hands for Hunger reports that one in 10 people in the Bahamas lives below the poverty line and experiences extreme food insecurity.

The Golden Yolk Project

Hon. Clay Sweeting (former Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs) launched an egg production project in February 2023. The initiative aims to boost egg production across the Bahamas so the country can achieve sustainable and affordable access to food. According to the Regional Statistics Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Government of the Bahamas invested more than $15 million in the project to:

  • Boost annual egg production and restrict imported eggs
  • Reduce malnutrition rates
  • Provide employability opportunities
  • Increase agricultural production rates through new infrastructural development

Ongoing Work/Targets

  • Implementation Across Islands: The project will be carried out on 12 islands in the Bahamas: Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, Berry Island Andros, Eleuthera, Exuma, Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island, Ragged Island and Inagua.
  • Job Creation: The project will create a total of 90 jobs, 51 of which will be across the islands.
  • Construction of a New Feed Mill: The government will finance a new state-of-the-art feed mill. A feed mill is a series of machines that use grains to produce nutritional animal feed for different animals.
  • Supportive Environment for Farmers: The government will contract the facility to farms, which will be required to sell eggs to different distributors in the Bahamas.
  • Increase in Egg Production: According to CARICOM, officials say the project will produce 13 million eggs annually across the islands while providing technical support and resources to farmers contracted to manage the facility.

Looking Forward

Malnutrition across the Bahamas remains an ongoing issue, particularly for low- and middle-income families experiencing fluctuating prices for imported food products. Obesity is also a visible problem across the country. Effective solutions, such as the Golden Yolk Project, will facilitate sustainable food production with newly funded technical equipment to enhance food security and reduce malnutrition across the Bahamas.

The former Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs told The Tribune Business that the goal is to raise egg production to 28 million from 700,000 per year once the project becomes operational.

– Zara Ashraf

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

Photo: Unsplash

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How Landmine Clearance and Food Security

How Landmine Clearance and Food Security Support Development in IndonesiaLandmines, cluster munitions and improvised explosive devices continue to threaten civilian lives and block economic progress long after conflicts end, making land unsafe for farming, travel or everyday life. These explosive remnants of war can lie hidden for decades and prevent people from safely accessing land for food production, shelter or infrastructure. They are one reason communities often cannot rebuild after conflict. At least 58 states and territories remain contaminated by these explosive hazards — 29 with cluster munition remnants and more than 60 with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) — endangering millions of people and limiting economic opportunities.

Because contaminated land is unsafe, farmers often cannot grow food where they once did, which reduces food production and household income and slows community recovery. This weakens food security and forces families to rely on outside support instead of producing their own food. Mine clearance makes land safe again so families can plant crops, raise animals and support their own food supplies — a key part of strengthening landmine clearance and food security and promoting long-term community well-being.

Clearing Land for Food and Growth

Mine action — the process of surveying, mapping, detecting and removing landmines and explosive remnants of war — does more than save lives. As teams clear contaminated land and certify it safe, farmers can return to productive use, reinforcing landmine clearance and food security. This work also supports broader improvements such as irrigation systems, water access points and improved roads, which help sustain agricultural productivity and support community development.

Clearing landmines also reopens roads and paths that were once too dangerous to use, allowing children to go to school, families to access health care and goods to be traded at markets. Safe infrastructure supports local economies and helps communities rebuild and connect with broader development opportunities.

Indonesia’s Role in Mine Action and Food Security

Indonesia frames mine action as both a humanitarian obligation and a development priority, particularly through its participation in international disarmament and peacebuilding frameworks. As a state party to the Ottawa Treaty, also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Indonesia links mine action to civilian protection, post-conflict recovery and long-term development, including food security.

While Indonesia is not among the most heavily contaminated countries, it plays a role in international mine action assistance through peacekeeping operations, South-South cooperation and regional leadership in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia has also expressed concern about the growing global threat posed by explosive remnants of war, particularly as climate change increases flooding and extreme weather, causing unexploded ordnance to move into previously cleared agricultural areas. These risks further undermine food production in climate-vulnerable regions and highlight the need for sustained international cooperation and innovation in mine action.

The Importance of Funding for Mine Action

Funding is essential for mine action because clearing landmines and supporting affected communities requires long-term investment. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) receives support through assessed contributions when mine action is part of peacekeeping or other United Nations missions and through extra-budgetary resources provided by member states to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action. The fund helps finance surveys, clearance, risk education and victim assistance.

Indonesia has repeatedly warned within the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly that declining voluntary funding threatens the sustainability of mine action programs worldwide, especially as global military expenditures continue to rise. Continued funding is needed to sustain clearance operations, support survivors, expand risk education and integrate mine action with broader humanitarian and development programming.

Indonesia and International Support

Indonesia supports international efforts to remove landmines and participates in global frameworks that encourage civilian protection and post-conflict recovery. Agreements such as the Mine Ban Treaty have led to widespread destruction of landmines and mobilized international cooperation to help countries and communities address contamination, including through risk education and assistance to survivors.

Mine action is not only about physical clearance. It also includes risk education, which teaches people how to recognize and avoid explosive hazards, and victim assistance, which helps those injured regain independence and participate in community life. These programs help communities rebuild confidence, participate in economic activity and focus on education and work rather than fear of unexploded weapons, though challenges remain as some regions recover more slowly.

Food Security and the Future

The relationship between landmine clearance and food security plays a critical role in helping communities rebuild after conflict and invest in long-term development. When land is cleared of explosive hazards, farmers can grow more food, households can invest in farming and other income-producing activities and communities can reduce poverty. Safe land also encourages investment in infrastructure such as irrigation, roads and local markets, strengthening resilience in agricultural communities and fostering economic growth.

Indonesia emphasizes that mine action directly supports global development goals such as ending hunger (SDG 2), promoting peace (SDG 16) and improving human security. Although progress can be uneven across regions, continued international support and cooperation help mine action reach more people, make communities safer and contribute to long-term development outcomes in Indonesia and around the world.

– Anaisha Kundu

Anaisha is based in Skillman, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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From Rice to Resilience: Food Systems in Laos

Food Systems in LaosAs the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) moves into the latter half of the 2020s, climate volatility, demographic growth and a rural development model anchored in subsistence agriculture are pushing food systems in Laos to a turning point. Though the country has achieved measurable progress in reducing absolute poverty and stimulating macroeconomic growth, the deeper transformation required for food system resilience remains elusive. In particular, the interconnected challenges of infrastructural isolation, market inaccessibility and nutritional insecurity continue to delimit the horizons of sustainable rural development.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that more than 7.5 million people live across more than 10,000 villages, many of them in topographically complex and infrastructurally marginal zones. Geography shapes food security in practical, immediate ways. As farmers increasingly experience “unpredictable weather patterns that affect their crops and livelihoods,” Laotians often depend on seasonal conditions to move food, farm inputs and essential services. As a result, households secure food not only through production or income, but through roads, rivers and rainfall.

A Rice-Based Rural Economy 

Most Laotians still depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, and rice remains both a cultural staple and the foundation of daily diets. The UN Common Country Analysis notes that the nation’s agricultural sector is “predominantly subsistence and rice-based.” This singular dependence creates vulnerabilities. When households and districts depend on a monocultural system, they reduce dietary diversity and weaken ecological resilience, which leaves rural communities more exposed to nutritional shortfalls and environmental shocks.

To supplement rice-based diets, many households gather forest products, cultivate home gardens and raise small-scale livestock or fish farming. These practices often improve nutrition, but environmental degradation, resource scarcity and changing weather patterns can quickly undermine them. National planning also tends to overlook these systems, and the poorest or most remote communities often cannot reap their benefits.

The Confluence of Changing Weather and Demographic Growth

Despite its economic momentum, Laos continues to struggle with entrenched food insecurity. Roughly one-third of children under five experience stunting. Demographic change will likely intensify these pressures: projections suggest the population will reach 9 million by 2035, increasing demand for land, water and food. 

Therefore, food systems in Laos face a distribution challenge as much as a production challenge. The country must deliver food reliably and affordably throughout the year, not merely grow more of it. Rising input costs, deteriorating soil quality and climate-induced variability in rainfall are already placing new strains on production, storage and distribution networks. Limited infrastructure exacerbates these stresses and turns climate shocks into prolonged disruptions.

Poverty and Market Disconnection

Food insecurity in Laos is strongly correlated with rural poverty and spatial exclusion. WFP estimates that 18% of the population lives on less than $1.25 USD per day, while the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) highlights the persistence of multidimensional poverty in the country’s mountainous north and east. In regions where roads are impassable for months at a time, where agricultural extension services are non-existent, and where markets are distant or unresponsive, households face a compound disadvantage. When crops fail or prices spike, these communities have few alternatives and limited buffers to absorb shocks.

Even as national poverty rates have declined, geographic inequality remains a defining feature of rural life. Almost one-third of rural Laotians are considered multidimensionally poor, with food insecurity operating as both a cause and a consequence of that deprivation.

Toward Integrated and Adaptive Food Systems

In response to these structural challenges, the Lao government and international development agencies have begun advancing a more integrated approach to food system resilience. Rather than treating agriculture, nutrition and infrastructure as discrete policy domains, current strategies increasingly view them as interdependent elements within a broader development framework.

Two initiatives that IFAD supports exemplify this systemic orientation:

  • Agriculture for Nutrition Phase II ($48.3 million USD): This is a multi-pronged initiative focused on enhancing household nutrition through diversified production and income generation.
  • Partnerships for Irrigation and Smallholder Agriculture ($166.27 million USD): It aims to strengthen irrigation networks, value chain linkages and climate-resilient farming practices.

Both initiatives depart from conventional aid models by recognizing that food security cannot be resolved in silos. Instead, they promote structural enablers such as market access, climate-smart agriculture and inclusive governance that can buttress systemic resilience.

Looking Ahead

Food systems in Laos capture many food security challenges that landlocked and climate-exposed countries across the Global South now face. The food system remains deeply local, rooted in subsistence farming and traditional ecological knowledge, while at the same time highly exposed to global market fluctuations and reliant on external aid.

The imperative now is to construct a food system that is not only productive, but adaptive. This requires all-weather infrastructure, diversified production systems and governance mechanisms that extend beyond national averages to address subnational disparities. It also necessitates a reorientation of food security policy from the distribution of calories to the cultivation of resilience.

– Lola Chambers

Lola is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Malnutrition and Poverty in India

Malnutrition and Poverty in IndiaIn Delhi’s crowded Seemapuri settlement, 32-year-old Savitri Devi begins each morning wondering whether she can feed her children more than one meal that day. “Sometimes we just eat rice and salt,” she says quietly. “I tell my daughter to drink water so she won’t feel hungry.”

For families like Savitri’s, malnutrition is not just a health crisis; it’s a poverty trap that limits learning, weakens productivity and keeps entire communities from escaping hardship. The issue of malnutrition and poverty in India remains deeply intertwined, particularly in urban slums where wages are low and food prices rise faster than incomes.

The Cycle of Poverty and Malnutrition in India

The world’s highest concentration of undernourished people is found in India. The Global Hunger Index 2025 states that 32.9% of children under 5 in India are stunted and 12% of the country’s population is undernourished. This crisis is made worse in Delhi’s urban slums by overcrowding, contaminated water and inconsistent incomes.

Daily-wage families frequently rely on the least expensive, high-calorie foods that are deficient in vital nutrients to make ends meet. Poor nutrition harms both economic and educational outcomes. Malnourished children are more likely to experience cognitive delays, poorer academic performance and lower adult incomes.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, chronic malnutrition can result in decreased productivity and lower a nation’s GDP by 2-4%.

A Mother’s Struggle in Delhi

The connection between food and survival is painfully obvious to Savitri, who sells plastic bottles gathered from trash heaps. “I can’t work if I get sick. We don’t eat if I’m not working,” she says. Similar experiences are shared by many Seemapuri women who juggle taking care of malnourished children while working long hours in informal jobs.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 24% of children under 5 in South Delhi are underweight and 27% are stunted. These figures underscore the severity of nutritional inequality, even in India’s affluent capital.

Government Efforts: ICDS and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

Through Anganwadi centers, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program remains India’s premier nutrition initiative, providing food, health examinations and preschool education. The Delhi government operates more than 10,000 centers serving children and pregnant women. Savitri states, “My daughter receives one hot meal per day from the Anganwadi, but occasionally they close early or run out of supplies.”

Delivery irregularities and infrastructure gaps continue to impact the access of the most impoverished families. More than 800 million people received 5 kg of food grains per person per month through the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This lifeline helped Savitri’s family and many other urban low-income families avoid hunger.

She remembers: “We got rice from the ration shop during those months.” “At least there was something, even though it wasn’t enough.” Under the National Food Security Act, the government continues to distribute free food grains, even though PMGKAY ended in 2023.

Why Nutrition Is an Economic Investment

Malnutrition and poverty in India deplete public resources as well as human potential. According to the World Bank, increased productivity and lower health care costs can result in up to $16 in economic returns for every $1 invested in nutrition. Women who eat healthily are more likely to keep steady jobs and take better care of their families.

Better nutrition could lower health care costs, increase work participation and improve school attendance in Delhi’s informal settlements. The nutritional status of the city’s most vulnerable communities can be improved by enhancing maternal education, ensuring consistent food supply chains and strengthening local Anganwadi infrastructure. India’s poverty and malnutrition problems demonstrate that investing in nutrition is a prudent financial decision, rather than a charitable endeavor.

Breaking the Cycle

More than just distributing food is needed to end malnutrition; social inclusion and accountability are also necessary. “Perhaps they would understand if officials came and asked us what we really need,” Savitri says. Community participation through local monitoring committees and women’s groups can help ensure that programs respond to lived realities rather than relying solely on statistics.

The cycle of poverty can start to end when individuals, governments and nongovernmental organizations collaborate to make nutrition a key component of development. Appropriate nutrition is not charity for the millions of people living on the margins in Delhi; rather, it is a basis for growth, opportunity and dignity. 

– Chhahat Kaur Gandhi

Chhahat is based in New Delhi, India and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Improved Food Security in the Sahel

Food Security in the SahelThe Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa are grappling with severe challenges, including poverty, food insecurity and the impacts of the changing climate. More than 300 million individuals endure chronic hunger, as agricultural systems struggle under soil degradation, unpredictable rainfall patterns and excessive dependence on basic staple crops. Launched in 2023 by the U.S. Department of State alongside the African Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) serves as a framework to bolster food systems through an emphasis on crops resilient to climate change and eco-friendly soil practices.

VACS addresses the demand for varied, nutrient-packed farming that can endure ecological disruptions while enhancing livelihoods in rural areas. The program highlights “opportunity crops” — resilient yet underused varieties such as millets, sorghum and cowpeas — alongside efforts to rehabilitate depleted soils. This evidence-based approach seeks to interrupt ongoing patterns of poverty and malnutrition across the region. By combining climate adaptation strategies, nutritional safeguards and farmer empowerment, VACS delivers a roadmap for enduring agricultural progress in at-risk populations, ultimately contributing to improved food security in the Sahel.

Exploring the VACS Initiative

VACS functions as a multilateral trust fund integrated within the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) Rural Resilience Program (2RP). It consolidates climate financing, adaptation resources and development funds into a comprehensive strategy designed specifically for small-scale farmers. Four primary strategies guide VACS:

First, the promotion of crop diversity to enhance climate resilience addresses Africa’s dependence on a limited range of staple crops such as maize, rice and wheat, which are susceptible to environmental stress. VACS advocates for cultivating underutilized indigenous crops such as fonio and teff, which thrive in arid conditions and offer strong nutritional benefits. Although research and policy have historically neglected these crops, they hold significant potential for improving food security in the Sahel.

Second, restoring soils and adopting sustainable land management practices address Africa’s widespread soil erosion challenges. More than 65% of the continent’s soils are degraded, leading to productivity declines of up to 30%.

VACS supports restorative practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry and the use of natural soil amendments to enhance water retention, nutrient content and long-term sustainability.

Third, empowering farmers and establishing knowledge networks ensures that smallholders have access to essential resources and education for climate-smart agriculture. VACS strengthens community-based seed systems, provides training on climate-adaptive farming techniques and improves financial access, facilitating transitions to more resilient agricultural practices.

Finally, developing markets for opportunity crops ensures economic incentives for farmers to cultivate adapted varieties. By connecting smallholders with buyers such as school meal programs and expanding access to local and international markets, VACS enhances income stability and promotes economic growth in rural areas.

VACS’s Impact on Breaking Cycles of Poverty and Hunger

In the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa, food systems remain trapped in a damaging cycle: environmental disruptions reduce harvests, triggering shortages, undernutrition and financial instability. VACS intervenes by targeting the underlying sources of fragility. Nearly 40% of Sahelian children experience micronutrient deficiencies stemming from diets high in calories but low in nutrients.

VACS emphasizes nutrient-rich crops such as amaranth and pigeon peas, which provide iron, zinc and protein. Through diet diversification, the program addresses stunting, anemia and malnutrition, particularly among women and youth, contributing to improved food security in the Sahel.

Projections indicate that without intervention, climate change could reduce crop outputs by 20% by 2050.

VACS’s resilient crops, including drought-resistant sorghum and heat-tolerant millets, help shield smallholders from irregular weather. In Niger, where drought-prone rain-dependent farming prevails, those using mixed cropping have maintained consistent yields amid worsening climate conditions.

VACS also strengthens economic resilience by creating equitable supply chains for opportunity crops. The fonio supply network in West Africa, supported by entities such as Yolélé Foods, has generated employment, increased farmer earnings by as much as 30% and opened new export opportunities.

Soil health remains central to VACS’s strategy. Degraded soils reduce yields while worsening water scarcity and emissions. Through comprehensive soil nutrient strategies, including organic composting and eco-farming methods, VACS has demonstrated yield increases of up to 28% in pilot areas such as Ethiopia, further supporting food security in the Sahel.

Tools for digital soil analysis further support targeted farming by aligning actions with specific locations for optimal results.

Advancing VACS: Key Policies and Future Directions

Realizing VACS’s full potential requires coordinated action among governments, aid organizations and commercial entities. Increasing investment in climate-resilient agriculture remains essential. Currently, just 1.7% of global climate funding benefits smallholder farmers, limiting access to critical resources needed for sustainable practices.

Governments and international contributors should prioritize VACS-compatible initiatives in agricultural budgets and climate adaptation funds. Strengthening seed systems and advisory services will also accelerate adoption. Many opportunity crops lack improved seed varieties due to prolonged underfunding in crop research. Expanding research and development, alongside digital-based farmer education and collaborative learning, will help address this gap.

Emphasizing fair land tenure and gender equity remains vital. Women manage approximately 60% of African farms but often lack secure land rights, which restricts investment in long-term soil care. Legal reforms supporting equitable land ownership and targeted initiatives for women farmers are key to VACS’s success.

Private-sector involvement is also a key to success. Incentives such as tax reductions, subsidies and public-private partnerships can spur investment in processing and marketing opportunity crops. Examples such as Kenya’s “Super Porridge” program, which incorporates nutrient-rich crops into school meals, demonstrate how consumer demand can drive broader adoption.</span>

Embedding VACS within broader regional climate strategies will further amplify its impact. Alignment with initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 can strengthen collaboration on ecosystem restoration, nutrition security and poverty reduction, advancing food security in the Sahel.

Looking Ahead

VACS extends beyond technical fixes and represents a shift in agricultural development for climate-vulnerable regions. By integrating scientific research, policy coordination and community-driven action, the initiative outlines a pathway to disrupt cycles of poverty and hunger. With sustained commitment from governments, farmers and partners, VACS has the potential to strengthen resilience, improve nutrition and support long-term livelihoods across the Sahel and Sub-Saharan Africa.

– Christopher Pellant

Christopher is based in Evansville, IN, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Local2030 Islands Network: SDGs in Developing Island States

Local2030 Islands Network: Scaling up SDGs in Developing Island States The world’s small island territories and nations face unique development challenges and are collectively identified as Small Island Developing States by the United Nations (U.N.). These islands commonly experience high costs of living, limited financial opportunities, import dependence and climate vulnerability. Together, these factors create conditions for undiversified and vulnerable economies, contributing to high levels of poverty among island populations. With frequent climate hazards, these challenges become further exacerbated, disrupting both livelihoods and ecosystems that are essential for long-term island sustainability and income generation. The U.N. has emphasized the importance of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing island states, as these states are at the forefront of making sustainable transitions.

The Local2030 Islands Network

To help address these issues, the Local2030 Islands Network was developed as the first island-to-island network dedicated to locally scaling up the SDGs in developing island states. This network emphasizes implementing goals in ways that reflect the realities of individual island communities. Launched in 2019, the network facilitates cooperation between island governments, organizations and local leaders to scale up sustainable development. As of 2025, 28 island states have joined the network, and many more have engaged in planning efforts and identifying localized solutions. The network serves as a platform where islands can share experiences and best practices, identify local priorities and develop actionable plans.

With the network’s support, island members commit to four key objectives to help execute development agendas. These commitments include advancing political leadership to support climate resilience, strengthening public-private partnerships, transparently measuring SDG progress and implementing concrete initiatives that address local goals. The network also includes “communities of practice” (CoP) that focus on priority island-related issues such as sustainable income generation and climate resilience. These CoP serve as digital platforms that bring together experts, civil society members, stakeholders and community representatives to utilize a combination of technical assistance, Indigenous knowledge and modern technology to address multiple challenges and areas of focus.

Guam Green Growth Initiative

One of the network’s recently implemented projects is taking shape in Guam, a United States (U.S.) territory located in the western Pacific Ocean. Known as the Guam Green Growth Initiative (G3), it is part of the island’s 10-year plan for scaling up local SDGs. This plan includes a framework for addressing local goals related to creating circular economies, expanding opportunities in green jobs and building food system resilience.

Recent assessments of Guam’s poverty rate suggest that one in five residents live below the poverty line, a figure that is double that of the U.S.

As part of G3, decision-makers are combining conservation and economic opportunity to address this issue with long-term solutions, with efforts underway to transition the island to a diversified, circular economy that offers greater financial opportunities for residents. This work includes multiple skills development and job preparation programs, as well as efforts to enhance local cottage industries. One skills development program, known as the Conservation Corps, offers paid training for individuals to learn a wide range of skills within the green jobs sector, supporting the island’s transition to a green economy.

Additional programs support the development of small businesses and cottage industries. The G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub facilitates cottage industry growth by providing local entrepreneurs and businesses with access to specialized tools, technologies and training for sustainable business practices.

G3 also strengthens partnerships with local organizations, including Guam Unique Merchandise and Art, a local nonprofit that provides small businesses with training and grants to help them grow. This support creates additional small-business employment opportunities and reduces reliance on imported products.

Strengthening Food Security and Local Resilience

G3 promotes social and economic protections by enhancing local food security. Guam imports a large portion of its food, resulting in high prices and increased vulnerability to global supply shocks. G3 addresses this issue by supporting local agriculture, aquaculture and community garden projects. The G3 community gardens offer cost-efficient and sustainable solutions that promote local food security, contribute to food banks and support food access for vulnerable populations facing homelessness and poverty.

A focus on agriculture, aquaculture and aquaponics also contributes to food sovereignty and security in Guam. Through partnerships with local nonprofits such as Guåhan Sustainable Culture, G3 provides workforce development and resources for small-scale farmers.

Additionally, five aquaculture and aquaponics projects have been implemented on the island, providing resources for sustainable, year-round crop and fish production. Through educational initiatives, community members learn to manage these systems, building capacity for the expansion of local aquafarms.

Looking Ahead

The Guam Green Growth Initiative demonstrates how locally driven approaches can advance the SDGs in developing island states. By integrating economic diversification and sustainable food systems, Guam moves toward a more resilient future. As challenges persist for island communities, the Local2030 Islands Network continues to support initiatives such as G3, which offer lessons for other islands to replicate and adapt. Continued collaboration and locally based solutions remain vital to building sustainable futures for island communities.

– Quinlan Bohannon

Quinlan is based in Portland, OR, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Food Aid Theft Solutions

Food Aid Theft SolutionsFood aid theft is an issue with significant implications. It directly affects people in need who do not receive essential goods during critical times, worsening economic conditions and food insecurity. It also undermines trust among humanitarian organizations and can affect their funding levels. Repeated diversion of aid has been shown to lead to suspension of support, as seen in 2019 in Yemen. At that time, in the Yemeni capital, at least 10% of the World Food Programme’s (WFP) deliveries were diverted from people in need.

In some cases, this renders food aid less effective. For instance, in Yemen, despite increased levels of support in 2019, hunger persisted and even increased in some areas. However, innovative grassroots, structural or community-based initiatives have shown potential to reduce the problem in deeply affected places such as Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen.

Grassroots Initiatives

Action Against Hunger launched a grassroots campaign in Somalia by establishing community call centers to improve aid reporting measures. The approach helps track aid deliveries in areas affected by limited resources and conflict. Addressing these issues is essential because Action Against Hunger reports that limited road access and control of territory by non-state actors significantly contribute to aid diversion.

The organization hired and trained local volunteers in tracking and reporting aid deliveries. The team handles complaints and verification and also manages real-time crises. In 2023, the call center was alerted by community members about a cholera outbreak, allowing the organization to intervene immediately. In two years of operation, the call center has answered more than 30,000 calls regarding aid delivery verification, feedback on aid received and requests for emergency assistance. The calls are prepaid, meaning even people in remote regions can contact the center.

Structural Changes

A growing approach among humanitarian organizations is shifting from in-kind aid to direct financial assistance. According to the WFP, sending money is empowering because cash is often the most important asset during a disaster or crisis. It provides flexibility, allowing recipients to use it for food, medical bills, rent or school fees based on their needs. This has become an increasingly common practice. In 2023, the WFP sent about $2.8 billion to countries including Yemen, Somalia and Afghanistan, directly supporting 51.6 million people.

The Poverty Action Lab, a research center founded by Massachusetts Institute of Technology professors, evaluated cash assistance positively. The organization reported that in Niger, financial support helped families eat more frequently. Delivery costs are relatively low, making this solution cost-effective. Their findings suggest that cash can improve economic conditions and have positive effects on mental well-being. For example, Afghan women who received cash transfers reported feeling happier and more confident about their economic situation. While the Poverty Action Lab notes the need for more research, it concludes that cash has a tangible, positive impact on food security. Provided an area has functioning markets, the organization suggests this type of assistance can support long-term stability by helping families build more secure futures.

Community Approaches

Community-based strategies are another of the solutions addressing food aid theft. Humanitarian organizations engage local residents in various ways, including empowerment projects in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and feedback desks in Sudan.

Omna Tigray, a nonprofit in Ethiopia, addresses food aid theft by involving residents in planning, implementing and monitoring food aid programs. The organization states that local engagement cultivates responsibility among community members. According to Omna Tigray, empowering residents helps identify and report aid diversion and strengthens relationships between donors and beneficiaries, which can be strained by theft. Community engagement is particularly important in a region where 5.4 million residents depend on aid deliveries.

Similar approaches have been implemented elsewhere, including feedback desks in refugee camps in Sudan established by World Vision. A committee of camp residents and World Vision staff selects and trains local volunteers who assist with reports and inquiries from camp residents. These desks help quickly address distribution issues and are recognized positively by locals. During a discussion session with World Vision staff, an anonymous female refugee said the “community help desk system is the best for food distribution.”

Looking Ahead

These various food aid theft solutions demonstrate multiple ways to address the issue. Ranging from grassroots initiatives to structural and community-based approaches, they show potential for reducing the problem. These measures have contributed to more equitable aid distribution in some areas. Furthermore, they have been positively received by local communities and researchers focused on food aid programs.

– Karol Hejduk

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

Photo: Flickr