Archive for category: Food & Hunger

Information and stories on food.

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3 Organizations Fighting World Hunger

Organizations Fighting World HungerGlobally, approximately one in 10 people go to bed hungry each night and nearly 3 billion cannot afford a healthy, nutritious diet. Numerous organizations around the world dedicate significant effort to solving this issue, aiming for a future where no one faces hunger. Here are three organizations fighting world hunger.

The Hunger Project

The Hunger Project, operating in Africa, Asia and Latin America, employs a three-point strategy to combat world hunger. Initially, the organization empowers women by providing resources, information and personal freedoms, recognizing that regions with more autonomous women often see higher education rates, improved health and increased agricultural productivity. Subsequently, The initiative equips all community members with essential skills to enhance local opportunities, offering training in literacy, numeracy, healthy eating and local laws. This empowers individuals to lead healthy, successful lives and ensures their voices are influential in governance. The final phase involves workshops that encourage community members to propose improvements for their area and assign specific tasks to realize these visions, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and ongoing advocacy. This approach has notably reduced severe hunger by 25% in the regions where The Hunger Project operates.

Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger actively combats global hunger, operating in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. This organization collaborates closely with members of the British Parliament and influential organizations to address the impact of conflict on food security. Between July 2023 and January 2024, Action Against Hunger engaged in strategic discussions with United Nations agencies and government representatives to explore solutions to hunger exacerbated by conflict and identify obstacles to implementing these solutions. In Jan. 2024, the organization participated in discussions with the International Development Committee about the United Kingdom’s efforts to combat world hunger. Additionally, in May 2024, it joined a debate in the House of Lords focusing on food insecurity due to conflict. Beyond advocacy, Action Against Hunger also implements direct interventions, exemplified by its volunteers in Gaza who delivered essential nutrients to 13,000 mothers and babies.

CARE International

CARE International, operating across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East, employs a five-step strategy to combat world hunger. This strategy includes maintaining healthy ecosystems and securing financial stability, enhancing farmer productivity to increase food availability, ensuring that all community members, particularly marginalized groups and women, have necessary rights and opportunities and equipping communities with the tools to withstand challenges like extreme weather. This holistic approach aims to significantly improve lives. As of 2023, CARE has aided 34 million people through 647 projects targeting world hunger and aims to reach 75 million people by 2030.

Looking Ahead

The fight against global hunger involves concerted efforts from numerous organizations, each playing a vital role in addressing food insecurity. The Hunger Project has made significant strides by empowering women and communities to foster local development and reduce severe hunger. Action Against Hunger collaborates with governments and international bodies to address the impacts of conflict on food security, while CARE International employs a comprehensive strategy to enhance farmer productivity and community resilience. Together, these organizations are fighting world hunger and aiming to create a future where everyone has access to a nutritious diet.

– Sue-Joyce Headon

Sue-Joyce is based in Liverpool, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Protecting Crop Diversity

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Protecting Crop DiversityIn Svalbard, Norway, deep within a mountain at 150 meters, lies a significant refrigerated vault holding more than a million crop seeds from around the globe. Regional seed banks worldwide contribute duplicates of their seeds to this repository, ensuring their secure storage. Supported by the Norwegian government, this initiative aims to safeguard biodiversity and provide a safety net against potential global crises that could threaten the food supply.

The Importance of Seed Banks

Crop diversification plays a crucial role in sustaining healthy ecosystems and enhancing agricultural resilience. It mitigates soil erosion, enriches soil health and fortifies crops against pests and diseases. By planting a variety of crops, farmers can potentially shield their livelihoods from extreme weather and other adversities, ensuring that if one crop falters, others may thrive to offset the loss. However, crop diversity has sharply declined over the last 50 years. TIME Magazine reports that merely about 30 crops now supply 95% of the nutritional needs of humans. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) adds that since 1900, there has been a staggering 95% loss in plant genetic diversity globally.

Natural disasters are the primary threat to crop diversity in developing countries. Flooding, drought, excessive heat and other unpredictable weather patterns, can wipe out entire fields of crops. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault protects crop diversity and prevents hunger by ensuring that crop species do not go extinct. The vault stores seeds and their duplicates, ensuring that agriculture can reintroduce them following catastrophic events, thus protecting global food security.

Marie Haga, executive director of the Crop Trust, an organization that operates the Svalbard Seed Vault in collaboration with the Norwegian government, emphasizes that crop diversity is essential to global livelihood: “Not too many think about crop diversity as being so fundamentally important, but it is. It is almost as important as water and air. Seeds generally as the basis for everything. Not only what we eat, but what we wear, nature all about us.” 

Seed Banks Around the World

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault collaborates with more than a thousand regional seed banks worldwide. These banks collect, freeze and store seeds from various crop species. They send duplicates of these seeds to the Svalbard vault for secure, long-term storage. Operating much like an insurance policy, the organization protects these seeds against potential regional threats such as severe weather or conflict. Svalbard safely stores the duplicates should a regional seed bank’s supplies be compromised.

The Svalbard facility’s operations are important in war-ridden regions. In 2012, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) had to move from its location just outside of Aleppo, Syria, in 2012 when the civil war threatened the facility’s security. In Afghanistan and Iran, violent conflict destroyed seed banks, compromising seeds that had not yet been sent to Svalbard.

Svalbard’s location in Northern Norway is optimal for the global seed vault due to its cold climate, which is essential for preserving seeds at -18° Celsius. The vault’s placement of 150 meters inside a mountain offers added protection against severe weather events, including extreme cold and avalanches. Apart from these natural conditions, Svalbard’s remoteness plays a crucial role in its security, making it unlikely to be affected by international conflicts. This combination of factors effectively safeguards the seeds, providing a critical backup for global agriculture.

Looking Forward

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault plays a pivotal role in preserving global crop diversity, acting as a vital insurance policy against environmental and man-made disasters. Securing more than a million seed samples from various regions ensures the continued availability of essential crops for future generations. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault continues to expand its collection and it can hold about 4.5 million seeds. This initiative can potentially maintain agricultural resilience and secure food supplies worldwide.

– Maren Fossum-Wernick

Maren is based in St. Paul, MN, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Kuza Freezer and Its Impact on Kenya’s Fishing Industry

Kuza Freezer and Its Impact on Kenya's Fishing Industry Founded in 2021, Kuza Freezer based in Mombasa, Kenya, aims to boost local fishing industries by providing solar-powered cold storage refrigeration. The fishing industry plays a vital role in the lives of many Kenyans, offering them employment and income as well as contributing toward poverty reduction, minimizing food insecurity and expanding the country’s economy through foreign exports. According to Kenya’s National Bureau of Statistics, agriculture, forestry and fishing contributed approximately 22% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and was the largest employer with more than 20 million workers in 2023, marking a 2% increase. 

Challenges and Innovations in Fish Storage

Proper storage can keep fish fresh for up to three months after catching, but many developing countries lack necessary refrigeration, leading to a much shorter shelf life of just a few hours. This increases the risk of foodborne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhea and typhoid. Despite fish products accounting for approximately 30% of all reported foodborne illnesses, a variety of fish, including tilapia, carp, eel and bass remain popular in Kenyan markets, where locals prefer fresh fish. Fisheries also face significant profit losses due to mass spoilage, often resorting to reprocessing wasted fish as feed rather than selling it.

Technological Advancements and Community Impact

Kuza Freezer provides a sustainable solution with its portable cold boxes that maintain fish at optimal temperatures for up to 30 days. These freezers, lightweight and easy to transport by car or bike, operate on solar energy with battery life lasting up to eight hours. Constructed from recycled plastics sourced from local communities, the cold boxes can reach temperatures as low as -18 degrees Celsius. In Kenya’s fishing industry, these solar-powered units are favored for their affordability and low maintenance, offering a practical alternative to conventional freezers and ice.

Kuza Freezer also markets its emissions-free Kuza Freezer Trike, a combination mobile bicycle cart and freezer, designed for customers requiring enhanced mobility. The company offers training to its customers, along with flexible payment plans and support for repairs to ensure sustainability. Additionally, Kuza Freezer facilitates direct deliveries through its Soka Express App, which conveniently brings fish directly to customers, enhancing the service’s accessibility and efficiency.

Expansion and Broader Applications

Kuza Freezer has achieved significant milestones by delivering more than 350 products, boosting customer incomes by 60%. A study revealed that 99% of fishers reported profit increases with the aid of a cold storage system. Moreover, the benefits of Kuza Freezer’s products extend beyond the fishing industry to encompass dairy, produce and even medical sectors, demonstrating the broad utility and impact of reliable refrigeration solutions.

Looking Ahead

Kuza Freezer’s solar-powered cold storage technology is transforming Kenya’s fishing industry by reducing spoilage and enhancing product quality, which leads to increased incomes for local fishers. The company’s innovative approach to refrigeration has the potential to expand beyond the fishing industry, impacting agriculture and health care by providing reliable cold storage solutions. As Kuza Freezer continues to grow, its technology could play a crucial role in supporting economic development and improving food security in Kenya and beyond.

– Tanita Love

Tanita is based in Chicago. IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Cultivating Growth in Bangladesh with Floating Gardens

Cultivating Growth in Bangladesh with Floating GardensHeavy monsoon rains douse Bangladesh for eight months each year, submerging nearly one-third of the country. Severe flooding jeopardizes food security and threatens the livelihoods of almost half of the population directly employed by agriculture. Farmers are taking matters into their own hands, transforming waterlogged fields into hydroponic floating gardens. This method boosts crop yields and provides a more diverse, robust bounty.

The transition from predominantly growing rice to cultivating more nutrient-dense foods like pumpkins, tomatoes, papayas and beans will be instrumental in promoting health and well-being across Bangladesh, a country with one of the highest malnutrition rates. Development charities like Practical Action and humanitarian organizations like Care International have helped bring an ancient farming practice to the country’s most at-risk areas, namely rural and impoverished communities.  

Agricultural Progress and Environmental Setbacks

In the past few decades, Bangladesh has made significant strides toward reducing poverty and averting famine with incremental improvements in farming technologies. According to the World Bank, productive agricultural strategies facilitated a tripling of food grain production between 1972 and 2014, helping meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population. Still, salt intrusion, drought and flood threaten to hamper progress, which demands continued adaptability and innovation in the agricultural sector. 

Revival of Ancient Agricultural Practices

Farmers in south-central Bangladesh, are turning to a historical gardening practice: floating vegetable gardens. These gardens, constructed on artificial islands in swampy wetlands and rivers, provide a lifeline during monsoon seasons. They also serve as shelters for livestock and double as fishing spots. The simplicity of this method makes it a viable alternative to traditional farming during periods of intense flooding. Farmers tend to their plants by paddling across the water in rafts fashioned from natural materials like water hyacinth. As the floating gardens rise and fall with rain patterns, farmers reap the rewards of their labor and nourish local villages. 

Hydroponic Innovations to Resource-Poor Regions

While hydroponic gardening has shown promise in some parts of Bangladesh, it’s crucial not to overlook the areas with fewer resources. These regions, often in urgent need of intervention, could greatly benefit from the tools and support to convert their fields into floating gardens. The work of groups like Practical Action, which have set up floating gardens in the northern part of the country, enables and empowers farmers to grow food year-round, regardless of weather conditions. 

Looking Ahead

Bangladesh’s adaptation of hydroponic floating gardens promises a resilient agricultural future, especially for regions perennially affected by flooding. As more communities embrace this innovative farming technique, it could significantly enhance food security and reduce malnutrition nationwide. Continued support from development charities and local innovation will be key to expanding these ongoing sustainable practices to ensure all regions can thrive despite environmental challenges.

– Natalie Kaufman

Natalie is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Systems in Myanmar

Food in MyanmarMyanmar continues to face severe food insecurity exacerbated by the 2021 coup, economic slowdown and natural disasters. Some pre-existing challenges have worsened, and the ongoing conflict and climate-related challenges have intensified the situation. Recent reports highlight soaring food prices and limited supplies. In response, UN agencies and the World Food Programme have provided crucial aid. Despite efforts, the crisis persists, demanding sustained international support for food systems in Myanmar.

Food Scarcity

Food scarcity is not new in Myanmar. Before the 2021 coup, 2.8 million people were considered food insecure in the country. In pre-pandemic Myanmar, the World Food Programme estimated that 4% of the country had poor food consumption, and an additional 21% were on the borderline. By April 2021, on the heels of the coup and economic slowdown, up to 3.4 million extra people were facing food insecurity.

There are several key factors driving food insecurity, as predicted by the World Food Programme in 2021:

  • Job losses: WFP assumes a more considerable loss in sectors worked by those in poverty. It was predicted that stalled foreign investment, protests, and strikes would significantly impact food insecurity for workers and their dependents.
  • Remittance losses: With the halting of services from most banks, remittance also halted. In 2021, remittances made up a significant amount of income.
  • Challenges to agriculture: The rippling effect of agriculture is palpable, with many unable to prepare for the upcoming crop season.
  • Economic concerns: WFP flagged major economic concerns from the downturn in foreign investment and predicted economic recession.

Conflict and Food Systems in Myanmar

Since 2021, Myanmar has endured ongoing conflict, climate-related blows such as Cyclone Mocha, and unprecedented flooding in October 2023, alongside the political crisis, exacerbating pre-existing poverty. The UN Humanitarian Needs Overview in 2022 estimated that “14 out of 15 states and regions [were] within the critical threshold for acute malnutrition.”

In an April 2024 update from OCHA, food insecurity was underlined as a significant concern. Ongoing fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and the Arakan Army combined with a deepening humanitarian crisis have caused soaring food prices and “limited market supplies in many locations.”

The UN and WFP have implemented crucial aid amid this increasing food insecurity crisis. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provided 4,700 vulnerable farming households with emergency assistance by April 2022. Additionally, The FOA trained 1759 households in Chaungzon township in agriculture practices and provided fertilizer.

Severe floods, economic turmoil and food insecurity impacted U Ohn Myint, a 65-year-old smallholder farmer in Kalawt Kanai village. With the help of the UN FAO, he bought medicine, a rice bag, and cooking oil to address his and his family’s immediate hunger needs. He was also able to restore his livelihood and hope.

Food Assistance

The World Food Programme continues efforts, providing monthly assistance to 360,000 people in border areas who have been displaced. For thousands of people, the WFP has also launched emergency food and nutrition programs in harder-to-reach locations like Kayah State, Shan State and Bago Region. 

Despite the daunting challenges, international efforts offer hope for Myanmar’s food insecurity. Vulnerable communities receive vital aid through emergency assistance, training programs, and ongoing support. As seen through U Ohn Myint, livelihoods and renewed hope exemplify the impact of these efforts. While the road ahead remains challenging, these efforts demonstrate the power of solidarity and the effect of global action on complex humanitarian crises. 

– Lydia Young 

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

Photo: Flickr

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Papatoetoe Food Hub Fights Food Insecurity in South Auckland

Papatoetoe Food Hub Fights Food Insecurity in South AucklandSouth Auckland, a highly diverse region of New Zealand, is home to numerous Māori communities like mana whenua and Pacific, Asian and European ethnic groups. Each of these groups holds significant food traditions that currently face the risk of increasing food insecurity. Data from the area reveal that one in seven children come from families facing moderate to severe food insecurity, with 30% of Māori children affected. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity in South Auckland, with a local food bank reporting that most of its food parcel recipients were individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Traditional Food Practices

Land ownership, or the lack thereof, has severely affected indigenous communities’ ability to access and cultivate food. This is especially true for Māori communities, where colonization and urbanization have hindered their ability to gather and prepare traditional kai (food). In addition, the respectful use of whenua (land) is central to food cultivation in these communities. However, maintaining these values is becoming more challenging in the context of contemporary food systems. Consequently, the struggle of indigenous communities to engage in environmentally friendly farming practices is a major factor in escalating food insecurity.

The Papatoetoe Food Hub

The Papatoetoe Food Hub set up shop in South Auckland to provide sustainable and affordable meals to the community while embracing traditional values of community and environmental stewardship. A key focus, as reported by the Food Hub, is promoting knowledge exchange on growing, harvesting and maintaining crops. To this end, it conducts on-site lessons about indigenous cooking methods. The hub also prioritizes sustainable food practices aligned with Māori values, rescuing and repurposing 18.6 tons of food between September 2019 and May 2021.

A Community-Led Success Story

The Papatoetoe Food Hub adopts a community-led strategy, working in close collaboration with local schools, universities and government agencies to benefit its local community. Knowledge Auckland conducted interviews with 30 individuals about the hub, seeking to understand its impact. The study revealed the value generated by every dollar spent at the hub:

  • $0.55 goes to the team, comprised of people hired from local communities.
  • $0.38 goes to the local economy, including the purchase of ingredients from local suppliers.
  • $0.07 goes toward government infrastructure.

Julio Bin of the Southern Initiative observed, “The Food Hub is a tangible demonstration of how we can do things differently.” Meanwhile, a local mom emphasized, “They base the menu on what the community wants.” The Papatoetoe Food Hub continues to thrive, attracting an increasing number of patrons and even received endorsement from former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The hub aims to build on this success, with local stakeholder Gael Surgenor noting, “The biggest impact is yet to come.”

Looking Forward

The Papatoetoe Food Hub exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions in combating food insecurity while preserving cultural heritage. Addressing food insecurity in South Auckland, the hub intertwines traditional values with modern sustainable practices. It offers a beacon of hope for diverse communities, showcasing a scalable model for others to follow.

– Kayleigh O’Brien

Kayleigh is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How ShelterBox is Aiding Nigeria 

aiding NigeriaWith a population of almost 220 million people, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the world’s sixth most populous country. Nigeria has been facing growing instability and fear due to Boko Haram’s mutiny against the Nigerian government since 2009, particularly targeting the northeast and committing large-scale acts of violence. More than 2.9 million Nigerians have no choice but to flee their homes to seek refuge in neighboring countries, leaving behind crops and vital necessities for survival. Ultimately, this has resulted in a humanitarian crisis as many Nigerians move into poorer regions and refugee camps where food, water and shelter are dangerously limited.

However, since 2018 ShelterBox has been aiding Nigeria by saving and protecting the lives of thousands affected by Boko Haram, as well as providing general support as a result of climate-driven scarcity worsened by conflict in the Lake Chad Basin.

Improving Food and Water Insecurity

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Nigeria faces a humanitarian emergency. More than 8.3 million Nigerians require emergency assistance, 80% of whom are women and children. Around 314,000 Nigerians have died from food insecurity due to the decline of agricultural production, which is a major catalyst affecting public health in Nigeria and has been worsened by conflict in the Lake Chad Basin, flooding and extreme weather. This has resulted in the displacement of 3.2 million and leaves 10.6 million Nigerians in need of humanitarian assistance as the majority of the Lake Chad population depends on agriculture, livestock, fishing and manual labor for survival, according to Refugee International.

ShelterBox and their partner ACTED are aiding Nigeria by providing lifesaving items such as kitchen sets, water containers and purification equipment to reduce food and water insecurity, enabling Nigerians to rebuild their lives, according to its website. Because of the effects of flooding, extreme weather and military-enforced movements, Nigerians are prevented from effectively growing and harvesting crops to support their livelihood. However, by providing kitchen sets, water containers and purification equipment, food and water insecurity is decreasing as ShelterBox and ACTED have successfully helped over 7,300 families from 2018 to 2022, according to its website. Additionally, water purification equipment has enabled Nigerians to access safe and clean water, significantly reducing the chances of disease from dirty water.

Providing Shelter and Security

With no choice but to flee their homes in search of safety away from conflict and food insecurity, more than 2 million Nigerians remain displaced from homes in the northeast of Nigeria, as of 2019. Thousands have no choice but to live in overcrowded displacement sites which are significantly below international minimum standards. Although some Nigerians choose to build improvised shelters with sticks and ripped fabric, it does not provide efficient shelter from extreme weather and provides no privacy or security, making women and children in particular even more susceptible to intrusions and attacks.

There are 9.7 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in the Lake Chad region, according to ShelterBox. In partnership with other charities, ShelterBox has been aiding Nigeria by providing tents, shelter kits, rope, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, solar lights, blankets and other lifesaving necessities to increase the security and health of Nigerians amid the humanitarian crisis.

From 2018 to 2022 in partnership with IEDA, ShelterBox has been successfully aiding more than 100,000 refugees and displaced Nigerians. Additionally, ShelterBox has provided a type of shelter known as the Bama shelter to more than 30,000 Nigerians in the epicenter of the crisis in partnership with ACTED.

The Bama shelter is large enough for a family of five; it has a timber-framed structure with tarpaulin material for the wall and the roofing structure, ShelterBox reports. Windows provide natural sunlight and ventilation and for extra safety, the shelter has a secure lockable door to prevent intrusions and attacks. ShelterBox also provides sleeping mats, blankets and mosquito nets, allowing Nigerians to start again with a safe and comfortable lifestyle.

Aiding Nigeria Through the Crisis

After many years of instability, ShelterBox and other charities have worked tirelessly to aid Nigerians through the humanitarian crisis which remains an ongoing issue after ten years since the conflict began. Overall, Boko Haram seems to be at its final stages of conflict, however, aiding Nigeria remains vital. Other factors such as extreme weather patterns and flooding have resulted in food and water instability amongst Nigerian communities which continues to worsen as years go by.

– Emily Whatley
Photo: Flickr

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Ukraine Promotes Human Welfare

Ukraine Promotes Human WelfareIn March 2024, the Grain from Ukraine initiative, launched by President Zelenskyy in 2022, contributed 7,600 tonnes of wheat flour to Sudan. This human welfare effort, facilitated by the German Federal Foreign Office, underscores Ukraine’s commitment to humanitarian assistance. The German Federal Foreign Office funded the operation with a $16 million investment, aligning its mission and humanitarian efforts with the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

In addition, the German Federal Foreign Office bases its actions on key humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. These principles emphasize the importance of aiding individuals based on their needs without influence from political, military, economic, or other agendas, ensuring assistance is purely humanitarian.

Engineering the Donation

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the German Federal Foreign Office and the Grain from Ukraine program all maintain political neutrality in their donation efforts. Above all, its primary goal is saving lives and alleviating suffering through humanitarian aid. These efforts aim to underscore the importance of foreign aid and advocacy from one nation to another, focusing on the critical need for continued support.

Data Determines Need

The IPC is a multi-partner program that works to improve food security and perform nutrition analysis. This program analyzes situations of need, adheres to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) process and shares data. Data from the IPC is then utilized by the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). The decision-makers like the IPC Acute Food Insecurity (AFI) and HRP use this information to address the situation of food insecurity.

Furthermore, the IPC uses five categories to identify areas of need: minimal/none, stressed, crisis, emergency and catastrophe/famine. The category designation guides decision-makers in prioritizing assistance and intervention efforts on global, regional, or national levels.

Improving Human Welfare

More than 25 million people in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad are facing a severe food security crisis. In Sudan alone, 5 million out of 18 million are experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In addition, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) reports that a shipment of 7,600 tonnes of wheat flour will provide a month’s sustenance for one million people. Arriving in Port Sudan, this wheat flour, distributed by WFP trucks, is crucial for families, especially during May’s “lean season” when food scarcity intensifies.

Moreover, Eddie Rowe became WFP’s Country Director for Sudan in March 2021, overseeing Emergency and Natural Disaster operations, including in Sudan. Rowe expressed, “This donation will enable WFP to support people whose lives have been completely upended. We are deeply grateful to Ukraine and Germany for supporting the Sudanese people in their greatest hour of need.”

Looking Forward

The Grain from Ukraine initiative, backed by the German Federal Foreign Office, is a beacon of hope for millions facing food insecurity in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad. Through collaborative international efforts, this program not only provides essential sustenance but also embodies the spirit of human welfare and solidarity across borders. The commitment to neutrality and impartiality ensures that aid reaches those most in need, free from external agendas.

Above all, as these endeavors progress, they highlight the crucial role of data-driven decision-making in addressing global hunger crises. The partnership between nations like Ukraine and Germany, alongside organizations such as the WFP, sets a precedent for future humanitarian collaborations. Looking ahead, the continued support and generosity of the international community remain vital in combating hunger and building a more secure, nourished world.

– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Flickr

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Nutrition Education in Mali’s School Systems

Nutrition EducationChronic malnutrition or stunting, affects more than 26% of children in Mali. “Stunting has long-term effects on a child’s physical and cognitive development, which makes children more susceptible to sickness and leads to poor performance in school.” As a country with a significant burden of malnutrition, integrating nutrition education into school curricula can be a proactive approach to fostering healthy eating habits and empowering students with essential knowledge about balanced diets.

Root Causes of the Lack of Nutrition Education in Mali

One fundamental issue lies in the limited allocation of resources toward educational programs focused on nutrition. More funding is needed to ensure the implementation of comprehensive curricula that integrate nutrition education seamlessly into the school system. In the Sahel countries, the nutritional status of children under five remains concerning. Additionally, the low rainfall in 2017 may make things worse during the lean season.

About 1.6 million children in the Sahel experienced severe acute malnutrition in 2018, a 50% rise over the previous significant nutrition crisis that occurred there in 2012. Since 2020, there has been a rise in the number of underprivileged children by at least 1.5 million. Consequently, about five million children in Mali critically need humanitarian aid, including access to adequate water, health, nutrition, education and protection services.

Additionally, a lack of trained educators exacerbates the problem, as only a few have the knowledge and skills necessary to teach nutrition concepts to students. Money is needed to support medical services, such as the purchase of fuel to keep vaccines cold and more humanitarian goods like life-saving medications for malnourished children, as well as to give emergency food aid to those in need.

Moreover, amid cultural problems and domestic conflicts, schools may not prioritize nutrition education in Mali, leading to the neglect of formal schooling structures. The United Nations (U.N.) confirmed 1,024 grave violations of children’s rights in the nation in 2022, including the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and groups, as well as killing and maiming.

Current Picture

More than 1,700 schools have had to close due to conflict and resource shortages, depriving at least half a million students of an education. Nearly 25% of Malians experience moderate to severe food insecurity as a result of domestic conflict. In the meantime, more than 2,500 people, primarily children, are at risk of starvation in the crisis-affected district of Menaka for the first time in the nation.

Mali faces a significant health care challenge, with approximately 2,780 physicians, translating to just 0.12 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, far below the global standard of 1.70 physicians per 1,000 inhabitants. Despite the constitutional guarantee of the right to proper health, Mali allocates only about 2.9% of its GDP to health care, contributing to a high incidence of various diseases. Moreover, the limited health care resources are disproportionately concentrated in the capital, Bamako, where more than 4,000 health care workers strive to maintain the well-being of 1.8 million people.

Solutions Addressing Lack of Nutrition Education in Mali

  • World Food Programme (WFP): Starting in 1961 as a humanitarian agency, WFP aims to save lives in emergencies and use assistance to help communities become self-sufficient and resilient to shocks. After receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, WFP provided emergency food and nutrition assistance to 3.8 million people in Mali. This included aid for 650,000 individuals during the pre-lean season (March to May) and support for 1.2 million food-insecure people throughout the June-September lean season.
  • Implementing Undergraduate Nutrition Training: Education institutes have implemented nutrition degree programs to address proper nutrition, overnutrition and nutrition security, including agriculture and food sanitation. With an emphasis on improving access to nutritional education, these educational institutes believe in updating syllabuses with nutrition training curricula.

Conclusion

The lack of nutrition education in Mali exacerbates the chronic malnutrition crisis, impacting more than 26% of children. Limited resources and a shortage of trained educators hinder the integration of nutrition education into school curricula, perpetuating the cycle of poor health and underdevelopment. However, several organizations, including WFP, are working to address Mali’s lack of nutrition education.

– Mahima Bhat
Photo: Flickr

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Alleviating Child Malnutrition in North Macedonia

Alleviating Child Malnutrition in North MacedoniaIn the heart of the Balkans, North Macedonia boasts a rich history and culture. However, an underlying issue endangers the well-being of its youngest citizens: child malnutrition, closely tied to poverty. Despite strides in economic development, the challenge of child malnutrition remains a persistent hurdle. Addressing and alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia is a critical priority.

The Interplay of Malnutrition and Poverty

Malnutrition and poverty share a complex and intertwined relationship, forming a cycle that disproportionately affects children in this country. In North Macedonia, where poverty rates remain consistently high, malnutrition intensifies the challenges faced by families already struggling to make ends meet. According to the World Bank, approximately 22% of North Macedonia’s population lived below the national poverty line as of 2021, with children being among the most vulnerable groups.

Impact on Children’s Health

Child malnutrition in North Macedonia also poses threats to physical and cognitive development, which can have effects such as weakened immune systems and cognitive impairments. These effects can extend far beyond childhood as well, affecting individuals’ long-term health outcomes and economic prospects. Malnourished children are more susceptible to illnesses and less likely to perform well academically, for example, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty into adulthood.

Economic Implications

The economic consequences of child malnutrition in North Macedonia are widespread as well. A new World Bank report warns that malnutrition is costing low-income countries up to 3% of their yearly GDP, while malnourished children are at risk of losing more than 10% of their lifetime earnings potential. This cost not only undermines economic growth but perpetuates the cycle of poverty in North Macedonia by depriving the nation of a healthy and educated workforce, however, this is a cost that can be remedied by alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia.

Progress and Ongoing Efforts

While these challenges are considerable, North Macedonia has taken significant steps toward alleviating child malnutrition. Government initiatives such as the National Food and Nutrition Strategy and the School Meal Programme, for example, are working to improve access to nutritious food and promote healthy eating habits among children. Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, health care providers and communities has also been crucial in delivering services to individuals in need. These steps, as well as those listed below, provide examples of what must continue to be done to alleviate childhood malnutrition in North Macedonia.

Working with NGOs

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia. Organizations such as the Red Cross of North Macedonia and World Vision have implemented nutrition programs targeting vulnerable communities, providing food assistance, nutrition education and access to health care services. These approaches ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of each community, fostering lasting change in North Macedonia.

Investing in Nutrition Education and Health care

Nutrition education is another key to alleviating child malnutrition in North Macedonia. Schools, health care facilities and community centers can serve as platforms for delivering nutrition education to children and caregivers throughout the country. Similarly, improving access to health care services, particularly in underserved areas, is critical for early detection and treatment of child malnutrition. Investing in health care infrastructure and training health care professionals can strengthen the system’s capacity to address the nutritional needs of children in North Macedonia more effectively.

Looking Forward

North Macedonia stands at a crucial juncture in its fight against child malnutrition and poverty. While the country has made significant progress, more work is necessary to guarantee every child the chance to thrive and fulfill their potential. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, NGOs, health care providers and communities are essential to further reduce child malnutrition in North Macedonia, ensuring a future where no child falls behind due to malnutrition and poverty.

– Olivia Pitrof
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