Archive for category: Hunger

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Urban Food Poverty in India: Delhi’s 3 a.m. Kitchen

Urban Food Poverty India: Delhi's 3 a.m. Kitchen Every morning, before most of Delhi has opened its eyes, a kitchen in Connaught Place is already running at full speed. Thousands of meal boxes — roti, kadhi chawal, rajma, vegetable noodles — are packed and loaded into a van before 9 a.m. By the time the city’s traffic begins to snarl, Atul Kapur’s team is already on the road.

Kapur is not a celebrity chef. He is a Delhi restaurateur, co-owner of the Q’BA restaurant in Connaught Place, who looked at the hunger around him and decided his kitchen could do more. In 2016, he co-founded Rasoi on Wheels — a mobile kitchen that now distributes thousands of freshly cooked meals every week to homeless individuals, slum schools and daily wage workers across Delhi-NCR. The meals are not leftovers.

A City Sitting on Top of a Hunger Crisis

Delhi’s contradictions are visible from any street corner. Gleaming malls stand minutes from settlements where families cannot guarantee a single meal a day. India ranks 102 out of 123 countries on the 2024 Global Hunger Index, with a hunger level classified as “serious.”

Nationally, an estimated 811 million people remain undernourished — the largest such population in the world. In Delhi’s urban slums specifically, a Tata-Cornell Institute study found that 51% of households experienced food insecurity. India produces enough food to feed itself. The crisis is not one of supply — it is one of access, distribution and dignity.

Ghar Jaisa Khana: Food Like Home

Rasoi on Wheels started by serving 30 meals a day. That grew to 300, then to 800 to 1,000 meals five days a week, plus Sunday langars for the homeless.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, with Delhi’s migrant workers stranded, the organization distributed close to 20,000 meals a day.

The operation’s tagline is ghar jaisa khana — food like home. It is a deliberate choice. The people served are not handed scraps. They receive a rotating daily menu, individually packaged and prepared fresh from 3 a.m. every morning. Kapur calls the funding model ISR — Individual Social Responsibility — donations from ordinary people marking birthdays, weddings and funerals by feeding strangers instead.

Kapur has said that food is the most important requirement and that people should not be deprived of healthy food simply because they cannot afford it.

A Global Movement, One Kitchen at a Time

Kapur’s model sits within a broader shift in how food professionals are responding to hunger. Globally, José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen has served hundreds of millions of meals across crisis zones, built on the same core principle: that trained cooks, given the right support, can respond to hunger faster and more humanely than most institutions. In 2024 alone, World Central Kitchen served more than 109 million meals across 20 countries.

Both operations reject the model of surplus redistribution — the cold, leftover approach to aid — in favor of treating hungry people as people who deserve a proper meal.

What Policy Can Learn From a Van

Rasoi on Wheels is not a comprehensive solution to Delhi’s hunger crisis. But it points to something that policy consistently underestimates — the capacity of local, sustained, community-rooted action to fill gaps that government programs leave open.

India’s Public Distribution System, designed to provide subsidized food grains to the poor, reaches millions. But it does not reach the homeless man sleeping under a bridge in Connaught Place, or the construction worker’s child who arrives at school too hungry to learn. Rasoi on Wheels does.

Looking Ahead

Urban food poverty in India remains a structural challenge that no single organization can solve. The work of Rasoi on Wheels demonstrates that locally rooted, dignity-centered food initiatives can reach populations that formal systems miss. As India continues to grapple with the gap between food production and food access, models like this offer practical evidence that sustained, community-driven action can complement broader policy efforts to reduce hunger and poverty.

– Parthive Mukherji

Parthive is based in Edinburgh, UK and focuses on Celebs and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything To Know About Hunger in Jordan

Hunger in JordanFor thousands of families across Jordan, putting food on the table has become an increasing daily struggle. Rising food prices and economic hardship continue to push vulnerable communities toward food insecurity as inflation and regional instability place pressure across the country. While Jordan has made progress in education and health care hunger remains a serious challenge for low-income families, refugees and children. Everything to know about hunger in Jordan begins with understanding how economic hardship and displacement continue to increase demand for humanitarian aid across the country.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 3 million people in Jordan have required humanitarian assistance since 2024. The country also hosts the second-largest number of refugees per capita worldwide. According to the WFP, around 77% of these refugees face food insecurity in Jordan. Refugees from Syria, Iraq and Palestine continue to increase pressure on food systems and public services. Rising food prices have also made basic necessities harder to afford for Jordanian families living below the poverty line.

Why Hunger in Jordan Continues

Several economic and environmental factors contribute to rising hunger in Jordan. Jordan ranks among the world’s most water-scarce countries in the world which limits agricultural production and increases dependence on imported food. The World Bank reported that food inflation and unemployment have especially affected young people and low-income households in recent years.

The Syrian refugee population in Jordan especially faces severe food insecurity. Jordan hosts more than 427,000 registered Syrian refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Many refugee families struggle to secure stable employment and thus rely on food aid to survive.

Organizations Fighting Hunger on The Ground

Several organizations continue to address hunger in Jordan through food assistance and development programs. The WFP launched one of the country’s largest food assistance programs providing monthly cash-based food support to vulnerable Jordanians and refugees. In 2023 alone the organization assisted more than 1.7 million people in Jordan.

The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization also works with local and international partners to distribute food parcels and emergency aid across the country. During Ramadan campaigns and emergency response efforts, the organization reaches thousands of families facing food insecurity.

Tikeyet Um Ali has become one of Jordan’s leading anti-hunger nonprofit organizations. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has provided sustainable monthly food support to thousands of families living in extreme poverty. Tikeyet Um Ali also runs awareness campaigns and community programs aimed at reducing hunger nationwide. Everything to know about hunger in Jordan especially includes recognizing the role local nonprofits play in creating long-term support systems for vulnerable families.

Looking Ahead

Although hunger in Jordan remains a major issue humanitarian organizations and local initiatives continue to provide critical support for vulnerable communities. These organizations continue expanding programs that provide emergency meals, nutritional support and financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and unemployed households across Jordan. Increased international aid, stronger economic opportunities and sustainable food programs could help reduce food insecurity in the years ahead. Everything to know about hunger in Jordan points toward one reality: long-term investment and community-based solutions remain essential in the fight against hunger.

– Masa Qasim

Masa is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How The Hunger Project Is Empowering Women in Rural India

Empowering Women in Rural IndiaIndia is a fast-growing country, with an economy predicted to become the world’s third-largest by 2027. Despite its rapid development, the country remains behind in closing the gender gap. Deep-rooted social norms and cultural barriers limit many women and girls, who face inequality in their daily lives, from classrooms to homes. This cycle perpetuates negative stereotypes and prevents Indian girls from achieving their full potential.

Empowering Women in Rural India

The patriarchal social structures embedded in Indian culture push women to focus on domestic responsibilities. As a result, many women feel pressure to prioritize child-rearing and marriage over education and employment. This is especially apparent in rural areas and marginalized communities.

The inequalities that women face extend beyond their homes and are reflected in both public and private sectors. Representation in ministerial positions is critical to advancing gender-sensitive policymaking. As of 2025, women hold about 10% of seats in parliament or legislative assemblies.

Their limited representation in policymaking makes it difficult to pass legislation that supports their interests. The following statistics highlight key issues:

  • The adult literacy rate for women is 13.4 percentage points lower than for men, with 74.9% of women literate compared to 88.3% of men in India.
  • 14 of every 1,000 girls ages 15 to 19 gave birth in India in 2023.
  • As of 2025, the labor participation rate for women is 32.4% compared to 77.6% for men.

Although the gap between women and men across education, safety and economic participation is slowly closing, a significant disparity remains that stems from structures historically dominated by men.

The Hunger Project India

To address these disparities, The Hunger Project India works to encourage women to take on decision-making roles through community-based programs and leadership training. The organization focuses on building and strengthening women’s leadership skills in local governance, particularly gram panchayats, or village councils, and expanding access for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities to education, health, nutrition and economic opportunities.

The organization recognizes that meaningful change starts at the community level. The Hunger Project is empowering women in public office to drive development through a social justice and gender lens and to create an enabling environment for adolescent girls to build their confidence, life skills and understanding of the structural barriers that affect their lives.

The program encourages girls to use their voices to claim their rights, negotiate for change and make informed decisions about their lives. By empowering women to take on leadership positions, the program helps create role models for young girls in their communities. Women holding these government positions also advocate against child marriage and encourage young girls to strive for independence.

Through intergenerational dialogue, women who have experienced the barriers created by restrictive practices can inform and educate younger women.

Program Successes

Many women have been successful through these programs. Shakuntala Devi is an elected woman representative from Malipokhar Bhinda, Bihar. She endured child marriage and spent much of her life providing for six children. In her leadership role, she now works to combat child marriage by promoting education. She aims to “educate all the girls in her village,” as she believes “we can truly stop child marriage if we educate and empower adolescent girls.”

In addition to supporting elected women representatives, The Hunger Project works directly with adolescent girls to build their voice and agency through life skills and girls’ leadership workshops.

The organization also spoke with The Borgen Project about the broader narrative around gender equity. A representative noted that women and girls are often seen as means to an end, with development frameworks placing a disproportionate burden on them to drive change for entire communities. To create sustainable change, responsibility must shift from the individual level to address the broader structural issues that shape the system. This requires engagement at multiple levels, including panchayat institutions, families and the larger community.

Looking Ahead

India’s path toward gender equality will depend on two major factors: investment in women’s education and a willingness to address the social barriers that limit women’s opportunities. The initiatives led by The Hunger Project India demonstrate the action needed to change the narrative surrounding women’s rights in India. Through consistent efforts and a community-level approach, the organization is gradually contributing to shifts in cultural norms that are empowering women in rural India.

– Sachin Kapoor

Sachin is based in Atlanta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Harvesting the Sun: Sustainable Farming in Somalia

Sustainable Farming in SomaliaIn 1994, almost 50% of the working population in Somalia was employed by the agricultural industry. By 2025, this figure stood at 30%. This drop has been heavily influenced by the droughts and flooding that have affected Somalia since 2020 and resulted in famine and the loss of an estimated 43,000 lives. About 21% of the population is suffering from food shortages due to these extreme weather events that were ignited by the Deyr rainy season, which has had particularly damaging effects on farmers, with more than 1.5 million hectares of farmland lost to floods. This climate crisis has evolved from a humanitarian issue to an economic one, with one of the biggest industries in Somalia being heavily impacted.

The Hunger and Climate Crisis in Somalia

Floods are reported to have damaged or destroyed sanitation, health and education infrastructure in the nation, leaving 2.9 million people displaced in 2023 alone, with an overall 75% of the population having fled their homes in search of food, work or medical assistance. In 2025, it was estimated that 1.5 million children would be malnourished.

According to the World Food Program (WFP), one in 10 people needs help urgently, with new findings showing the number of people in crisis-level hunger has nearly doubled in a year, to 6.5 million. Many families reached by charitable aid have shared their stories. One such testimony is from a mother and farmer named Maxamed. She tells of her once prosperous farm that allowed her to be independent as a woman and mother.

However, as her animals and crops began to die following two years of no rain and weather hazards, she was “forced to pull her children out of class.” She shared that “there is no normal day anymore” and that in a typical week, her family is able to eat on only four nights. Maxamed stated that she is close to leaving home and taking her family to a displacement camp, where she would join four million others displaced by drought over the course of three months this year.

There are charities and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as CARE and Action Against Hunger working to address the hunger crisis in Somalia. The latter reached 3,201,516 people in the last year. One family Action Against Hunger has aided is Hassan and Jelow Lamow, two parents in Somalia’s Bay region, and their son Adan. Two-year-old Adan’s malnourishment reached a crisis point, and he developed Kwashiorkor disease, leaving his legs and abdomen swollen from fluid. His parents had lost their crops and animals, with 1.5 million livestock having died in their home region, and so they traveled 15 miles to a hospital in Baidoa set up by Action Against Hunger. According to the charity and medical staff, Adan is recovering, but greater action is needed to prevent the nationwide hunger crisis from escalating. Sustainable farming in Somalia offers one path forward.

The Effects of Sustainable Farming in Somalia

Despite efforts being made to combat the consequences of Somalia’s climate issues, sustainable farming initiatives offer one of the best chances at restoring stability to the country. Access to basic needs such as food and clean water has become more available due to the growth of organizations offering training, funding and tools to support sustainable farming in Somalia.

One such project is the Kobciye initiative, set up by World Vision and the WFP in 2023. Meaning “uplift” in Somali, the Kobciye project has provided 3,000 farmers across three states in Somalia with new equipment, including tractors, solar-powered water pumps and fencing, to help them work against the climate issues they are experiencing. The concept of harvesting the sun’s energy is not new, but to underdeveloped or underfunded communities such as disaster-affected regions in Somalia, it has been significant in improving efficiency and production for farmers who have previously lost everything. The project has many aims, including promoting crop growth, improving prosperity and shifting general attitudes toward farming.

New Techniques

Mohammed Sheikh Yusuf, a senior advisor at Somalia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, said that when people know they can produce their own food, generate their own income and work productive land, they readily switch from a nomadic lifestyle to a more sedentary farming or agropastoralist one, transforming their lives and livelihoods.

The rising commitment to the agricultural industry has brought about new techniques to further promote sustainable farming in Somalia, drawing in a new demographic as the focus turns to empowering women and youths to become independent, financially and socially. One sustainable change has been farmers using discarded materials as compost instead of creating waste. The Kobciye project gives communities access to water, not just for farming but for sanitation too. Local government official Ibrahim Abdulkadir said this is the first time farmers in the area have had access to fresh water in 100 years.

Looking Ahead

By focusing efforts on both sustainable farming in Somalia and addressing humanitarian issues, climate challenges such as flooding and drought may become problems to manage rather than crises to fear. Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRiCS) is a consortium that has combined efforts on humanitarian and farming needs into a plan for sustainable farming in Somalia. BRiCS focuses on agricultural strategies and issues such as food security, water and sanitation, and disaster risk reduction. By using renewable solar energy, it has reduced the costs of fuel and electricity for farms across the nation, saving money for farmers and reducing environmental impact.

Mumino is another mother and farmer who has shared her experience carrying on the business she inherited from her family. As a woman with little formal training, she struggled to raise her family and preserve her crops, especially when facing the lack of financial and practical resources during climate hazards. Now, thanks to BRiCS and other partners in the consortium, she has access to better water systems, solar energy and training to support herself. There are 300 other families like hers who have also benefited from BRiCS training and local authorities’ intervention.

Mumino said that her animals can now feed on vegetable off-cuts, so she no longer has to buy food for them, saving her $0.50 every day. This represents both an economic advantage and a social shift, as she is able to invest more into her family’s future without having to rely on community loans. Sustainable farming in Somalia is growing through initiatives like the Kobciye project and BRiCS, supporting a more resilient and productive agricultural industry.

– Jaya Noonan

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

Photo: Unsplash

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How Community Grains Banks Reduce Hunger in Rural Nepal

Hunger in Rural NepalIn rural Nepal, where geographic isolation, limited infrastructure and seasonal agricultural cycles restrict access to food, community grain banks have emerged as a practical way to reduce hunger and strengthen food security.

Food Insecurity in Rural Nepal

In rural regions of Nepal, food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many families. Geographic isolation, limited infrastructure and seasonal farming cycles often leave communities without reliable year-round access to food. During the months between harvests, many households face shortages that can lead to malnutrition, debt and deepened poverty.

According to the journal “Food Insecurity, Food Grain Imports and Agricultural Exports in Nepal: A Data Analysis Comparison (1990–2023),” “Food insecurity persists as a pressing issue, particularly in rural areas where undernutrition and food shortages remain prevalent.”

The Impact of Post-Harvest Loss

One major factor contributing to food insecurity in Nepal is post-harvest loss. Limited access to proper storage facilities and technologies leaves stored grain vulnerable to pests, moisture and spoilage. As a result, a substantial portion of harvested crops is lost before they can be consumed or sold.

According to research, “Farmers in Nepal lose up to one-third of stored grain to pests and diseases.” This significantly reduces both household food availability and income.

A Community-Based Solution

To address these challenges, some communities have turned to an innovative and locally driven solution: community grain banks. Grain banks are cooperative systems in which villagers collectively store surplus crops such as rice, wheat or maize after harvest. Each household contributes a portion of its yield to a shared reserve.

When food becomes scarce, families can borrow from the bank and repay the grain after the next harvest, often with a small additional amount to sustain the system. This approach provides a critical safety net. By ensuring access to food during difficult periods, community grain banks in rural Nepal help prevent hunger and reduce the need for high-interest loans, which many families would otherwise rely on to purchase food. In doing so, they play a direct role in breaking cycles of poverty.

In one rural community in Nepal, a grain bank was established to support families vulnerable to seasonal flooding and food shortages. Households contribute grain during harvest and those in need can borrow supplies during emergencies, repaying slightly more after the next harvest. The system follows a structured policy: “If people take 40 kilograms of paddy from the bank, they must return a total of 50 kilograms once they harvest their farm.” 

Community leaders emphasize the program’s impact, with Urmila Rishidev, president of Shanti Nari DMT, stating, “The grain bank has been a boon for our community because our children do not have to starve when a flood comes.”

Improving Storage and Long-Term Resilience

In remote areas where access to markets is limited, the role of community grain banks in reducing hunger in rural Nepal is further demonstrated through their ability to stabilize local food systems. Instead of depending on fluctuating food prices or distant supply chains, communities can rely on their own reserves. This increases resilience and allows families to better manage economic uncertainty.

Additionally, improving storage practices is essential to maximizing the impact of these systems. Research highlights that improved technologies can significantly reduce losses and strengthen food security. According to findings, hermetic storage methods are viable, chemical-free alternatives to traditional methods and pesticides used by smallholder farmers for grain storage.

They effectively control pests of stored products, maintain seed quality, improve food security and increase the income of smallholder farmers. This demonstrates how better storage solutions can directly support both food availability and household income.

Conclusion

Community grain banks represent a practical and community-driven approach to addressing food insecurity in rural Nepal. By reducing post-harvest losses, improving access to food during seasonal shortages and strengthening local cooperation, these systems help mitigate key drivers of poverty. While challenges remain, continued support for grain banks and improved storage solutions can help build more resilient, food-secure communities.

– Grelby Santos

Grelby is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions 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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Everything To Know About Hunger in Indonesia

Hunger in IndonesiaIndonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and the world’s fourth most populous country, with more than 270 million people living across more than 17,000 islands. Despite this economic strength, the country continues to face serious challenges related to food insecurity. As an upper-middle-income nation, Indonesia has achieved significant growth, yet millions of Indonesians still struggle to access sufficient and nutritious food. More than 23 million people lack reliable access to proper nutrition, and over 20% of children experience stunted growth due to malnutrition. Addressing hunger in Indonesia is therefore essential for protecting public health and ensuring a more secure future for the next generation.

The Current State of Hunger in Indonesia

Indonesia has made significant progress in reducing hunger over the past two decades. World Bank data shows that the prevalence of undernourishment dropped from around 18% in the early 2000s to about 6% by 2018. However, this improvement has slowed in recent years, and slight increases suggest that food insecurity continues to challenge the country.

Child nutrition has also improved, but serious concerns persist. UNICEF reports that the stunting rate among Indonesian children declined from 37.2% in 2013 to 21.5% in 2023. At the same time, the wasting rate has risen slightly, reaching 8.5% in 2023, highlighting the continued vulnerability of many children to malnutrition.

Food insecurity does not affect all regions equally. Official BPS statistics show that undernourishment rates are significantly higher in eastern provinces such as Papua Selatan compared to more developed areas like Java. This reflects the strong rural–urban divide in access to food and nutrition.

Despite overall progress, recent global and economic pressures have affected food security. Rising food prices and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have made healthy diets increasingly unaffordable for many households, particularly low-income families. These trends indicate that while Indonesia has advanced in the fight against hunger, sustained action remains essential.

What Is Causing Hunger in Indonesia?

A combination of economic and structural factors drive hunger in Indonesia. Although the country has experienced steady economic growth, poverty and inequality continue to limit access to nutritious food for many low-income households.

Rising food prices have also increased food insecurity. According to the FAO’s State of Food Security and Nutrition report, about 43.5% of Indonesians cannot afford a healthy diet, highlighting the economic barriers many families face in accessing nutritious food.

Geography is another key factor shaping hunger in Indonesia. As a country spread across thousands of islands, access to food varies greatly from region to region. In many rural and eastern areas, limited infrastructure and long distances make it harder to obtain affordable staples such as rice and fresh fish, which are central to the Indonesian diet. When transportation is difficult and markets are far away, even basic foods become more expensive and less accessible, increasing the risk of food insecurity.

In addition, climate shocks also threaten food production. Floods, droughts and other extreme weather events regularly disrupt agriculture in Indonesia, affecting crop yields and food supply in vulnerable regions.

Local Realities Behind the Statistics

During a visit to Lombok Island, several women told The Borgen Project they earned their income by selling handmade bracelets to tourists. They explained that most of their earnings were used to buy food for their children. One woman shared that her goal was to purchase a small corn field to ensure her children would not go hungry and could continue their education.

Solutions

Indonesia has expanded social protection programs to address food insecurity. Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH), the country’s largest conditional cash transfer initiative, provides financial support to poor households with children and pregnant women. Over the past decade, the program has expanded significantly and now reaches approximately 10 million beneficiary families across Indonesia. These cash transfers help vulnerable households afford food, health care and education, contributing to improved nutrition and poverty reduction.

The World Food Programme (WFP) works with the Indonesian government to strengthen national food security and nutrition systems. Under the World Food Programme Indonesia Country Strategic Plan 2026–2030, WFP provides technical assistance and policy support for the government’s Free Nutritious Meals Programme. The initiative aims to reach more than 80 million people by 2029, helping expand access to nutritious meals while strengthening national food systems and disaster preparedness.

UNICEF also supports Indonesia’s National Nutrition Programme, which focuses on improving nutrition outcomes across the life course. The programme strengthens services for pregnant women, infants and young children while supporting national efforts to address stunting and other forms of malnutrition. A recent UNICEF review of Indonesia’s nutrition programmes highlights progress in improving nutrition systems, while also identifying remaining gaps in implementation and access to services in some regions.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also works with Indonesian partners to advance the global goal of Zero Hunger by 2030. Through initiatives such as the “Road to Zero Hunger” campaign launched in Bandung, FAO collaborates with government institutions, universities and civil society to raise awareness about food security and nutrition challenges. The campaign promotes stronger food systems, sustainable agricultural practices and greater public engagement in addressing hunger and malnutrition across the country.

Looking Ahead

Although hunger in Indonesia has declined over the past two decades, inequality, geographic barriers and rising food costs continue to limit access to nutritious food for millions. Expanding social protection programs, strengthening nutrition services and investing in resilient food systems remain essential to ensure progress reaches the most vulnerable communities. Sustained commitment to these efforts will be critical for improving public health and securing long-term food security across the country.

– Elif Oktar

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

Photo: Elif Oktar

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Confronting the Weaponization of Hunger in Sudan

Weaponization of HungerPassing the 1,000th day of civil conflict in January 2026, the humanitarian situation in Sudan remains the world’s most desperate and most neglected crisis. On top of the ever-growing death toll and alarming reports of widespread sexual violence, observers and international bodies have accused both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of the weaponization of hunger, with Sudanese civilians bearing the brunt of this cruelty. On Feb. 19, 2026, the U.K. foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, alongside European and international collaborators, signed a Joint Ministerial Statement on Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Operations in Sudan, which they hope will signal a move away from rhetoric and toward action in addressing the atrocities.

Weaponization of Hunger: The Effects and Mechanics

The World Food Program (WFP) has confirmed famine in two parts of the country, El Fasher in the west and Kadugli in the south. Here, 375,000 people face the most drastic level of food insecurity according to the globally ratified Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Level 5. Elsewhere, moreover, more than 21 million people, nearly half of the country’s population, are suffering from acute levels of food insecurity.

The impact on food security is not an unfortunate by-product of the conflict. Instead, the two warring civil factions have orchestrated it as a war tactic. It has resulted from numerous sustained aid blockages as well as targeted attacks on humanitarian workers and volunteers. Of course, the disruption to domestic food production and increased food prices have exacerbated the crisis.

The U.K.’s Pledge

With neighboring Arab stakeholders bankrolling both sides and both militaries becoming more obstinate in their ambitions, the conflict shows little to no sign of halting. In response, voices across the world have amplified pleas for the conflict to end.

In an address to the Commons on Feb. 5, Yvette Cooper outlined the U.K.’s current status as a major contributor to foreign aid in Sudan, with pledges to increase aid given the current climate. “In December, the U.K. provided an additional £21 million for food, shelter and health services,” she said, amounting to a total of £146 million that has served 800,000 people over the past year.

Cooper’s other contribution has been diplomatic. She recently traveled to Addis Ababa and to Chad, where she held meetings with foreign ministers and members of the African Union to discuss opening aid channels, expanding the currently limited arms embargo and possibilities of engendering a temporary ceasefire.

Responding to the secretary of state’s statement, two MPs explicitly brought up the issue of weaponized hunger in Sudan and questioned whether the government was taking appropriate measures to confront it. Harpreet Uppal, the Labour MP for Huddersfield, and Jim Shannon, Strangford’s DUP representative, called for urgent increases in funding from the U.K. and international partners as well as increased U.N. presence in the worst-affected areas of Kadugli in South Kordofan and risk zones in Darfur and Kordofan. Though they welcomed the increased attention the U.K. government is giving to the humanitarian crisis, they believe more remains to be done.

Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton, called for effective intervention in Sudan’s gold trade, control of which is a constant battleground for the SAF and RSF and the profits from which fund a considerable portion of both operations. The U.K. and its allies need to impose sanctions, she argues, and expand the arms embargo “beyond Darfur to the whole country.” In the short term, she emphasizes that a ceasefire is essential if parties are to reopen humanitarian corridors safely.

Cooper reassured the Commons that she had met with the U.N. secretary-general and the U.N. emergency coordinator, Tom Fletcher, who confirmed that the Quad, a temporary alliance of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the U.S. formed to establish a humanitarian truce in Sudan, was discussing those topics. They are also “pressing for much greater humanitarian access.” Though MPs may welcome the government demonstrating concern with confronting the Sudanese crisis, bolstered by increases in foreign aid, for now, they only have verbal affirmation.

International Input

In the same Commons session, Adam Jogee MP turned attention beyond the U.K. and demanded an update on the contribution European allies are making. He asked Cooper to clarify what France, Italy, Spain and Ireland are doing to end the humanitarian crisis and the weaponization of hunger in Sudan. In response, Cooper reminded the chamber of an upcoming conference that will take place in Berlin in April and aims to discuss funding for an effective humanitarian aid program in the region.

Elsewhere, it is also important to mention the United States, which, despite budget cuts, has joined other nations in increasing the foreign aid directed to Sudan. On Feb. 3, the United States and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) held a joint conference centered on raising funds to address the situation. In total, donors pledged to contribute $1.5 billion to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, which distributes money to various NGOs and U.N. agencies. Some critics have questioned the sincerity of these pledges due to the conflicts of interest among some of the countries involved.

As Sudan’s war continues, the WFP’s confirmation of famine and the obstruction of aid by warring factions highlight the deliberate weaponization of hunger. Despite pledges of increased support and diplomacy from Yvette Cooper and international partners, enforceable action, including sanctions, expanded embargoes and protected humanitarian access, may prove necessary if starvation is not to remain one of the conflict’s most devastating weapons.

– Jude Parsons

Jude is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hunger in Kericho: Nishkam Projects’ Feeding Program

Tackling Hunger in Kericho: Lessons from Nishkam Projects’ Feeding Programme For a young child in Kericho, Kenya, tackling hunger can make the difference between success and opportunity within the education system or being trapped in a cycle of poverty. For many, days start without breakfast and school meals may be their only meal in a day, highlighting the urgent need for these meals to be fulfilling and regular. Without this, learning becomes more difficult, attendance dips and concentration wanes, reinforcing cycles of disadvantage that children themselves have no power to escape.

This systemic challenge is reflected in recent regional data. Kenya’s regions of Kericho and Tharaka Nithi experienced sharp increases in poverty from 2021 to 2022 and the figures have been slowly climbing since. Poverty in Kericho County increased from 39.8% in 2021 to 47.8% in 2022.

Time and time again, a pattern emerges where children are frequently the first to suffer the consequences of this economic instability.

The Importance of School Meals

Simply put, school meals can hold the key to unlocking a truly accomplished education and a pathway out of poverty. School meal programmes protect households from hunger and mitigate the effects of rising food costs by offering a consistent supply of food at no cost to families, saving 10–20% of their yearly food expenses.

The development of jobs is another indication of the economic potential. Globally, for every 100,000 students fed, school lunch programs provide around 1,591 cooking job opportunities. Every $1 invested in feeding programs yields $7 to $35 in economic benefits, making them widely recognized as high-return investments in decreasing poverty.

Hungry children are less likely to attend school on a regular basis and are more likely to fall behind when they do, according to several studies. Hunger impairs focus, memory and engagement, which undermines the very education that would provide a means of escaping poverty. Therefore, food insecurity not only reflects existing inequality; it actively perpetuates it. School meals are increasingly understood as being much more than a simple plate of food.

Nishkam Projects Kericho

Against this backdrop of rising food insecurity, Nishkam Projects Kericho has become a locally based response to child hunger that prioritises community and humanity. The organisation collaborates with local communities and schools to provide children from low-income homes with regular meals so that hunger will not deter them from attending school.

The Sikh values of communal duty and sewa (selfless service) have shaped a larger humanitarian legacy that encompasses Nishkam’s work in Kericho. Instead of seeing hunger as a temporary crisis, the organization approaches it as a structural issue that requires ongoing dedication and long-term presence.

This philosophy is articulated by Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ji, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and philanthropist, recently honored by Kipsigis elders in Kericho for his leadership in peace and service.

He explains the deeper motivation behind the initiative: “When people become disconnected from God, they become disconnected from creation — and when that happens, compassion disappears.” Nishkam Projects’ work seeks to bring back these connections, foster community and place compassion at the forefront of action. By incorporating its feeding program within educational institutions such as Highlands Primary School, the organization promotes a broader ethic of care while addressing pressing nutritional needs.

It centers around notions of mutual responsibility. Poverty exists when wealth is not shared, and inequality increases when individuals and communities no longer feel obligated to one another. As Bhai Sahib Ji illustrates: “When people lose that connection, greed takes over. They want more and more, and they stop wanting to share.”

In a world where widespread poverty and food waste coexist, this insight resonates strongly. Each year, a significant amount of food is wasted, despite the fact that millions of children lack access to even one consistent meal. By basing its feeding programs on seva, Nishkam Projects frames hunger as a societal issue that can be addressed through collective action.

Positive Impacts

The classroom at Highlands Primary School in Kericho demonstrates the effects of regular school meals. As Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh explains: “Children are the most vulnerable, and they are our future. If you want a good future, you must look after the children.” He adds that hunger affects children with particular force because of their dependence on others. “If there is no compassion, they are the first to suffer.” By embedding feeding within the school day, Nishkam’s programme protects children from the immediate effects of food insecurity while also supporting long-term development goals.

A basic daily meal acts as a stabilising factor, supporting education, strengthening households and helping interrupt cycles of hunger that can pass from generation to generation. Nishkam Projects Kericho sees education as the key to long-term development, while feeding programs address urgent hunger. In this way, food serves as a foundation rather than an endpoint. It stabilizes children’s lives so learning, growth and future opportunities become possible.

Without education, efforts to alleviate hunger risk becoming recurrent. With it, communities can begin to escape chronic poverty. Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh emphasizes that “good education, value-led education,” must accompany material support.

The Principle of Langar

This legacy of sharing food is embedded at the heart of another Sikh tradition: Langar. A centuries-old practice, Guru Ka Langar began in Punjab in the fifteenth century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Langar embodies the Sikh virtues of sharing, community, inclusivity and the fundamental oneness of mankind.

Food is prepared collectively, shared freely and consumed side by side, with no distinction between those who give and those who receive. As Bhai Sahib Ji explains: “We prepare langar and everyone sits in the same line, at the same level, sharing the same meal.” By eliminating social status symbols, langar reframes food distribution as a gesture of solidarity rather than charity. No hierarchy places one group above another. Instead, the shared meal affirms Bhai Sahib Ji’s idea: “The wealthy person and the poor person are brothers.”

In the context of tackling hunger in Kericho, this approach carries particular significance. Food insecurity is often associated with stigma, reinforcing feelings of shame and exclusion among those who are struggling. By maintaining dignity and encouraging a sense of belonging, Langar actively counters this trend.

By basing its feeding programs on the philosophy of langar, Nishkam Projects provides more than just food. It provides a framework for addressing poverty that prioritizes equality, respect and shared humanity.

Nishkam Peace Festival, Kericho

Beyond schools and feeding programs, Nishkam’s dedication to ending hunger in Kericho reaches into the community’s broader social fabric.

This was particularly visible during Kericho’s Nishkam Peace Festival, when children from different schools gathered for a day of performances. Spoken-word, dance and music brought families and community members together.

The langar practice was central to the celebration. A free community meal, prepared and served in the same spirit of equality that guides Nishkam’s broader work, was extended to all children. The reasoning behind such initiatives is straightforward, as Bhai Sahib Ji observes: “Helping others becomes natural if we see all of humanity as one family.”

The Peace Festival in Kericho demonstrated how community, culture and langar can come together to promote harmony.

Looking Ahead

The demand for solutions that address both the material and social dimensions of poverty continues to grow. Nishkam Projects Kericho illustrates how combining values-driven action with practical programs can support children and communities facing food insecurity.

– Prubleen Bhogal

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

Photo: Needpix

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Updates on SDG 1 in South Sudan

SDG 1 in South SudanMany of the people in South Sudan are, literally, struggling to survive. A myriad of households stand to experience catastrophe by May 2026. Opposition between government and resistant forces are causing further displacement, limiting access to food and hindering humanitarian aid. The risk of famine continues to spread, especially with the re-emergence of cholera outbreaks. Imagine having a sick child and the only food and water available for her consumption is contaminated. This is real life for the South Sudanese. Many face physical, emotional, mental and spiritual devastation on a daily basis.

A 2022 South Sudan Household Budget Review discovered that only 24% of the South Sudanese live above the national poverty line. Poverty has a firmer grip on the children and women of South Sudan. About 40% of South Sudanese refugees are adults. The remaining 60% are under age 18. Females, juveniles and children make up the majority of those living in displacement camps. Here are updates on SDG 1 in South Sudan, which is the goal of no poverty.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Located in northeastern Africa, South Sudan is the world’s newest country. Seceding from Sudan in January 2011, it was admitted as a new Member State by the United Nations General Assembly on July 14, 2011. It aligned its development with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

As an appeal to end poverty and ensure everyone on the globe enjoys peace and prosperity, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. All 17 goals are integrated, recognizing that improvements in one area will have a positive impact on the outcomes of others.

Updates on SDG 1 in South Sudan

UNICEF reports that conflict, flooding and access constraints have deepened severe hunger and undernourishment across large areas of South Sudan. Millions of children continue to face the possibility of starvation in 2026.

While very little progress has been made on SDG 1, institutional efforts have been ongoing. South Sudan’s Voluntary National Review (VNR), addressed the government’s intent to align national policies with the 2030 Agenda. Although the VNR mentioned intense challenges — including lack of quantitative progress on poverty reduction — it recognized the country’s commitments to bolster social protection and support the vulnerable.

Although the poverty statistics in South Sudan can feel deflating, efforts are in place to address this crisis. The United Nations Country Team and South Sudanese government collaborated on development cooperation programs to increase food security and improve livelihoods.

In addition, agricultural initiatives supported by the United Nations have expanded food production from 800,000 to more than 1.1 million metric tons in 2024. More than 3 million people benefited from support through agriculture, fisheries and livestock, enhancing both food security and resilience.

Non-Government Organizations Supporting SDG 1 in South Sudan

Action Against Hunger has been addressing poverty in South Sudan for over 40 years. The focal points of its programs are water, sanitation, hygiene and food security. It collaborated with local lawmakers and community organizations to raise the budget for Health and Nutrition categories. South Sudan’s first National Nutrition Policy was a big win in 2024.

The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) offers humanitarian aid in South Sudan. Since 2019, the mission of these American physicians of Sudanese-descent has been to provide health care, food security, sanitation, water and other life saving efforts to the vulnerable experiencing poverty. SAPA’s key achievements include availability to primary health care for 4 million people. Mobile clinics and hospital services have been arranged to serve the internally displaced, at no cost.

Oxfam has been supporting the impoverished people of South Sudan for more than 30 years. Its goals are to help women and provide them with safe spaces where they can receive medical attention. In addition, it collaborates with local officials to promote accountability inside the institutions and systems, set in place, to save lives. It has been successful in building resilience by ensuring children have access to education. Oxfam has helped people get into trades and rebuild their livelihoods. It has also backed communities by arranging infrastructure, including water treatment facilities.

Looking Ahead

These are just a few of the NGOs busy employing strategies to address poverty in the world’s youngest country. To some, it may seem that No Poverty is an elusive goal for South Sudan but with local and global support, advocacy and improved governance, achieving SDG 1 over the next decade is still within reach.

– Erin Sian Mongillo

Erin is based in North Haven, CT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr