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Food or Farming Equipment? Achieving Zero Hunger in Nigeria 

Hunger in Nigeria
With a population of 213 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, but it suffers from uneven development and rapid population growth. An overwhelming 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, most of whom live in the northeast region. In this region alone, 8.4 million people are food insecure. With an array of fresh crises and so many mouths to feed, solutions are essential to stop Nigeria from falling further into this hunger crisis in Nigeria.

The Hunger Crisis in Nigeria

The northeast of Nigeria has been facing a humanitarian crisis for over a decade. In 2023, access to food is under threat due to increasing costs, armed violence and banditry specifically targeted at farmers. The increase in refugees in the region, mainly from Cameroon, has worsened this crisis. As of July 2023, Nigeria registered 87,228 refugees from Cameroon, who fled conflict in their country. Nigeria has displayed inspiring dedication to humanitarian goals by welcoming the refugees and allowing them to work in their country, but it does make their struggles for zero hunger a more dire situation.

The Importance of Farming in Nigeria

Perhaps surprisingly considering the crisis, estimates have indicated that more than 70% of Nigerians work in agriculture. The Nigerian economy is therefore closely tied to agriculture, as are many Nigerian livelihoods.

The solution to the hunger crisis is therefore more complex than increasing food importation. According to Adeole Akinola, a specialist in the region, reliance on imports would “incapacitate those rural dwellers that rely on the sale of their farm products.”

Why the Farming Industry is Not More Developed

Despite its clear cultural and economic importance, agriculture remains underdeveloped in Nigeria. Smallholders produce 90% of the food consumed in the country. These small-scale farmers often lack the machinery to optimize their yield and suffer attacks due to security issues.

The main reason why farming has remained in these precarious conditions and not developed into a larger industry is because of governmental focus. For most of the 20th century, the government believed that oil would provide the bulk of Nigeria’s GDP, leading to the neglect of other sectors.

As of today, the oil industry accounts for somewhere between 6% to 9% of Nigerian GDP. Agriculture accounts for more than 22%.

How Aid Can Eliminate Hunger in Nigeria

The obstacles to zero hunger in northeast Nigeria have not gone unnoticed in the global community. The U.K. has provided £38 million in aid, which has gone toward providing humanitarian assistance. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly states that the aid is “saving lives” and adds that “the international community must support these efforts.”

Food security is at its lowest between June and August when there is no harvest. In August 2023 alone, the World Food Programme (WFP) gave 9,932 new refugees emergency food provisions in the northeast region. However, WFP recognizes that the crisis will only persist, and has requested an urgent $152 million USD – even as the new harvest comes into effect – to continue to keep the situation under control.

In the meantime, there is a clear market.

Zero hunger will not occur with the current state of the Nigerian agricultural industry. Nigerian farmers need more security, as well as better equipment to increase their yield. The International Trade Administration recognizes that Nigeria is “a big window of opportunity for suppliers of agricultural equipment.”

Empowering Nigerian farmers seems to be the best way towards zero hunger and a solution beneficial to all.

– Luke Gouldson
Photo: Pixabay

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Mary’s Meals is Reducing Hunger in Ethiopia

Hunger in EthiopiaAs of 2022, Ethiopia has 123 million citizens, making it Africa’s second most populous country. With a fertility rate of 4.6 children born per woman, projections have indicated its population will have significant growth moving forward. This has exacerbated the problem of hunger and poverty among Ethiopians. One organization, Mary’s Meals, noticed Ethiopia’s need for support and is attempting to reduce hunger in Ethiopia.

Mary’s Meals

Mary’s Meals is a nonprofit organization that Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow founded. It works to provide school meals to impoverished communities around the world. The organization believes that every child should have one nutritious meal daily. Magnus argues that this meal should be available at school. He asks, “How can any part of the human family make progress if its children are without adequate food and access to at least a basic education?”

A meal provides nourishment, enables access to education and provides hope for a different future.

Ethiopian Outreach

Mary’s Meals spread to Ethiopia in 2017. It now supplies meals to 24,320 Ethiopian children in the semi-arid impoverished Tigray region in an effort to reduce hunger in Ethiopia.

It costs $2,794 to feed a child for a year, and people around the world share their resources to help feed these children.

School Feeding Program

Mary’s Meals has been serving Ethiopia since 2017, working with a trusted in-country partner to deliver and support the sourcing, cooking and serving of meals to children in 36 places of education. Children in Tigray recently shared what a meal and education meant to them with Mary’s Meals staff.

Making a Difference

According to reports, Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries, ranking at 32, according to the Global Finance Magazine. An estimated 36% of children under the age of five have stunted growth. Ethiopia also has a very high school dropout rate, with an estimated 66% of children not completing primary school.  

Because of these statistics, children attend school where they can receive a meal and an education which can be a changing point and a lift out of poverty. It can also be a bridge to a better tomorrow. Helena Finnegan and the organization believes this is the turning point for making a difference. 

She shared that it is crucial to have a partnership to make a school-feeding program possible. Mary’s Meals’ in-country partner delivers the program with the commitment of dozens of local volunteers. The volunteers prepare, cook and serve the meals, ensuring that more than 24,000 children receive a meal. For many children it is the only meal they receive in 24 hours.

Devastation in Ethiopia

Mary’s Meals believes that its ability to continue providing meals throughout a sudden two-year civil war is a very great accomplishment as Tigray has been at the center of the conflict.

Since thousands of people had to leave their homes when this sudden conflict occurred, Mary’s Meals’ trusted in-country partner was able to pivot from feeding children at school to delivering emergency food to more than a dozen centers in Mekelle where people sought refuge. 

Visiting Ethiopia

When asked about their hands-on work done in Ethiopia, Helena Finnegan said, “While periodic in-country visits are needed to provide support and check on program status and impact, etc., these visits are undertaken in conjunction with other regional trips to maximize outreach efficiently. During the two-year conflict, it was not possible to travel to Tigray, and communications were sporadic, so this recent visit to reconnect and ensure support was particularly meaningful for everyone.”

Improvement

As Mary’s Meals’ founder, Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow says, “We always want to reach the places where life is most difficult for children, where people are suffering the most…In the many countries in which we serve such as Ethiopia, Haiti, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, that is made even more challenging due to conflict and climate shocks.” 

After 21 years, Mary’s Meals has created and grown a well-organized, efficient and low-cost school feeding model for the students of Ethiopia who are unable to afford meals outside of school. 

Looking Ahead

When asked about the future, Helena Finnegan said, “A visit this summer enabled us to review the situation, meet with the partner and communities to determine their needs and the best ways to move forward in re-establishing the feeding programs back in schools/places of education. 

We are looking forward to partnering with the local Tigray communities as they work to re-open schools, which will be a process. In many cases, that requires repairing and rebuilding schools and the kitchens where food was prepared and cooked and coordinating the reestablishment of an in-school education program.” 

Mary’s Meals will continue to grow and reduce hunger in Ethiopia using the skills it has developed over the years since establishment.

– Abigail DiCarlo
Photo: Flickr

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How Ramen Noodles Can Fight Global Hunger

Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles, the humble staple of college students and budget-conscious individuals, emerge as powerful tools for addressing poverty, fostering entrepreneurship and providing emergency relief. Beyond their affordability and widespread popularity, ramen noodles possess unique qualities that make them well-suited for tackling various socioeconomic challenges.

Ramen for Emergency Relief

A key advantage of ramen noodles in the fight against poverty is their extended shelf life. When stored properly, these dried or instant noodles can last for months or even up to a year. This longevity makes them invaluable resources in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies. When disaster strikes, access to food becomes a pressing concern. With their long shelf life, ramen noodles can be stockpiled and distributed efficiently to affected communities. Their simplicity in preparation — just boiling water is required — ensures that even in dire circumstances, people can access a hot meal. 

Initiatives like the World Instant Noodles Association’s (WINA) “Donation of Noodles” program highlight the global reach of ramen as a tool for poverty alleviation. WINA’s efforts involve providing substantial quantities of instant noodles to regions affected by disasters or economic challenges, helping secure access to food for millions of people. In February 2023, WINA donated 100,000 servings of instant noodles to the regions affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Beyond emergency relief, the income-generating potential of ramen noodles can catalyze entrepreneurship, particularly in low-income communities. Many small entrepreneurs around the world have harnessed the appeal of ramen noodles to create thriving businesses. One particular noodle-related success story comes from Hualong County in Qinghai Province, China. Residents of Hualong have used lamian (hand-pulled noodles) to lift themselves out of poverty. A decade ago, nearly half of Hualong’s 300,000-plus residents lived in poverty. Through the development of the lamian industry, Hualong County successfully eradicated poverty in the region. Currently, around 17,000 hand-pulled noodle restaurants, run by Hualong natives, operate across China, with an annual output value of 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) and involving 110,000 local people. The country’s government has also introduced initiatives to support poverty-stricken individuals in the lamian industry, leading to thousands emerging from poverty. 

A Path to Food Security

Ramen noodles offer a cost-effective solution for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. Their affordability allows people on limited budgets to access filling and nourishing meals. This accessibility is vital in the fight against poverty, as inadequate nutrition can perpetuate a cycle of poor health and limited economic opportunities. By providing a source of convenient and satisfying sustenance, these organizations support vulnerable populations in maintaining their well-being. 

Challenges and Considerations

While ramen noodles offer a range of benefits in poverty alleviation, it’s important to acknowledge potential challenges. One concern is the nutritional quality of instant ramen, which can be high in sodium and lack essential nutrients. Organizations and individuals working with ramen for poverty alleviation must consider the need for a balanced diet and explore ways to supplement ramen with fresh and nutritious ingredients. Furthermore, the environmental impact of single-use packaging associated with instant ramen is a concern. Sustainable packaging options and responsible consumption practices are essential to mitigate this issue. 

Conclusion

Ramen noodles, often seen as simple and convenient meals, possess remarkable potential to alleviate poverty, foster entrepreneurship and provide emergency relief. Their long shelf life makes them invaluable in crises, their affordability makes them accessible to those on tight budgets and their popularity has fueled entrepreneurial ventures worldwide. By recognizing the diverse ways ramen is a tool for positive change, individuals, organizations and governments can work together to unlock the potential of this humble noodle to create a more equitable and nourished world.

– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Flickr

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WHO and UNICEF Respond to Hunger in the Horn of Africa

Horn of Africa Climate Crisis
For the last 40 years, the greater Horn of Africa has borne the brunt of changing weather patterns and its knock-on effects. Extended periods of extreme heat and poor rainfall have led to conditions of drought in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. This has affected crop growth and grazing land for animals, destabilizing already fragile subsistence farms and causing widespread hunger, thirst and desperation. Here is some information about what some are doing to address hunger in the Horn of Africa.

The Situation

Despite heavier rainfall during the wet season of 2023, the soil has become parched, damaged by severe and long-term drought and no longer able to absorb water. Floods have destroyed roads, washed away livestock and forced the closure of schools and medical facilities, on top of famine and water insecurity. More than 11 million people have become climate refugees, forced to leave their homes to seek pasture, food, water and medical treatment.

These factors have increased the risk of illness and disease. Contaminated water sources from flooding spread cholera, measles and other waterborne diseases. The nature of changing weather patterns means that extreme weather events such as these may occur more frequently and with more intensity. The resilience of these communities is reducing; many households are unable to bounce back before another onslaught of sickness, famine and financial loss.

Food Insecurity in the Horn of Africa

The number of people experiencing acute food insecurity has reached 45.8 million, with children among the most at risk. Four consecutive dry periods have killed crops and livestock, reducing the nutritious food available and food prices have inflated due to scarcity. The number of children under 5 years old suffering from malnutrition has skyrocketed to more than 7 million, with 1.9 million children at risk of death across seven countries. 

UNICEF

UNICEF issued an appeal in 2022, calling for funding to provide critical, life-saving treatment such as ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). Supported by donors, the organization addressed hunger in the Horn of Africa by assisting 30 million children and mothers at risk of malnutrition through education, nutrition, immunization and child protection services. Immediate actions also included addressing the water insecurity crisis by drilling water boreholes to improve community resilience to future climate emergencies. Investments in government child social schemes, in addition to nutrition and health systems, address the need for longer-term resilience. 

The World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been instrumental in coordinating efforts to treat diseases and provide food, water and sanitation. In Kenya, a rapid response team at county and sub-county levels was established to detect, report on and respond to drought early on. The government food and health emergency plan was revised in Ethiopia, as were the drought response activities. In Somalia, the WHO collaborated with UNICEF and 53 health partners to address the needs of internally displaced people. International cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya will combat the cholera outbreak. In Uganda, the WHO is responding to the measles outbreak by assisting with vaccinations and donating equipment to manage the number of cases. Along with the Ministry of Health, the WHO is training health workers, including nutrition leads, to manage health complications in Djibouti. 

Prompt responses to the effects of drought are crucial to the reduction of hunger in the Horn of Africa. Long-term damage to children’s well-being and devastation to livelihoods and the economy can be averted through a timely and well-coordinated course of action.

– Lydia Greene
Photo: Flickr

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5 Ways Foreign Policy Has Helped Tackle the Famine in Ethiopia

Famine in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is currently experiencing its sixth consecutively failed rainy season, prolonging a drought that is already affecting more than 30 million people. In 2023, Ethiopia still ranks number two on the world watch list, with 2023 global warming worsening the need for humanitarian aid. However, while Ethiopia is facing numerous challenges with famine, the world rallies together to try and relieve some of the suffering they are currently experiencing. With foreign aid in Ethiopia, significant progress has occurred in addressing this crisis. Here are five ways in which foreign policy and aid have played a crucial role in combating famine in Ethiopia.

1. Food Assistance

Foreign aid is instrumental in providing essential food assistance to those whom famine in Ethiopia has affected. Through partnerships with international organizations and donor countries, vulnerable communities have received food supplies, helping to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. A main example of this in regard to the Ethiopian famine includes the UN World Food Program (WFP). This program currently serves as a primary form of relief and food assistance for famine sufferers in Ethiopia, with new and enhanced controls being introduced to provide food security in more complex areas, such as Tigray, a zone that war has damaged. These measures have emerged to prevent food from falling into the wrong hands and being stolen from those who need it most and include tracking and digital registration of recipients and locations to ensure those in need of food security receive it. 

2. Agricultural Development

Agriculture is at the heart of Ethiopia’s economy, with 80% of its population residing in rural areas, where agriculture is their main source of income. With six consecutively failed harvest seasons, Ethiopia has been unable to feed its population that depends on the land to grow and sell its food. That is why a large focus of foreign aid in Ethiopia is directed at stimulating agricultural development by fertilizing land, teaching new skills and how to farm in differing conditions and investing in agricultural measures and equipment. This empowers local farmers to improve their practices, learn new ways of farming, enhance food production capabilities and create sustainable solutions to combat famine. While investing aid into agricultural development may not provide immediate relief, it has been proven to have long-lasting effects, providing Ethiopia with a more stable food security journey for the years to come. 

3. Health Care Support

Foreign aid also contributes to improving health care services in famine-affected areas. The United States is the main provider of humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia, providing the country with $331 million in foreign aid. This investment equips Ethiopia with life-saving support such as sanitation, hygiene, shelter and safe drinking water. By investing in medical infrastructure, training health care professionals and providing essential medical supplies, foreign policy initiatives have helped to address health challenges and reduce the impact of diseases, improving the overall well-being of the population.

4. Education Promotion

Foreign aid also extends to investments in education for Ethiopia, a crucial factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and famine. Foreign aid in terms of education paves the way for the building of schools, providing of educational resources, teacher training programs and equal quality educational access for all children in Ethiopia. This empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable solutions.

By promoting education, Ethiopians become more equipped to improve their agricultural practices, make informed decisions about their health and well-being and move their dependence upon agricultural systems to other focuses in their economy. Moreover, organizations such as Menschen fur Menschen target keeping women in education, providing statistics that show that educated women have fewer children and therefore have more opportunities in the working world to lift themselves out of poverty. Education fosters resilience and empowers communities to adapt to changing circumstances, such as drought, ultimately reducing vulnerability to famine. 

5. Infrastructure Investment

Investment in infrastructure plays a vital role in addressing famine in Ethiopia, as most of the population lives in rural areas. Infrastructure consists of physical systems and structures put in place that underpin society, such as roads, and without them, a developed modern life would not be possible. Infrastructure helps improve transportation, allows access to markets and enhances food security. Projects, such as building roads and irrigation systems, enable efficient distribution of food and resources to famine-affected areas. Additionally, developing infrastructure lessens vulnerability as it creates economic opportunities, improves agricultural productivity and enhances the overall resilience of communities in the face of food shortages.

Looking Ahead

Foreign policy and aid have been instrumental in addressing famine in Ethiopia. Through food assistance, agricultural development, health care support, education promotion and infrastructure investment, foreign aid has a positive impact in combating famine and improving the lives of people in Ethiopia. Continued international cooperation and support are essential to sustain efforts and contribute to a hunger-free future in Ethiopia.

 – Ellis Nicoll
Photo: Flickr

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The Plan To Fight Hunger in Sudan

Hunger in SudanOn September 9, 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched a new plan to tackle hunger in Sudan. The Emergency Livelihood Response Plan (ELRP) for Sudan will support Sudanese individuals affected by the ongoing civil war.

To fight hunger in Sudan, the FAO will boost agricultural prosperity in the distribution of supplies, including seeds and treatment equipment for livestock. The plan aims to support 10.1 million people in Sudan and claims it will require $123 million in funding to implement over the next 12 months. 

Food Security in Sudan

The food situation in Sudan has worsened since the outbreak of war on April 15, 2023, when the Sudanese Armed Forces clashed with the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum. Violence and resulting displacement have significantly impacted the country’s food supply system, which has led to hunger and malnutrition within Sudanese communities. 

With a population of 48.6 million, more than 20 million (42% of Sudanese) are thought to be food insecure. Record high levels of food insecurity have been seen each year since 2020. As a result, the World Food Programme (WFP) has placed Sudan in the highest emergency response category. The Overarching goals of the WFP in Sudan in the wake of the crisis reflect some of the country’s most pressing issues: treatment for malnutrition, the provision of school meals and the wider employment of common services — namely, logistics and telecommunication. 

The FAO’s Latest Plan

Four main priorities front the FAO’s new strategy to improve the food security situation in Sudan: high-quality seed, livestock and veterinary support, fisheries support and cash+ modality. A shared action between these branches of support is the plan to target specific households, using data to determine the most vulnerable farmers or fishers. For example, they seek to know who will benefit significantly from the program. 

Cash+ modality is an extensive method of support. For the Sudan ELRP, using cash+ involves a combination of ‘unconditional cash assistance and in-kind support coupled with training during the dry season’ (FAO). It is a two-fold mechanism that will provide varied aid to vulnerable agricultural households. The FAO’s outline for its plan addresses the need for specially designed, time-sensitive assistance to ensure the food security situation in Sudan can improve all year round. 

As it tackles the issue of hunger, the ELRP for Sudan primarily comes under the progress of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which aims to eradicate global hunger by 2030. The FAO also incorporates other SDGs into its plan for Sudan. For example, it will make progress towards SDG 5 (Gender Equality) in directing priority support towards female-headed agricultural households in the country since these households are statistically more food insecure than those headed by men. 

Conclusion

The FAO has a vast history of achievement, from its conception in 1945 to the present day. Amongst these successes, the FAO helped halve hunger statistics for individuals in Latin America and the Caribbean, currently maintains the largest global statistical database on food and agriculture and eradicated rinderpest. This disease proved fatal to livestock. 

Such a list of past achievements makes the FAO one of the key organizations in the fight to end extreme poverty. The planned improvement of food security and agricultural provisions in Sudan is a step towards advancing humanitarian aims and achieving global equality.

– Alice Weatherley
Photo: Unsplash

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3 Ways Genetically Modified Rice Can Help Solve Hunger

Genetically Modified RiceRice is a staple grain for much of the world, accounting for the majority of the daily diets of 50% of people globally, and is the third-most grown grain in the world. For those in Asia struggling with hunger and malnutrition, rice can be a saving grace — its high yield, nutrients and culinary flexibility make it an outstanding crop. However, artificial selection and genetic modification have improved this versatile food beyond its original capabilities, transforming it into a force that can fight hunger and malnutrition in unprecedented ways. Here’s how.

It Has a Higher Yield

Genetically modified rice seeds are capable of producing more food per plant. By duplicating a certain gene in a standard variety of rice, Chinese scientists were able to increase the crop yield by 40% — a massive bonus. This strain of rice does not take up more land, instead producing rice at a higher density than standard, naturally occurring rice. The individual grains are also significantly larger. Producing significantly more rice on the same amount of land reduces labor and costs, and boosts the effectiveness of rice as a major nutrition source. Even certain species of rice that have been genetically modified for resistance (such as to heat waves) also produce up to 20% higher yield, meaning that genetic modification can accomplish many goals simultaneously.

It’s More Resilient

Climate change, pests and natural disasters all threaten food production, especially in struggling nations. Fortunately, genetically modified rice can be more resistant to these challenges. An excessive heat wave in the Shanghai region killed off rice plants en masse, damaging the plants’ ability to produce a certain protein complex called D1. By engineering the plants to produce more of this protein, scientists found that the rice could thrive at temperatures that would kill unmodified rice quickly. 

Meanwhile, in the fight against pests, biologists were able to graft a gene from a common soil bacteria into a different strain of rice plant, making it resistant to the damage caused by lepidopteran insects — a group that includes butterflies and moths, but more importantly the younger caterpillar versions of the insects. With modified resistance to these crop killers, farmers can forgo pesticides, and the overall crop yield is increased by a whopping 60% in some cases. 

In a similar vein, German scientists were able to make another strain of rice resistant to herbicide, allowing farmers to use plant-killing agents on the entire crop to battle weeds that could threaten the yield. Monsoon season can pose a particular challenge to rice farmers, as the floods of contaminated salt water can increase the salinity of the water in the rice paddies, essentially poisoning the plants. To solve this problem, Chinese scientists successfully developed genetically modified rice plants that can survive harsh salty conditions.

It’s More Nutritious — Much More

Naturally occurring rice is already a valuable part of a balanced diet, providing a variety of vitamins, proteins and antioxidants. In fact, populations that consume rice as their main grain have lower rates of cancer and obesity. But genetic modification can take this even further. The Golden Rice Project successfully designed a strain of rice that can supply beta-carotene, a mineral that the human body can draw from to produce Vitamin A, an essential vitamin for survival. 

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) affects 250 million children worldwide, causing blindness and in severe cases, death. Some strains of golden rice have up to five times the recommended daily value of beta-carotene in a serving — providing millions of children with vital nutrition that could save up to 2.7 million lives yearly. Golden Rice was developed in 2000, but not adopted due to some logistical issues and many unfounded criticisms. However, in 2021, the Philippines finally approved the crop for trial production, with other nations surely soon to follow.

Genetically Modified Rice and the Fight Against Hunger 

Genetic modification has transformed rice into a powerful tool to combat hunger and malnutrition. These modified rice varieties offer higher yields, greater resilience to climate challenges and pests, and enhanced nutrition. Golden Rice, with its ability to provide essential Vitamin A, represents a significant breakthrough in addressing global nutritional deficiencies. As more nations adopt these innovations, genetically modified rice is poised to play a crucial role in our ongoing battle against world hunger.

– Cheyenne Astarita
Photo: Unsplash

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3D Printing Food: A New Solution to World Hunger?

3D Printing Food
Food insecurity and global hunger remain an international crisis to this day, worsening year after year. In the 79 countries that the World Food Programme (WFP) operates in, more than 345 million people are suffering from high levels of food insecurity in 2023. This number is even more daunting as it has more than doubled since 2020. Specifically, since the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional 200 million people have faced extreme hunger. 

To combat hunger and poverty, new technologies have sprouted up around the world. One such technology is the possibility of 3D printing food. Using edible materials, 3D printing food implements an extrusion-based method to ensure the production of high-quality food. In this way, the many benefits of 3D printing food offer an effective way to reduce hunger and the poverty associated with it. 

How 3D Printing Reduces Hunger

  • Accessibility: People in more than 49 countries are currently at risk of hunger due to droughts, floods, wars and other issues. 3D printing food, however, can overcome these issues as it can readily feed people who lack access to healthy food. The average commercial 3D printer can feed an entire family while industrial printers have the ability for mass production lines. One example of industrial printers comes from an Israeli company, Redefine Meat, that recently agreed with importer Giraudi Meats to introduce 3-D printed steak cuts in 1,000 European restaurants. As 3D-printed food continues to gain traction, it will become a viable solution for the hungry in several developing countries as it exponentially effectively increases access to healthy food.
  • Affordability: 3D printing food is also beneficial to the food industry as it compensates for rising food costs around the world. One of the largest portions of food manufacturing expenses is the cultivation and maintenance of raw materials. Compared with traditional beef production, 3D printing beef reduces energy usage by 45% and water usage by 4%. Another major portion of costs associated with food manufacturing is transportation and inventory management. 3D printing lowers transportation and inventory management costs as products can be printed locally and have the ability to be efficiently manufactured to meet consumer demands. In this way, printing food can lead to a significant decline in expenses associated with food manufacturing, thereby lowering consumer costs and increasing affordability.
  • Nutritional Value: According to Johnathan Blutinger, a co-author of the paper The Future of Software-Controlled Cooking, 3D-printed food can provide “essential nutrients” to people who lack fresh and healthy food. 3D printing food, in addition, can serve as a preventive check against additives, preservatives and other food chemicals that are unhealthy. One example, Biozoon, is a German 3D printer that can manufacture healthy food products, known as “smoothfood,” for people with specific medical issues. Smoothfood is incredibly high in vital nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and carbohydrates, that many impoverished people lack. As such, 3D printing food allows those in poverty to gain crucial nutrition and allows consumers to target specific nutritional needs.

The Future of 3D Printing Food

While 3D printing food is a relatively novel field, it offers many practical benefits that ensure access to affordable high-quality food. Although much more progress is necessary, printing food is an innovative approach to addressing global hunger and poverty.

– Manav Yarlagadda
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Tackling Hunger by Reducing Food Waste in Pakistan

Food Waste in PakistanPakistan faces the dual challenges of food insecurity and food loss waste. Ongoing poverty, frequent natural disasters and instability in politics and the economy have contributed to undernutrition and a lack of reliable access to food for some people in Pakistan. According to the World Food Program, more than 20% of the total population in Pakistan suffers from undernourishment. Additionally, nearly 45% of children under 5 years old in the country experience stunting due to chronic malnutrition. 

The issues of poverty, disasters, political changes and economic uncertainty have made it difficult for many Pakistanis to obtain or produce enough nutritious food consistently, especially impacting children’s development and growth. Addressing food insecurity and malnutrition will require strategies that deal with their complex underlying causes. At the same time, significant amounts of food are wasted across the supply chain and at the consumer level. Bridging this gap between surplus production and food scarcity is critical for tackling hunger in the country. 

The Issue of Food Loss in Pakistan

Pakistan is facing an unprecedented food crisis marked by severe wheat shortages. According to reports, the shortage has left many citizens struggling with soaring food prices and inadequate nutrition. Experts warn that if food insecurity continues unaddressed, it could lead to anarchy and instability. The most vulnerable populations in Pakistan are bearing the brunt of the crisis as low-income families battle inflation and critical food shortages without substantial government support. Resolving the complex factors driving the food crisis requires urgent and coordinated efforts by policymakers and stakeholders at all levels.

Efforts To Reduce Waste and Redistribute Surpluses

Individuals, charities and policymakers in Pakistan are working to address hunger and food insecurity through initiatives to reduce food waste and divert excesses to the hungry. A prime example is the Robin Hood Army (RHA), a volunteer-based food charity operating in 145 cities globally. In Pakistan alone, RHA has served over 1.37 million meals to the underprivileged over the last five years. They collect surplus and unused food from restaurants, food companies and events that would otherwise go to waste. RHA’s volunteers, called “Robins,” distribute recovered food to underserved communities, including slums, orphanages, shelters, hospitals and those affected by natural disasters. 

In addition to tackling hunger, the Robin Hood Army also aims to provide educational opportunities to disadvantaged children through its Robin Hood Academy programs. Through recovering and redirecting excess edible food to the vulnerable, charities like RHA play a crucial role in the fight against hunger and food insecurity in Pakistan.

Government Initiatives on Food Waste

To cut down on food waste, the Punjab Food Authority in Pakistan has implemented the Disposal of Excess Food Regulation 2019. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan initiated the Ehsaas program associated with this regulation. All food-related organizations must donate their extra edible food to charity instead of wasting it. The key goal is to provide excess food to people safely experiencing poverty. 

In practice, the Punjab Food Authority coordinates with NGOs to gather surplus food from food businesses and deliver it to vulnerable groups. While other provinces in Pakistan have regulations around food safety and standards, Punjab is the only one so far to establish formal procedures for reducing food wastage. The other provinces could follow Punjab’s lead on this initiative. Implementing similar regulations could assist Pakistan in reaching the U.N. Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger, which is a critical part of the country’s 2017 National Food Policy.

– Asia Jamil
Photo: Flickr

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Hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean Drops To Pre-Pandemic Levels

Hunger in Latin America
The current rate of hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is at 6.5%. This is a significant decrease of 2.4 million people compared to the previous year. The last time hunger levels fell this low was pre-COVID-19. Comparatively, the rate of hunger in these regions is lower than the rates in Africa, Asia and Oceania. 

In addition to lowered hunger levels, undernourishment is slightly down, at 6.5% — lower than 2021’s rate of 7%, but still only level with that of 2020. Lastly, moderate and severe food insecurity also dropped in 2021. Severe food insecurity dropped from 13.9% to 12.6%, while moderate food insecurity dropped from 26.4% to 24.9%.

Progress Despite Hard Times

It is clear that hunger in Latin America has dropped, along with undernourishment and food insecurity, though several factors have slowed progress:

  • COVID-19
  • Ukraine/Russia War
  • Extreme Weather

The COVID-19 pandemic particularly hit those with low income, as they did not have adequate resources to protect themselves. The urban areas of LAC are where the pandemic impacted the most vulnerable people.

In LAC, there were reportedly 65.4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1.65 million deaths by March 2022. While LAC holds 8% of the world population, the region represents about 15% of COVID-19 cases and 28% of worldwide reported deaths.

Details About the LAC’s Challenges

In 2019, the GDP growth in Latin America and the Caribbean was at 0.7%, it then dropped to -6.5% in 2020 (during the pandemic) before rising to 6.7% in 2021. GDP growth is essential to financing important infrastructure and helping the region and its people to recover from the pandemic. 

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had a catastrophic effect on the world, including an increase in the prices of fertilizers By September 2022, the price of fertilizer was triple what the rate was in early 2020. Low-income farmers across LAC had to reduce their plantings to avoid paying extremely high production costs. Once again, low-income farmers in LAC had their total income affected by global prices. 

Finally, extreme weather has destroyed countless infrastructures across Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2022, 78 meteorological, hydrological and climate-related hazards occurred in the LAC region; 86% of these were both storm and flood-related. 

Estimates have indicated that there were reports of $9 billion worth of damages to the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT), primarily due to droughts (40%) and storms (32%). The actual figures for the impacts of extreme events are likely worse due to a lack of reporting.

Looking Ahead

Hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean has seen a decrease despite many obstructions on the road to improvement. The combination of the pandemic, extreme weather and war has meant that production has not been as high as it could have been. Therefore, these challenges have affected hunger levels, malnutrition, food insecurity and the economy significantly. Despite all this, LAC has still been able to decrease levels of hunger, undernourishment and food insecurity. As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps, poverty, hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity will continue to decrease for the people of LAC.

– Lewis Butcher
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