The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has recently raised the alarm, warning that the number of people suffering from acute food insecurity could nearly double to 265 million in 2020. This rapid increase is said to be a result of the economic impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Acute food insecurity is a severe state of food crisis that threatens lives and livelihoods at a specific time, irrespective of its causes, context or duration.
Global Report on Food Crisis 2020
The Global Report on Food Crisis highlights the link between conflict and the rising levels of acute food insecurity. In 2019, 135 million people across 55 countries experienced severe food insecurity, with close to 60% residing in areas affected by conflict or instability. Particularly concerning is Yemen, which is expected to face the world’s worst food and malnutrition crisis in 2020 with over 17 million acutely food-insecure individuals. This report is an initiative of the Global Network against Food Crises, an international alliance working towards addressing the fundamental causes of extreme hunger.
The Effects of Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has put an additional 130 million people on the brink of starvation. Combining this figure with the previously stated 135 million puts the total at a staggering 265 million for 2020. The reasons for this impending crisis range from lost tourism revenues and reduced remittances to widespread unemployment and underemployment. Additionally, the closure of numerous factories and the imposition of travel restrictions have severely impacted the global economy.
Suggestions for Combatting Food Insecurity
Several measures have been proposed to counteract this impending crisis. These involve providing humanitarian access to vulnerable communities without any hindrance and setting up a network of logistics hubs to maintain worldwide humanitarian supply chains. Furthermore, strengthening food security systems has been highlighted as a crucial step in combatting this issue.
About the UN World Food Programme
The WFP, established in 1963 by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and the United Nations General Assembly, is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives and changing lives. They provide food assistance during emergencies and collaborate with communities to enhance nutrition and build resilience.
India’s Strategies for Ensuring Food Security
India’s Union Agriculture Minister recently attended an Extraordinary virtual G-20 Agriculture Ministers meeting to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on food security, safety, and nutrition. The virtual meeting, led by the Saudi Presidency, involved representatives from the G-20 nations. They sought to maintain the food supply chain continuity across international borders, limit food wastage and losses, and promote food security and nutrition through international cooperation amidst the ongoing pandemic.
The participating nations agreed to share best practices, insights and work together to encourage research, responsible investment, innovations, and reforms enhancing the sustainability and resilience of agricultural and food systems. They also decided to develop science-based international guidelines for stricter safety and hygiene control for zoonoses.
Recognizing the urgent nature of food security, the Indian Government has exempted all agricultural operations from lockdown restrictions while enforcing social distancing and health and hygiene protocols. This exemption ensures the continued availability of essential agriculture output and supply.