The United Nations’ recent report highlights the harsh reality that achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2, ‘Zero Hunger’, has been critically impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The ‘Zero Hunger’ objective is intrinsically linked with numerous other goals such as poverty elimination (SDG1), good health and well-being (SDG3), and access to clean drinking water (SDG6).
The Interrelationship of SDGs
Discussing SDG 2 in relation to SDG 1, food security rests not only on food availability but also access. Poverty reduction and food security are therefore parts of the same effort. Lower food costs and increased income are both vital for poverty eradication.
In view of SDG 2 and SDG 3, proper nutrition is fundamental for good health, thus making their relationship synergetic. Sustainable agriculture is critical to environmental health, and subtly forms a connection between SDG2 and SDG3. Agricultural activities, primarily biomass burning and land clearing, significantly add to worldwide pollution. Alarmingly, agriculture’s ammonia emissions impact human health, being responsible for several hundred thousand premature deaths annually across the globe.
The Influence of Other SDGs on Healthy Diet Choices
Education (SDG4), gender equality (SDG5), decent work and economic growth (SDG8), inequality reduction (SDG10), sustainable cities and communities (SDG11), peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16), and partnerships for the goals (SDG17) also play a significant role in shaping consumption patterns and healthy diet selection.
Gender inequality leaves many women food-insecure, given that female workers form a substantial part of the agricultural workforce but face challenges in accessing land, livestock, education, extension, and financial services. Proper work conditions and economic growth (SDG8), coupled with reduced inequality (SDG10), can boost better nutrition and aid in bringing economic resources.
Challenges to the Food System
A significant environmental challenge to the food system lies in its contribution to climate change, with 34% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the food system. Overconsumption of water resource poses another critical issue, as agriculture accounts for about 70% of global water withdrawals. The expected increase in water demand in the coming decades further exacerbates the problem.
Excessive use of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) results in harm to terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Nitrogen surplus leads to soil and freshwater acidification, while Nitrous oxide (N2O) contributes to climate-warming emissions and stratospheric ozone depletion.
Suggestions for a Sustainable Future
Facilitating new investment in research and innovation for sustainable agriculture is vital. In addition, curbing food waste and losses will contribute to sustainability. Changing our consumption patterns can yield significant benefits on SDG outcomes by reducing pressure on natural resources and promoting health advantages.
India’s Endeavors Towards Sustainable Food Systems
Several initiatives have been introduced in India to promote a sustainable food system. These include improving water use efficiency in agriculture, adopting integrated farming systems, and promoting alternate farming methods such as organic and natural farming. The country is also moving towards changing cropping patterns to align with defined agro-ecological zones. The National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture is another step forward in this direction.
