The global food system is facing unprecedented challenges. A recent analysis published in January 2025 marks critical issues affecting food security and diets worldwide. This study evaluated 42 indicators since the year 2000, revealing alarming trends that hinder progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement targets.
Rising Costs of Healthy Diets
The cost of a healthy diet is increasingly unaffordable for many. As of 2024, 35.4% of the global population cannot afford a healthy diet. The majority of these individuals reside in Africa (64.8%) and Asia (35.1%). This financial barrier exacerbates food insecurity, contributing to a rise in the number of people experiencing moderate to severe food shortages.
Food Insecurity Trends
Food insecurity has worsened . In 2023, an additional 152 million people faced hunger compared to pre-pandemic levels. The rise in food prices and volatility in food systems are major contributors to this growing crisis. The hidden health-related costs of unhealthy dietary patterns are estimated at $8.1 trillion globally.
Government Accountability Issues
Many governments are failing to address the challenges in food systems. There is a noticeable lack of accountability and support for necessary transformations. This inaction has resulted in stagnation or regression in various critical areas of food security and nutrition.
Indicators of Food System Performance
The analysis categorised 42 indicators into five themes – diets, nutrition and health; environment, natural resources and production; livelihoods, poverty and equity; resilience; and governance. While 20 indicators showed positive trends, 15 indicators remained unchanged, signalling areas needing urgent attention.
Positive Trends in Food Systems
Despite the challenges, some indicators have shown improvement. There has been increased access to safe water, better nitrogen use efficiency, and a rise in the availability of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, emissions intensity for beef and milk has declined, reflecting some progress in sustainable practices.
Interconnectedness of Food System Indicators
The interactions between different indicators are crucial. Changes in one area, such as diets, can directly impact others, like environmental sustainability. About these connections is vital for developing effective policies and interventions to achieve global goals.
Future Directions for Food Systems
Addressing the challenges posed by the cost of healthy diets and food insecurity is essential. Governments must enhance accountability and support for food systems transformation. Collaborative efforts among global organisations are necessary to ensure that progress towards SDGs is not hindered.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of rising food prices on global food security and health.
- What are the implications of food system interactions on achieving Sustainable Development Goals?
- Explain the role of government accountability in addressing food insecurity and health issues.
- With suitable examples, comment on the significance of positive trends in food systems for future sustainability.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of rising food prices on global food security and health.
- Rising food prices have made healthy diets unaffordable for 35.4% of the global population.
- Food insecurity has increased, with 152 million more people facing hunger since 2019.
- Higher food prices contribute to unhealthy dietary patterns, leading to $8.1 trillion in hidden health costs.
- Inflation and volatility in food prices exacerbate the risk of malnutrition and poor health outcomes.
- Increased food prices disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly in low-income regions.
2. What are the implications of food system interactions on achieving Sustainable Development Goals?
- Interconnected indicators mean changes in diets can affect environmental sustainability and resource use.
- Food systems impact multiple SDGs, including health, poverty, and climate action, necessitating holistic approaches.
- Stagnation in certain indicators can hinder progress in others, creating a cycle of inaction.
- Effective policies must consider these interactions to create synergies across different SDGs.
- About these dynamics is crucial for targeted interventions and resource allocation.
3. Explain the role of government accountability in addressing food insecurity and health issues.
- Governments must provide support and accountability for food systems transformation to combat food insecurity.
- Lack of action has led to stagnation in food security indicators, worsening health outcomes.
- Accountable governance can drive policies that ensure access to healthy diets and resources.
- Transparency and responsiveness in government actions can build trust and enable community engagement.
- Collaboration with global organizations can enhance accountability and effectiveness in addressing food challenges.
4. With suitable examples, comment on the significance of positive trends in food systems for future sustainability.
- Increased access to safe water is essential for food security and sanitation, promoting better health.
- Improved nitrogen use efficiency reduces environmental impact, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Rising availability of fruits and vegetables contributes to better nutrition and health outcomes.
- Declining emissions intensity for beef and milk indicates progress in reducing the carbon footprint of food production.
- These positive trends can serve as models for sustainable practices in other regions and sectors.
