The most recent edition of the Global Report on Food Crises was unveiled by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC). This report is the primary publication of the GNAFC and is supported by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN).
The Role of FSIN and GNAFC in Food Security
The Food Security Information Network (FSIN) is an international initiative backed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Its mission is to enhance food and nutrition security information systems, producing reliable and accurate data to guide analysis and decision-making.
On the other hand, the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) is a coalition of humanitarian and development actors founded by the European Union, FAO, and WFP in 2016. Their aim is to prevent, prepare for, and respond to food crises. They also support the Sustainable Development Goal to End Hunger (SDG 2).
Main Findings from the Report
The report revealed that globally, around 40 million more people faced acute food insecurity at crisis or worse levels in 2021 compared to 2020. More than half a million people in Ethiopia, southern Madagascar, South Sudan, and Yemen are suffering from severe food insecurity. In 2021, over 193 million people in 53 countries or territories experienced acute food insecurity at crisis or worse levels.
Key Drivers of Food Insecurity
According to the report, conflict was a major driver for food insecurity, affecting 139 million people in 24 countries / territories. This marked an increase from 99 million in 23 countries / territories in 2020. Extreme weather events were also a significant cause leading to acute food insecurity for over 23 million people in eight countries/territories, representing a rise from 15.7 million in 15 countries/territories in 2020. Economic shocks similarly contributed to the issue, resulting in over 30 million people in 21 countries / territories suffering from acute food insecurity, although this was a decrease from over 40 million people in 17 countries / territories in 2020.
Recommendations from the Report
The report suggested a comprehensive approach to prevention, anticipation, and improved targeting to address the root causes of food crises sustainably. These causes include structural rural poverty, marginalization, population growth, and fragile food systems. It also called for enhanced prioritization of smallholder agriculture as a key humanitarian response and a solution for long-term negative trends. The report emphasized on strengthening a coordinated approach to ensure that humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping activities are delivered holistically.
The Situation of Food Insecurity in India
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report of 2021 showed that India, which has the world’s largest grain stock of 120 million tonnes, accounts for a quarter of the global food-insecure population. In 2020, it was estimated that over 237 crore people worldwide grappled with food insecurity, a rise of about 32 crores from 2019. South Asia alone represented 36% of global food insecurity.
Related Initiatives in India
Several initiatives are being undertaken in India to combat food insecurity. These include the PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY), One Nation One Ration Card, Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, and the Intensified Mission Indradhanush 3.0 Scheme. These initiatives reflect the country’s commitment to addressing food crises and ensuring food security for all its citizens.