India has gained a rank of 94 among 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2020, which has caught media attention. This yearly report is a joint venture by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe and was first introduced in 2006. The report is published every October, and the 2020 edition marks its 15th edition.
Objective and Calculation of the Global Hunger Index
The primary aim of the GHI is to evaluate and track hunger at global, regional, and country levels comprehensively. Annually, GHI scores are derived to assess the progress or setbacks in the fight against hunger. These scores are based on four key indicators: undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality.
Undernourishment refers to the segment of the population not receiving enough caloric intake. Child wasting examines the proportion of children under five who are underweight for their height due to acute malnutrition. Child stunting looks at those under five who are shorter than the average for their age due to chronic malnutrition. Lastly, child mortality pertains to the death rate of children below five years of age.
Based on these four indicators, the GHI score is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 0 representing no hunger and 100 the worst possible scenario.
Global Scenario of Hunger
At a global level, the GHI score for worldwide hunger stands at 18.2, indicating a moderate level of hunger. This is a significant improvement from the 2000 GHI score of 28.2, which showed a serious level of hunger. Key contributing factors to this score are the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent economic downturn, an outbreak of desert locusts in the Horn of Africa and other crises, which have increased food and nutrition insecurity for millions.
Furthermore, Africa south of the Sahara and South Asia are recorded as having the highest levels of hunger and undernutrition among global regions, with 2020 GHI scores of 27.8 and 26.0 respectively—both considered serious scores. This indicates that worldwide progress towards the second Sustainable Development Goal—achieving Zero Hunger by 2030—is currently off track.
Indian Scenario of Hunger
India, with a score of 27.2, is categorised as having a “serious” level of hunger, ranking 94 out of 107 countries on the Index. In comparison with other countries, India ranks behind Nepal (73), Pakistan (88), Bangladesh (75), and Indonesia (70). Only 13 countries fare worse than India, including Rwanda (97), Nigeria (98), Afghanistan (99), Liberia (102), Mozambique (103), Chad (107), and others.
Performance on Key Indicators
In India, 14% of the population is undernourished, a slight improvement from 16.3% during 2011-13. The child wasting rate is at 17.3%, an increase from the 15.1% in 2010-14. Child stunting has significantly improved, reducing from 54% in 2000 to less than 35% now. Child mortality stands at 3.7%, down from 5.2% in 2012.
Related Initiatives by India
India has launched numerous initiatives to address these key issues, including the Eat Right India Movement, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Food Fortification, National Food Security Act 2013, Mission Indradhanush, and Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS).
Suggestions for Improvement
Effective coordination between governments, private entities, and NGOs can help tackle food and health crises. Furthermore, pricing food based on its nutrient density, cleanliness, and contribution to ecosystem services and social justice can have a significant impact. Expanding access to maternal and child healthcare, as well as education on healthy diets and feeding practices, is also crucial. Additionally, supporting smallholder farmers in sustainable practices and improving their access to agricultural inputs can lead to better outcomes. Finally, it’s vital to strengthen international standards and policy-making to support sustainable food systems.
