The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has recently given its endorsement to the first-ever Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition (VGFSyN). The objective of these guidelines is to assist nations in their quest to completely eradicate hunger and all forms of malnutrition. This action took place during the 47th Session of the CFS.
Understanding the Food Systems Approach
The VGFSyN draws attention to the intricate and multi-faceted linkages between sustainable food systems and sound nutrition. Food systems consist of a complex network revolving around production, processing, handling, storage, distribution, marketing, access, buying, consumption, food loss and waste. Additionally, the impact of these activities, which includes social, economic and environmental outcomes, is also an essential part of the food systems.
Seven Policy Areas Covered in the Guidelines
The guidelines elaborate on seven crucial policy areas. These include transparent, accountable governance; sustainable food supply chains for healthy diets and in the context of climate change; equal access to healthy diets; food safety; people-centric nutrition knowledge and education; gender equality in food systems; resilient food systems in humanitarian contexts.
The Significance of the Guidelines
These directives complement and build upon the work and mandates of other international bodies such as the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025) and Sustainable Development Goal (2) of ‘Zero Hunger’. The guidelines emphasize the realization of the right to adequate food for all, specifically for groups that are most vulnerable and affected. They advocate robust policy planning and governance to make food systems more resilient and responsive, catering to the needs of consumers and producers, primarily the smaller and marginal farmers.
Importance of Committee on World Food Security (CFS)
CFS stands as a leading international and intergovernmental platform where all stakeholders join forces to ensure food security and nutrition for all. The committee reports to the United Nations General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation Conference. The CFS organizes an annual Plenary session every October in FAO, Rome. Its core funding comes equally from the FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Programme.
The State of Hunger and Malnutrition in India
As per the estimates mentioned in ‘The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2020’ report by FAO, about 189.2 million people in India are undernourished which equates to 14% of the population. Furthermore, 51.4% of women in reproductive age between 15 to 49 years are anaemic. Additionally, 34.7% of children under the age of five are stunted (too short for their age) while 20% suffer from wasting (weight too low in proportion to height). In the Global Hunger Index 2020, India ranks at a dismal 94th position among a total of 107 countries.
Steps Taken by India to Combat Hunger and Malnutrition
India has launched multiple initiatives to address this crises, such as POSHAN Abhiyaan that aims to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anemia, and low birth weight babies. Antyodaya Anna Yojana aims to provide subsidized food to poor families. Similarly, Integrated Child Development Scheme focuses on comprehensive early childhood care for children aged between 0-6 years, pregnant women, and adolescent girls. Mid-day Meal scheme is targeting improved nutritional levels among school children. Also, under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, financial assistance is provided to pregnant women. The National Mission on Agriculture Extension and Technology and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana work towards enhancing agricultural productivity and improving water-use efficiency.
