One in 10 people globally goes to bed hungry, study shows
KUMASI (Eco Media) — A recent study has revealed that one in 10 people globally goes to bed hungry each night, totalling approximately 800 million individuals, which surpasses the combined populations of the European Union and the United States.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the goal of Zero Hunger as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The objective is to ensure everyone can access safe, nutritious, and sufficient food to meet their dietary needs. The ultimate aim is to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.
However, this goal seems distant from realization, as indicated by the report from ACTION AGAINST HUNGER, which highlights that more than 85% of people experiencing hunger crises reside in countries affected by conflict.
Conflict disrupts food systems, hampers aid delivery, and contributes to a growing displaced population.
The study also reveals a significant gap between the needs of countries experiencing hunger and their funding requirements.
Michelle Brown, Associate Director of Advocacy at Action Against Hunger USA, emphasized the importance of closing this funding gap, stating, “These are complex issues, and funding is just one part of what it takes to address them. Yet, after working for nearly 45 years in more than 55 countries, action against hunger knows that closing the hunger funding gap is a critical part of long-term solutions. By spotlighting gaps in hunger funding relative to need, we hope this report will help mobilize action to end hunger for everyone, for good.”
The study recommends four key solutions to fully close the gap. Individuals, philanthropic foundations, and the private sector must also increase their efforts.
Donors should balance immediate humanitarian support with reliable funds for long-term development to strengthen health, food, and social protection systems. This includes prioritizing funding that is multi-year and multi-sectoral, so organizations can plan to meet high levels of hunger.
Funds should also be targeted directly to local NGOs with experience and staff in the areas they serve and be flexible enough to respond to rapidly changing needs, including investing in anticipatory action.
Lastly, there should be a broader array of donors to ensure greater stability of funding streams.
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Image Credit: Near Koungoussi in Burkina Faso, a child eats porridge made of fortified flour. Photo: WFP/Cheick Omar Bandaogo
By: Ibrahim Khalilulahi Usman
1 Comment
Gido · March 4, 2024 at 5:56 pm
This is a great research that says a lot about the efforts made by individuals, groups and government. However with the seeming results, it so Sad that in less than 6 years, I doubt if the SDG zero hunger will be attained.
It is a collective effort and I agree with you when you Say that the gap between sponsers and local NGO’s should be closed. That is very true if we have any more chances to make.
However this is what I think. I see that the governments of each country and bigger organizations should relook at the methods they are using in curbing this menace. I will summarize this in the statement that teach a child how to fish, so that when you are not there, he will know what to do.
Our leadership system is so poor with short sighted minds that are only looking at gaining for a short while. Is so pathetic and we often give them the node. It feels like the world is actually coming to an end. Wrong use of resources!
Anyways, change is difficult but possible! Let’s put on the strategies and if I had the opportunity, feeding should not be a problem. In my own calling, I will do what I am born to do.