Dr. Arvind Kumar*
There is no food security without peace, and no peace without food security, it is no coincidence that half of the world’s hungry people live in conflict-affected zones. Out of 258 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity, over two thirds — 174 million — are there because of climate and conflict. The world cannot afford to leave behind farmers, pastoralists, fisherfolk and foresters. Amidst the urgency of global food insecurity, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), delivered a resounding call to action at the Expert Group Meeting on Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2). With a backdrop of widening disparities and mounting challenges exacerbated by conflicts, economic strains, and the climate crisis and underscored the imperative to halt the escalating crisis in global food security.
Against projections indicating that hunger will afflict approximately 600 million people by 2030, a surge of 120 million since 2019, fueled in part by the COVID-19 pandemic fallout, the meeting spotlighted the pressing need for immediate interventions to address food availability, accessibility, and affordability. SDG2, aimed at eradicating hunger, ensuring food security, enhancing nutrition, and fostering sustainable agriculture, faces a ticking clock with less than six years remaining until the 2030 target. The dire circumstances demand swift and decisive action to redirect current trajectories and secure a nourished future for all. According to FAO’s 2023 State of Food and Agriculture report a staggering reality hidden costs within global agrifood systems surpass a staggering 10 trillion PPP dollars, with low-income countries bearing the brunt. Tackling these concealed expenses is paramount for sustainable advancement. In a two-day Expert Group Meeting, objectives ranged from assessing SDG2 progress to pinpointing urgent action areas and informing the upcoming High-Level Political Forum (HPLF) in July. As agrifood systems stand as both enablers and detractors of progress, a nuanced approach is indispensable in mitigating food insecurity’s collateral damage.
Back to basics and march to future
Food insecurity, the stark reality of insufficient access to safe, nutritious food, demands a multifaceted approach to reversal. Boosting food availability, accessibility, and affordability mandates not just ramping up agricultural productivity, but also embracing sustainable practices that mitigate ecological harm and bolster resilience. While intensifying agricultural output through tech and research is key, the toll on ecosystems underscores the urgency of embracing agroecology and diversification. Yet, this shift demands not just time and education, but significant investment. Moreover, curbing post-harvest losses hinges on efficient logistics, an endeavor demanding substantial resources. Addressing the root causes of food insecurity, from poverty to gender inequality, requires sweeping socioeconomic reforms that hinge on political resolve. In this intricate web of challenges, the journey to food security is as much about policy as it is about the commitment to lasting change.
In the realm of agriculture, green biotechnology stands as a beacon of innovation, harnessing genetic engineering to fortify crop resilience and boost productivity. By endowing crops with the ability to fend off pests, withstand diseases, and weather the harshest conditions, biotech strides promise bountiful yields in the face of adversity. Moreover, this cutting-edge approach holds the potential to dial back our dependence on chemical interventions, offering a greener path forward. Yet, as with any scientific leap, there are shadows to contend with. Environmental hazards loom large, raising valid concerns about unintended consequences for ecosystems and non-target organisms. While stringent safety assessments aim to mitigate human health risks, the specter of reduced biodiversity looms, cautioning against an overreliance on a select few genetically modified cultivars. In this delicate dance between progress and precaution, navigating the promise and perils of green biotechnology requires both scientific acumen and ethical foresight.
As per Prime Minister of India Sh. Narendra Modiji globally, agriculture provides livelihood for over 2.5 billion people. In the global South, agriculture accounts for almost 30% of the GDP and over 60% of jobs and today this sector faces several challenges. The supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic has been worsened by the impact of geopolitical tensions. Similarly we have to highlight the role of all partners associated with food processing. Moving the food distribution program towards a diversified food basket and eventually minimizing post-harvest losses, reducing wastage by making use of technology. The processing of perishable products to reduce wastage has to be accelerated thereby benefiting farmers and preventing price fluctuations. We have to strike a balance between the interests of farmers and consumers’ satisfaction if we want to lay the foundation of a sustainable and food-secure future for the world.
The Way Forward
As the global population hurtles toward the 10 billion mark by 2050, the urgency of meeting burgeoning food demands amid a backdrop of climate upheaval is stark. With erratic weather patterns and soaring temperatures upending agricultural norms, the imperative to marry productivity with ecological stewardship has never been clearer. In this high-stakes game, precision agriculture and cutting-edge digital tools are touted as linchpins, but they are just pieces of a larger puzzle. International solidarity, hefty investment, and policy synchronicity are the scaffolding upon which future food security rests. In a world beset by food insecurity, the path forward demands a symphony of solutions that harmonize ecological, social, and economic imperatives. At its core lies a commitment to sustainability, technological innovation, and global cooperation, yet, this vision requires more than just rhetoric—it necessitates tangible action and bold initiatives.
Enter agroecology, the beacon of sustainable farming practices that intertwines ecological wisdom with agricultural production. From crop diversification to organic farming and soil conservation, these principles not only fortify resilience but also nurture biodiversity. And in the age of data, precision farming emerges as a beacon of efficiency, optimizing resource allocation while curbing environmental harm. But innovation cannot thrive in isolation; it demands a fertile bed of investment and research. Climate-smart crop varieties, drought-resistant strains, and nutrient-enriched staples are the fruits of such labor, promising stability in the face of climatic volatility. Meanwhile, improvements in post-harvest management, from storage to distribution, promise to curb the staggering losses that plague our food systems.
Yet, the battle against hunger transcends mere technological feats; it hinges on empowering the very hands that till the soil. Smallholder farmers, the unsung heroes of agriculture, must be bolstered through policy reforms, governance overhaul, and access to markets. Moreover, the nexus between food security and broader developmental goals must be strengthened, intertwining nutrition, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration. In the realm of global food security, every thread counts. By weaving together sustainable practices, community empowerment, and policy coherence, we can chart a course toward a future where hunger is but a distant memory. It’s not just about filling bellies; it’s about nourishing hope for generations to come.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
