815 million people critical need food globally un
A staggering statistic! According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2020, approximately 815 million people globally suffered from hunger, which is about 10.8% of the world's population. This number has been steadily decreasing over the years, but there is still much work to be done to eradicate hunger and ensure food security for all.
Here are some additional statistics to put this issue into perspective:
- Hunger is most prevalent in Asia and Africa: 72% of the world's hungry people live in these two regions.
- Women and children are disproportionately affected: Women and children are more likely to suffer from hunger and malnutrition due to various factors, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
- Conflict and climate change exacerbate hunger: Wars, conflicts, and climate-related disasters can disrupt food systems, leading to increased hunger and malnutrition.
- Food waste is a significant issue: One-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, which is equivalent to about 1.3 billion tonnes of food per year. This waste could help feed the hungry.
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems are key: To address hunger, we need to adopt sustainable agriculture practices, improve food distribution and storage, and promote food security through social protection programs and economic empowerment.
The United Nations has set the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, "Zero Hunger," to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. It's a challenging goal, but with collective efforts, we can make progress towards a world where everyone has access to nutritious food and a dignified life.