Hunger and Poverty in the World

Undernourishment

“Situation in which an individual's usual food consumption is insufficient to provide the dietary energy needed for a normal, active, and healthy life. The prevalence of undernourishment is used to measure hunger.” WHO

Context

This study aims to analyze the state of undernutrition worldwide. This includes identifying the regions and populations most affected by undernutrition, as well as exploring the contributing factors.

https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data

Undernutrition in Numbers

In 2017, 535 million people were undernourished worldwide.

By 2022, this figure increased to approximately 828 million in 2021!

Food Production and Consumption

These figures do not account for food waste, unequal distribution, animal feed, and other factors affecting the actual availability of food. This is a theoretical estimate that does not reflect the complexity of the global food system. Therefore, it is essential to break down these figures to better understand the situation.

Here again, this figure represents a theoretical estimate based on simplified assumptions. Plant products include food sources such as cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, etc. These foods make up a significant portion of the global diet and are often the primary source of calories for many populations.

Theoretically, global food production could feed the entire population if each individual consumed an average of 2,000 kcal per day. However, only half of the food produced is actually available for human consumption, as shown in the graph below.

The total availability of animal feed is 1,288,003,507 kg. This represents the amount of feed intended for animal consumption, such as livestock. Food losses amount to 452,283,651 kg, which represents the quantity of food lost throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption. Seeds account for 153,320,296 kg, corresponding to the amount of food used to plant new crops. The quantity of food intended for processing is 2,185,644,967 kg, which encompasses food that is processed or used in the food industry. Other uses of food total 858,783,520 kg, which includes, for example, biofuels. The food intended for human consumption is calculated by subtracting all these categories from the total global availability.

Use of Major Cereals

Cereals play a crucial role in global nutrition. However, a significant portion is used for animal feed rather than for human consumption.

1. Human consumption: 42.91% of cereals are consumed directly by humans. In addition to this small proportion, inequalities in access persist.

2. Animal feed: 36.14% of cereals (wheat, rice, barley, corn, rye, oats, millet, sorghum, and others) are used to feed livestock. This raises questions about the efficiency of food resource use, as these cereals could feed humans.

3. Other uses: 20.95% of cereals are intended for uses such as seeds, storage losses, and processing into non-food products.

Countries Most Affected by Undernutrition

Certain countries experience high levels of undernutrition, often due to external factors such as conflict, natural disasters, and unfavorable economic conditions.

The countries on this list are facing a significant problem of undernutrition, as a high percentage of their population does not receive adequate nutrition to meet their basic dietary needs. For example, in Haiti, it is reported that half of the population is suffering. Human Rights Watch indicates that in 2017, the electoral crisis that has plagued the country since 2015 continued to undermine the Haitian government's ability to meet the fundamental needs of its population. These countries may require humanitarian aid to address undernutrition, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and assistance to vulnerable populations.

Amount of Food Aid

Examples: Yemen: At war since 2014, the situation is critical. Sudan and South Sudan: At war since 2013, the humanitarian crisis is intensifying. Syria: At war since 2011, 22 million depend on humanitarian aid.

Challenges in Delivering Food Aid

Let’s examine why the amount of food aid decreased from 2013 to 2016 for the five most beneficiary countries.

Examples: Sudan and South Sudan: Civil wars and economic crisis hinder humanitarian efforts. Ethiopia: Suspension of food aid in 2016 due to allegations of diversion. Syria: Humanitarian convoys blocked by the conflict.

The delivery of food aid is often hindered by several factors, making this solution more temporary than sustainable. The main challenges include:

1. Conflicts and political instability: In countries like Syria and Yemen, armed conflicts disrupt routes and make food deliveries dangerous. Humanitarian convoys are frequently attacked or blocked, preventing aid from reaching those in need.

2. Deficient infrastructure: Many regions affected by undernutrition lack adequate transport infrastructure. Poor road conditions, absence of railways, and ineffective ports delay the delivery of food supplies. For example, blocked roads in Syria have forced organizations to resort to air drops, a costly and often ineffective method.

3. Bureaucracy and corruption: In some countries, corruption and bureaucracy slow down distribution processes. Food aid may be diverted by officials or armed groups, and administrative delays can hinder the distribution of essential supplies.

4. Natural disasters: Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones can devastate transport infrastructures and further complicate aid distribution. Areas affected by disasters often need immediate assistance, but access becomes difficult.

   
   

Limitations of Food Aid as a Long-Term Solution

While food aid is vital in emergencies, it is not a sustainable solution to undernutrition. It acts as a temporary bandage on a deeper wound. Here’s why:

1. Dependence on aid: Communities receiving food aid for extended periods may become reliant on it, discouraging local efforts to produce and distribute food independently.

2. Disruption of local economies: A massive influx of food aid can disrupt local markets. Local farmers, unable to compete with free or subsidized food, may suffer economic losses, reducing local production in the long run.

3. Need for structural solutions: The true solutions to undernutrition lie in structural reforms. This includes investing in local agriculture, developing infrastructure, improving public health systems, and providing nutritional education. Food aid programs cannot resolve these structural issues.

4. Risks of diversion: As mentioned, corruption and diversion of food aid are recurring problems. This means that aid often does not reach those who need it most, reducing the effectiveness of aid programs.

Food Availability per Capita

Countries with high food availability per capita often show stable economies, developed food systems, and access to quality food. In contrast, countries with low food availability per capita are often those with high levels of undernutrition (Haiti, Afghanistan, Madagascar).

Popular Food Products

The most widely consumed products globally include milk, wheat, vegetables, potatoes, and rice. The consumption of animal products such as poultry and dairy is also significant, although meat production often requires more resources than the production of plant-based products.

Reducing the consumption of animal products is a topic of debate for environmental sustainability reasons. This invites consideration of dietary behavior changes towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly options.

Case Study: Thailand

In Thailand, approximately 9% of the population is undernourished, despite the country being a major exporter of cassava, with 83% of its production exported. This highlights the challenge of balancing domestic demand with export activities.

Solutions to Combat Undernutrition

To address the issue of undernutrition, emergency measures alone are insufficient. Long-term investment is needed in:

• Agriculture: Developing sustainable agricultural techniques.

• Food security: Ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

• Public health: Improving access to healthcare.

• Education: Raising awareness of nutritional practices.

It is crucial to implement comprehensive food policies and support programs to help the most vulnerable countries improve their nutritional situation. International cooperation and assistance to distressed populations remain essential to achieving this goal.