Agricultural News
Hunger and Malnutrition Outpace Economic Growth, Report Says
Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:57:08 CDT
The Food And Agriculture Organization's "The State Of Food Insecurity In The World 2012 Report" reveals economic growth is necessary but not sufficient to accelerate reduction of hunger and malnutrition. The report shows that almost 870 million people were chronically undernourished from 2010-12, which represents 12.5% of the population. The vast majority live in developing countries, where about 850 million people, or slightly fewer than 15% of the population, are estimated to be undernourished.
Agricultural growth is particularly effective in reducing hunger and malnutrition. Most of the extreme poor depend on agriculture and related activities for a significant part of their livelihoods. Agricultural growth involving small holders, especially women, will be most effective in reducing extreme poverty and hunger when it increases returns of labor and generates employment for the poor.
Economic and agricultural growth should be "nutrition-sensitive." Growth needs to result in better nutritional outcomes through enhanced opportunities for the poor to diversify their diets; improved access to safe drinking water and sanitation; improved access to health services; better consumer awareness regarding adequate nutrition and child care practices; and targeted distribution of supplements in situations of acute micronutrient deficiencies. Good nutrition, in turn, is key to sustainable economic growth.
To accelerate hunger reduction, economic growth needs to be accompanied by purposeful and decisive public action. Public policies and programs must create a conducive environment for pro-poor long-term economic growth. An improved governance system, based on transparency, participation, accountability, rule of law and human rights, is essential for the effectiveness of such policies and programs.
To read the report's executive summary, click here.
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