Zero Hunger

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal

Number Two

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

This goal recognises that hunger and malnutrition are significant global issues, particularly in developing countries, and that food security is not just about providing sufficient calories but also ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year-round for all people.

Key Aspects of SDG 2

  1. Ending Hunger: The goal seeks to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food by 2030. This involves addressing hunger in vulnerable populations, including children, by providing improved access to food and resources.
  2. Food Security: Food security goes beyond the absence of hunger. It aims to ensure that all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs. This requires addressing the underlying factors contributing to food scarcity and economic inequalities.
  3. Improved Nutrition: The goal emphasises the importance of improving nutrition, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants, children, and pregnant or lactating women. It includes addressing micronutrient deficiencies and promoting the consumption of diverse, nutrient-rich foods.
  4. Sustainable Agriculture: SDG number 2 also promotes the transformation of agricultural systems to be more sustainable and resilient. This includes improving the productivity and income of small-scale food producers, ensuring equal access to land, resources, and markets, and supporting sustainable farming practices that conserve ecosystems and biodiversity.
  5. Resilience to Climate Change: The goal also recognises the impact of climate change and extreme weather events on agriculture. Strengthening the resilience of food systems and supporting adaptation measures are critical to achieving food security in the face of environmental challenges.

Progress and Challenges

While progress has been made in reducing hunger globally, the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, and climate change have significantly impacted food security in many regions. According to the 2023 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, the number of people affected by hunger increased to 828 million in 2021, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate efforts to meet the 2030 target (FAO et al., 2023).

Conclusion

SDG 2: Zero Hunger is a comprehensive goal that addresses the root causes of hunger and malnutrition while promoting sustainable food production systems. Achieving this goal is crucial for ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all.

References

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

World Food Programme (WFP)

World Health Organization (WHO) (2023)

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023: Safeguarding Food Security in Times of Crises. FAO.

All information sourced via ChatGPT - 10/10/2024