MSD 019: Unit 03 - SDG2–Zero Hunger

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 UNIT 3: SDG 2 – ZERO HUNGER

3.0 Introduction

Hunger and malnutrition remain some of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. Despite global progress, millions of people still go to bed hungry every day, and many suffer from nutrient deficiencies. The Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), also known as Zero Hunger, aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. This unit explores the global and national dimensions of hunger, its causes, and how countries like India are working to achieve zero hunger through policy and action.

3.1 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the global context of hunger and malnutrition.

·         Identify the causes and consequences of hunger.

·         Explain the significance of SDG 2.

·         Recognize the targets and indicators under SDG 2.

·         Review India’s performance and initiatives related to food security and zero hunger.

3.2 Global Background to the Problem

Hunger is defined as a condition where people lack sufficient food for a healthy and active life. According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) and FAO reports:

·         Nearly 735 million people worldwide faced chronic hunger in 2022.

·         More than 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies or "hidden hunger".

·         Hunger is closely linked to poverty, conflict, climate change, and economic instability.

Regions most affected include Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America.

3.3 Global Hunger: Causes and Consequences

Causes:

1.      Poverty – The root cause of food insecurity.

2.      Conflicts and War – Displace populations and disrupt food production.

3.      Climate Change – Affects rainfall, crop yield, and agricultural productivity.

4.      Poor Infrastructure – Limits food storage, transportation, and market access.

5.      Inequality – Women, rural populations, and marginalized communities are more vulnerable.

Consequences:

·         Child malnutrition (stunting, wasting)

·         Weak immune systems and increased disease burden

·         Poor cognitive and physical development

·         Reduced productivity and economic loss

·         Threats to political stability and peace

3.4 Significance of SDG 2: Zero Hunger

SDG 2 aims to:

·         End hunger and all forms of malnutrition.

·         Double agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.

·         Ensure sustainable food production systems.

·         Maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, plants, and animals.

Importance:

·         Hunger impairs development, education, and economy.

·         Food security is linked with health, climate resilience, and social equity.

·         Achieving SDG 2 contributes directly to other SDGs (1 – No Poverty, 3 – Good Health, 13 – Climate Action, etc.).

3.5 Targets and Indicators Under SDG 2

Some of the key targets under SDG 2 include:

1.      2.1 End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious food.

2.      2.2 End all forms of malnutrition.

3.      2.3 Double agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.

4.      2.4 Ensure sustainable food production and resilient agricultural practices.

5.      2.5 Maintain genetic diversity and ensure access to seeds and traditional knowledge.

Indicators include:

·         Prevalence of undernourishment.

·         Stunting and wasting in children under 5.

·         Food insecurity experience scale.

·         Productivity of small-scale farmers.

·         Agricultural sustainability measures.

3.6 National Indicators of SDG 2 and How Far Have We Reached?

India uses the SDG India Index, developed by NITI Aayog, to track progress.

Key Indicators:

·         % of children under 5 who are stunted or wasted

·         % of pregnant women with anemia

·         Public Distribution System (PDS) coverage

·         Crop insurance and agricultural support services

·         Coverage of government nutrition schemes (e.g., ICDS, Mid-Day Meal)

Progress So Far:

·         Improvements in food grain production

·         Wider coverage of schemes like ICDS, PDS, and Poshan Abhiyan

·         Yet, India ranks 111 out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index (2023), indicating serious hunger.

3.7 India’s Initiatives to Achieve the Goal of Zero Hunger: A Case Study

India has implemented several targeted and universal schemes to tackle hunger and food insecurity.

1. National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013

·         Ensures legal entitlement to subsidized food grains for about two-thirds of the population.

·         Operated through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

2. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

·         Focuses on nutrition, health, and education for children under 6 and pregnant/lactating mothers.

3. Mid-Day Meal Scheme

·         Provides hot cooked meals to school children, improving nutrition and school attendance.

4. Poshan Abhiyan

·         Launched in 2018 to improve nutritional outcomes among children, pregnant women, and adolescents.

·         Focus on convergence, behavior change, and real-time monitoring.

5. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

·         Helps protect farmers against crop loss and ensures income stability.

6. E-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

·         Aims to provide better price discovery and direct access to markets for farmers.

Case Example: Odisha

·         Mo Chhatua initiative under ICDS ensures localized food production for anganwadis.

·         Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) produce take-home rations, creating jobs and improving nutrition.

3.8 Let’s Sum Up

SDG 2 aims to end hunger and malnutrition in all forms and ensure food security through sustainable agriculture. Globally, hunger remains a serious challenge due to conflict, poverty, and climate change. In India, despite many successful schemes, malnutrition and food insecurity continue to impact millions. Achieving Zero Hunger requires:

·         Coordinated policy efforts

·         Community involvement

·         Data-driven decision-making

·         Global cooperation

Investment in nutrition, farmer welfare, and sustainable food systems will be key to achieving this goal by 2030.

 

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