SeCURE: Food Security as Solution to the World’s Hunger Crisis
SeCURE: Food Security as Solution to the World’s Hunger Crisis
1 When all people have access to safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and preferences, the world can achieve an active and healthy life. This definition of food security was established by the World Food Summit in 1996.
2 Now more than ever, countries face challenges and crises regarding the security of resources, particularly food, for their communities and families.
Already a Global Crisis
3 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) noted that global hunger increased in 2021 due to uneven economic recovery and income losses among those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
4 They also noted that 828 million people experienced hunger in 2021, with Africa facing the most severe levels.
Filipinos Still Can’t Escape Hunger
5 The Philippines, with its high levels of poverty, is not exempt from global hunger. According to the FAO, 5.3 million Filipinos were severely food insecure, and 48 million experienced moderate to severe food insecurity from 2019 to 2021.
6 Moderate food insecurity involves insufficient resources, uncertainty about obtaining food, and occasional meal skipping. Severe food insecurity means running out of food and spending entire days without eating. With 5.7 million undernourished people, the Philippines ranks among the 63 countries with the highest number of undernourished individuals.
A Problem Calling For Action
7 These figures highlight the urgent need for intervention in food availability. Alvaro Lario, President of the United Nations’ International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), emphasized providing significant help to local and small-scale farmers in rural areas to ensure an adequate supply of food to communities.
Volunteerism Over Donations
8 While donations are crucial, volunteerism can make a more lasting impact. Engaging in community gardens, supporting local agricultural initiatives, and educating others about sustainable practices can create a stronger, more self-sufficient food system.
Agricultural Solutions
9 Supporting local farmers is important as it lessens dependency on imports and ensures fresher local produce. Community gardens can provide fresh vegetables and fruits, lower food costs, and promote self-reliance within communities. Implementing sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and water conservation, can enhance both food production and sustainability. Additionally, government policies that offer subsidies, training, and resources for small-scale farmers can significantly boost food security.
10 Food security is a critical issue that demands immediate action. By promoting volunteerism and supporting agricultural solutions, we can move towards a society where no one worries about their next meal. Engaging communities in these efforts will create a more resilient and sustainable food system, ensuring that no one struggles with hunger and malnutrition.
SOURCES [1] Baclig, C. E. (2022, October 17). World Food Day 2022: Rising costs keep millions in PH away from healthy diets. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/world-food-day-2022-rising-costs-keep-millions-in-ph-away-from-healthy-diets, [2] World Bank Group. (2023). What is food security. In World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update/what-is-food-security
OTHER FEATURES
Food Insecurity Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
While food insecurity is already a persistent concern in the Philippines, the COVID-19 outbreak made it worse, with the lowest income households bearing the brunt of the burden.
Food Security in the Philippines Now
When people lack consistent access to sufficient nutrition to lead healthy lives, it is referred to as food insecurity. Learn more about the challenges entailing urban hunger.
Hunger and Malnutrition in Poor Households
With the problems of poverty, Filipinos only can do much when it comes to making ends meet-how do they adjust amidst the rising prices of the most basic necessities, including food?
The Application of the Knowledge Gap Theory
How can the Knowledge Gap Theory be significant to the pressing issue of food insecurity in the Philippines? Identify further the ‘gaps’ in understanding when it comes to hunger and poverty.
Food Scavenged from the Trash and Leftovers
“Anak, pagpagan mo ‘yan. Marumi.” Does that make sense when we say pagpag in dealing with hunger and poverty? How does one survive the day without access to safe and clean food?
PH: Current Movements to Address Hunger
Not everyone is privileged enough to have easy access to safe and nutritious food, but every tiny bit of help counts. Discover the movements in the country that help alleviate the issue of hunger.
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