Global Measure Underestimates The Severity Of Food Insecurity – edhat

Report on Hunger Crisis Identification and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Global Hunger Crisis Overview

In 2023, approximately 765 million people worldwide faced insufficient food to meet their basic needs. Nearly one-third of this population experienced acute food insecurity, posing life-threatening risks. Accurate identification of hunger crises is essential for directing international humanitarian responses effectively, directly contributing to the achievement of SDG 2: Zero Hunger, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Measuring Food Security Needs

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system, established in 2004 by a consortium of 21 partner organizations, plays a pivotal role in this process. The IPC system is instrumental in allocating over $6 billion in humanitarian aid annually, thereby supporting SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through international cooperation and resource mobilization.

1. Scope of IPC Analysis
   • Focuses on approximately 30 countries vulnerable to food insecurity.
   • Assesses subnational zones to determine levels of hunger.
2. Data Collection and Evaluation
   • Utilizes diverse data including food prices, weather patterns, and dietary quantity and quality.
   • Evaluation committees analyze data and local contexts according to IPC protocols.
3. Classification System
   • Zones are classified from Phase 1 (none/minimal food insecurity) to Phase 5 (catastrophe/famine).
   • Determines whether urgent aid is needed based on whether more than 20% of the population is hungry.

Challenges in Assessment Accuracy

Evaluating the accuracy of IPC assessments presents technical challenges. Effective assessments enable timely humanitarian responses to avert hunger crises, aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by preventing malnutrition and related health issues. However, as noted by Hope Michelson, lead author and professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the dynamic nature of crises means that if assessments are effective, they may paradoxically appear “always wrong” because successful intervention changes the outcome.

Conclusion

The IPC system exemplifies a critical tool in the global effort to combat hunger and food insecurity. Its data-driven approach supports the realization of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 and SDG 17, by enabling targeted humanitarian aid and fostering international collaboration. Continued refinement of assessment methodologies is essential to enhance response effectiveness and ultimately achieve a world free from hunger.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on global hunger crises and food insecurity, directly relating to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system as a consortium of 21 partner organizations, highlighting the importance of partnerships in addressing hunger crises.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. Targets under SDG 2
   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving targets set internationally on stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age.
   • Target 2.a: Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks to enhance agricultural productive capacity.
2. Targets under SDG 17
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators related to SDG 2 Targets
   • Prevalence of undernourishment (Indicator 2.1.1): The article states that about 765 million people lacked sufficient food, indicating measurement of undernourishment.
   • Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population (Indicator 2.1.2): The article discusses acute food insecurity affecting nearly one-third of those hungry.
   • Food Security Phase Classification: The IPC system’s classification phases (1 to 5) serve as an indicator to measure severity of food insecurity and hunger crises.
2. Indicators related to SDG 17 Targets
   • Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships (Indicator 17.16.1): The IPC consortium of 21 partner organizations exemplifies such partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: edhat.com