For a better life and a better future

World Food Day is observed on October 16th each year to increase public awareness of sustainable farming methods, hunger, and food security. The 2024 theme "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future” highlights everyone's basic human right to enough wholesome food. The importance of this issue, the difficulties in attaining food security, and the actions we may take to improve the future are all examined in this article.

International human rights legislation is the foundation of the idea of the right to food. It acknowledges that everyone has the inalienable right to food that satisfies their nutritional needs and to be free from hunger. Everybody has the right to a standard of living sufficient for their health and well-being, which includes access to food, according to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The availability, accessibility, use, and stability of food are all aspects of the right to food. This implies that in addition to being accessible, food should also be reasonably priced, safe, and culturally acceptable. Human dignity, health, and the fulfillment of other human rights all depend on achieving the right to food.

Food Security, Hunger and Malnutrition

Millions of people still experience hunger and malnutrition worldwide, despite notable improvements in agricultural productivity. Nearly 828 million people were undernourished in 2021, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This number has been increasing recently as a result of several issues, including economic instability, violence, and climate change. Hunger is influenced by both the quantity and quality of food ingested. Despite eating adequate calories, many people suffer from "hidden hunger," which occurs when they do not receive enough of the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. This type of malnutrition can have a serious negative effect on a person's growth, development, and general well-being.

Impact of Climate Change and Economic Inequality

Global food security is being threatened by climate change. Droughts, floods, and storms are examples of extreme weather phenomena that impair agricultural output and endanger farmers' livelihoods. Feeding an expanding population will only get more difficult as temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic. Access to food is also pointedly stuck by economic disparity. Smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups are disadvantaged by the way food systems are set up in many nations, which favors a select few huge businesses. This problem is made worse by rising food prices, which make it harder for low-income families to get wholesome meals.

Importance of Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology

Achieving the right to food and guaranteeing food security depends on sustainable agriculture. It includes means that support rural communities, preserve the environment, and foster biodiversity in addition to increasing food production. Agro-ecological methods, which emphasize ecological concepts and indigenous wisdom, can improve food production while protecting the environment. Crop rotation, intercropping, and agroforestry are among the methods that enhance soil health, boost climate change resilience, and support biodiversity. Long-term food security can also be attained via. regenerative agriculture, which attempts to provide food while restoring ecosystems.

Reducing Food Waste and Supporting Local Food Systems

Food waste is a serious problem that fuels both environmental damage and hunger. The FAO estimates that every year almost one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted. This worsens the effects of food production on the environment in addition to wasting important resources. Food security can be greatly improved by reducing food waste through improved supply chain management, consumer education, and cutting-edge technologies. To ensure the right to food and achieve food sovereignty, local food systems must be strengthened. Local food systems assist local farmers and encourage the use of seasonal, fresh foods. Communities can improve food access and strengthen their resilience to changes in the global market by funding food cooperatives, farmers' markets, and community-supported agriculture.

Policy and Advocacy

At the local, national, and international levels, coordinated efforts are needed to fulfill the right to food. Legislators must push for laws that safeguard disadvantaged groups and give food security and nutrition top priority on their agendas. The reduction of hunger and malnutrition is greatly aided by social protection programs like food assistance and cash transfers. Those in need can receive urgent aid and long-term resilience can be developed by expanding these programs. Nations must promise that these initiatives are suitably financed and available to populations.

International Cooperation and Engaging Youth

International cooperation is necessary to address global issues like hunger and climate change. To improve food security, nations must cooperate and share resources, technologies, and information. To facilitate this collaboration and guarantee that the right to food is acknowledged internationally, institutions such as the United Nations and the World Food Program are essential. Fostering a new generation of champions requires involving young people in conversations about food security. To motivate young people to take action, schools and community organizations should offer them opportunities to learn about environmental sustainability, nutrition, and agriculture.

Role of Education and Awareness

In the battle against hunger and malnutrition, awareness-raising and education are effective strategies. We can promote a culture of food security by educating communities about the value of sustainable agriculture, proper nutrition, and reducing food waste. People can be empowered to make knowledgeable dietary decisions by receiving nutritional education. Malnutrition can be decreased and health outcomes can be enhanced by educating communities about the value of cooking, food preparation, and balanced meals. Promoting sustainable behaviors requires an understanding of the intricacies of food systems. Education campaigns can help customers understand how their food choices affect the environment and motivate them to embrace sustainable and local food sources.

In light of the topic of World Food Day 2024, "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future," it is imperative that we consider the significance of food as a basic human right. Collective action, sustainable practices, and ardent support for laws that put the needs of the most vulnerable groups first are necessary to achieve food security. Together, we can guarantee that everyone has access to wholesome food, opening the door to a more just and healthy society. If we dedicate ourselves to the cause, the right to food is not merely an ideal; it is a reality. We can all benefit from a better future if we work together.

Dr. Owais Yousuf teaches in the Department of Food Technology at IUST, Awantipora.