The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024

What is The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 in UPSC Social Issues?

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 is a key topic under Social Issues for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: SOFI 2024 report by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, WHO highlights global food security and nutrition trends.. India has the highest number of undernourished individuals globally (194.6 million), though numbers have decreased since 2004-06.. Over half of India's population (55.6%) cannot afford a healthy diet, impacting 790 million people.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.

Why is The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 important for UPSC exam?

The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Social Issues. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.

How to prepare The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 for UPSC?

To prepare The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Social Issues. (5) Write practice answers linking The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 to related GS Paper topics.

Key takeaways of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 for UPSC

SOFI 2024 report by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, WHO highlights global food security and nutrition trends.

India has the highest number of undernourished individuals globally (194.6 million), though numbers have decreased since 2004-06.

Over half of India's population (55.6%) cannot afford a healthy diet, impacting 790 million people.

India faces a significant burden of child malnutrition (18.7% wasting, 31.7% stunting) and maternal anemia (53%).

Low birth weight (27.4%) is highest globally in India, indicating severe maternal malnutrition.

Rising obesity (7.3% adults) alongside undernutrition presents a 'double burden of malnutrition' challenge.

The report calls for increased financing to end hunger and malnutrition, emphasizing the urgency for SDG 2.

📖 Introduction

Introduction to SOFI 2024 Report

The “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024” (SOFI 2024) report is a crucial annual publication. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the global status of food security and nutrition.

The SOFI 2024 report is jointly published by five leading international organizations:

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)

A central theme of the SOFI 2024 report is the urgent requirement for increased financing. This is essential to effectively combat hunger, food insecurity, and all forms of malnutrition globally.

Key Findings Related to India

The SOFI 2024 report highlights several critical aspects concerning India's food security and nutrition landscape. These findings underscore persistent challenges despite some areas of improvement.

Undernourishment in India:

India is home to 194.6 million undernourished individuals, which is the highest number globally.
Despite this, the number has decreased from 240 million in the 2004-06 period, indicating some progress.
Approximately 13% of India's population suffers from chronic undernourishment, pointing to long-term food insecurity issues.

The report also points out significant challenges in access to healthy diets. A large proportion of the Indian population struggles to afford nutritious food.

Affordability of Healthy Diets:

55.6% of Indians, translating to about 790 million people, cannot afford a healthy diet.
This proportion shows a slight improvement of about 3 percentage points compared to 2022 figures.

India's performance in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 is also relevant. The country ranked 111th, which further emphasizes the significant issues in achieving comprehensive food security and nutrition goals.

Child and maternal health indicators remain a major concern. India faces high rates of various forms of malnutrition among vulnerable groups.

Child and Maternal Malnutrition:

India has the highest prevalence of wasting (18.7%) in South Asia among children under five years.
The prevalence of stunting in children under five is also high at 31.7%.
27.4% of babies born in India have low birth weight, the highest globally, reflecting widespread maternal malnutrition.
53% of women in India are anaemic, which is the highest in South Asia.
The report projects that the global prevalence of anaemia in women aged 15–49 is expected to increase, significantly driven by trends in South Asia.

While addressing undernutrition, the report also highlights the rising concern of obesity in India, indicating a double burden of malnutrition.

Obesity Trends:

The prevalence of obesity in children under five years is 2.8%.
In adults, the prevalence of obesity has risen to 7.3%.
A significant portion of the Indian population is physically inactive, which is a contributing factor to the observed rise in obesity rates.

📖 Introduction

Introduction to SOFI 2024 Report

Key Findings Related to India

💡 Key Takeaways

🏛️🏛️ Conceptual Foundation

📝📝 Detailed Examples (3)

📜📜 Historical Context

🌍🌍 Current Relevance

🔗🔗 Interconnections

🧠 Memory Techniques

📚 Reference Sources

Related Current Affairs