The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2022: Repurposing Food and Agricultural Policies to Make Healthy Diets More Affordable

The world is making progress towards ending hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, but the distance to reach many of the SDG 2 targets is growing wider each year. Conflict, climate extremes, and economic shocks are intensifying, and the high cost of nutritious foods and growing inequalities are challenging food security and nutrition. Until agrifood systems are transformed, become more resilient, and deliver lower-cost nutritious foods and affordable healthy diets for all, sustainably and inclusively, the world will continue to face food insecurity and malnutrition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

This year's report serves as a powerful testament to the undeniable progress that the world has made in its unwavering commitment to eradicating hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition in all its forms. While we are still eight years away from the ambitious target set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030, it is disheartening to observe that the distance to achieving many of these targets continues to widen each year. Despite the valiant efforts being made, it is evident that they are insufficient in the face of a more challenging and uncertain context. The convergence of several major drivers behind recent trends in food insecurity and malnutrition, including conflict, climate extremes, and economic shocks, has compounded the problem. Moreover, the high cost of nutritious foods and the growing disparities in access to them further exacerbate the situation.

Unless agrifood systems undergo a transformative shift, become more resilient, and deliver lower-cost nutritious foods and affordable healthy diets for all, sustainably and inclusively, we will continue to face these daunting challenges. The time for action is now, and we must seize every opportunity to address the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition and work towards a future where no one goes to bed hungry or suffers from malnutrition.

The report highlights several key findings and recommendations to achieve this goal. It emphasizes the need for increased investment in agriculture, rural development, and food systems, as well as the promotion of sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices. It also calls for enhanced coordination and collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to address the complex challenges facing food security and nutrition.

Furthermore, the report highlights the importance of addressing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to food insecurity and malnutrition, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare. It advocates for policies and programs that promote social protection, economic empowerment, and gender equality, as well as the inclusion of marginalized communities in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, this year's report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to intensify our efforts to end hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. While we have made significant progress, we must remain vigilant and committed to achieving the SDGs by 2030. By working together, we can create a world where no one goes to bed hungry or suffers from malnutrition, and where food security and nutrition are accessible to all.

Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251364994