Vulnerability of Mountain Peoples to Food Insecurity: Updated Data and Analysis of Drivers

Food insecurity, social isolation, environmental degradation, exposure to disasters, and limited access to basic services are prevalent in mountain regions of developing countries, with the global mountain population reaching 1.1 billion in 2017, an increase of 89 million people since 2012. 648 million people (65% of the total mountain population) live in rural areas, and half of them are vulnerable to food insecurity. The number of vulnerable people increased globally by 40 million, representing an increment of 12.5 percent from 2012 to 2017.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 124 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

This study, the third of its kind published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), adds further evidence that in mountain regions of developing countries, food insecurity, social isolation, environmental degradation, exposure to the risk of disasters and to the impacts of climate change, and limited access to basic services, especially in rural areas, are still prevalent and, under some circumstances, increasing. It also shows the technical challenges for producing more comprehensive and representative assessments based on scientific data, and providing a deeper understanding of the underlying factors of vulnerability of mountain people. Mountains cover 39 million km2, or 27 percent, of the world's land surface. In 2017, the global mountain population reached nearly 1.1 billion, which is 15 percent of the world's population, with an increase of 89 million people since 2012. The increase added almost entirely (86 million people) to the mountain population in developing countries, which reached one billion people in 2017. The population has increased in all the regions of the developing world. Only the areas at the highest mountain altitudes (above 3,500 m) continued to experience a depopulation trend in the last 17 years, while at all other elevations population increased. In all African subregions, in South America, and in Central and Western Asia, the population density is higher in the mountains than in the lowlands. In developing countries, 648 million people (65 percent of the total mountain population) live in rural areas. Half of them, 346 million, were estimated to be vulnerable to food insecurity in 2017. In other words, one in two rural mountain dwellers in developing countries lives in areas where the daily availability of calories and protein.

The study highlights the significant challenges faced by mountain communities, particularly in developing countries. Food insecurity, social isolation, and limited access to basic services are widespread, leading to increased vulnerability to disasters and climate change. The population density in mountains is generally higher than in lowlands, with a significant proportion of the mountain population living in rural areas. This poses particular challenges in terms of food production, transportation, and healthcare access.

The study also emphasizes the need for more comprehensive and representative assessments of mountain vulnerability. This requires the use of scientific data and methodologies to understand the underlying factors contributing to vulnerability, including economic, social, and environmental factors. It is essential to develop targeted interventions that address the specific needs and challenges of mountain communities, including improving access to food, water, and healthcare, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and enhancing resilience to climate change.

The findings of this study have important implications for policy and practice. Governments, international organizations, and local communities need to prioritize the development and implementation of policies and programs that address mountain vulnerability. This should include investments in infrastructure, education, and training, as well as initiatives to promote sustainable land use practices and reduce the risk of disasters.

Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of community-based approaches to addressing mountain vulnerability. Local communities are best positioned to identify the specific needs and challenges of their communities and to develop and implement sustainable solutions. This requires building capacity and empowering local communities to participate in decision-making processes and to take ownership of their development.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable evidence of the prevalence and increasing severity of mountain vulnerability in developing countries. It highlights the need for more comprehensive and representative assessments of mountain vulnerability, as well as targeted interventions to address the specific needs and challenges of mountain communities. By prioritizing the development and implementation of policies and programs that address mountain vulnerability, we can help to ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for mountain people and their communities.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251337165