About the SOFI 2024

  • The 'State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024' (SOFI 2024) report has been published by five global organisations: the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • The report assesses the global condition of food security and nutrition, emphasising the urgency for increased finance to combat hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition in all forms.

Global Snapshot from SOFI 2024

  • Worldwide one in eleven people and one in five people in Africa faced hunger in 2023.
  • Asia, although having a lower percentage, accommodates the most undernourished people, at approximately 384.5 million.
  • Food insecurity affects an estimated 2.33 billion people, with over 864 million people facing severe food insecurity.
  • The average cost of a healthy diet rose globally to $3.96 in PPP terms per person daily in 2022, yet it remains unaffordable for 2.83 billion people.
  • Latine America and the Caribbean have the highest cost of a healthy diet, while it's lowest in Oceania.
  • Obstacles remain in reducing stunting and wasting among children below five and in achieving exclusive breastfeeding targets.
  • Obesity rates and anaemia in women are trending upwards, impacting public health globally.
  • Both public and private spending on food security and nutrition is inadequate, exacerbating the funding gap.

India-centric Findings

  • India houses the most substantial portion of undernourished individuals worldwide at 194.6 million.
  • The number has fallen from 240 million people in the 2004-06 period.
  • Despite slight improvements, a significant proportion (55.6% or 790 million) of the Indian population can't afford a healthy diet.
  • Chronic undernourishment affects 13% of the Indian population.
  • India holds the 111th position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023.
  • High rates of wasting (18.7%) and stunting (31.7%) in children under five are worrying. Furthermore, India has the highest percentage of low birthweight babies worldwide, indicative of maternal malnutrition.
  • Anaemia is prevalent in 53% of Indian women, while obesity stands at 2.8% among children under five and 7.3% in adults.
  • The co-existence of undernutrition and obesity in the Indian population suggests common drivers, such as poor diet quality.
  • Despite some increase in public spending on food security and nutrition, the allocation and utilisation of resources need to be more effective.

Actions Taken by India

  • Several initiatives are active to improve nutrition and food security, such as NFSA 2013, National Food Processing Mission, and Mission Poshan 2.0.
  • Other programs are designed to address the needs of children, women, and adolescents, including ICDS, PMMVY, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, SAG, MAA and Poshan Vatikas.
  • Support for agricultural producers includes policies like MSP and PMFBY, complemented by the National Horticulture Mission.

Report's Key Recommendations

  • Increase public investment in and encourage private sector participation in food security and nutrition.
  • Strengthen global partnerships and align national policies with international frameworks.
  • Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices.
  • Improve efficiency and sustainability of agrifood systems to curb food loss and waste.
  • Comprehensive nutrition programs to tackle both undernutrition and overnutrition.
  • Targeted support for vulnerable groups like small farmers, women, and children.
  • Enhance data collection, monitoring, and reporting for better policy-making.