Discuss critically food and nutrition problems associated with the developing world – UPSC Geography Optional Mains – 2023

In the developing world, the intersection of food and nutrition presents a complex and pressing challenge that significantly impacts the health and well-being of millions. This critical issue is characterized by a myriad of interconnected problems, ranging from insufficient access to nutritious food and inadequate agricultural practices to socioeconomic disparities that perpetuate food insecurity. As populations in these regions continue to grow, the strain on resources intensifies, exacerbating the prevalence of malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and related health issues. Examining the intricate web of factors contributing to food and nutrition problems in the developing world is essential for understanding the multifaceted nature of this global concern and devising effective strategies for sustainable solutions.

Answer

Food and nutritional problems in developing countries is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of people. United Nations data highlights that Of the total number of undernourished people in 2020 (768 million)arising out of food shortages: 282 million live in Africa, 418 million live in Asia, and 60 million live in Latin America and the Caribbean.

FOOD AND NUTRITION PROBLEMS ACROSS DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Food –

1. Production-related issues –
   • Climate change – affects agricultural productivity by altering temperature and precipitation
     patterns, reduced crop yield, changes in harvest, sowing season, erratic monsoon, and wildfire. In West Africa, intense flooding due to climate change affected 1 million farmland – report by World Food Program.
   • Conflict -unstable political systems affect production.
   • Farmer support – lack of scientific farming in the developing world.
2. Affordability –
   • Inflation – In Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and the Caribbean, the cost of a healthy diet increased by more than 5 percent from 2020 to 2021.While Asia had the largest number of people who were unable to afford a healthy diet (1.9 billion) in 2021
   • poverty-Countries like Niger and Chad have MPI rates exceeding 90%
3. Accessibility –
   • Dependence on the global market -According to the World Food Program, a shortened fertilizer supply due to the Ukraine war will reduce cereal production by 20% in Africa it reflects global dependence on food production
   • Changing dietary pattern -As people move from rural to urban areas, their diets may shift towards more processed and calorie-dense foods, high in sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt. This transition is influenced by factors like the increased availability of convenience foods.
   • Socio-economic disparity -Urbanization can exacerbate socioeconomic disparities, leading to unequal access to healthy diets. healthier food options being relatively more expensive compared to less nutritious alternatives.

Lack of proper backward-forward linkages Nutrition-related problems:

• Anemia -in Africa About 122.7 million women of reproductive age are affected by anemia. Although, the prevalence has fallen over the last 10 years.
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21) shows that one-third of all children under five years of age are stunted (35.5%) and underweight (32.1%), and child nutrition levels barely improved from NFHS-4 (2015-16).
• Over 33 lakh children in India are malnourished and more than half of them fall in the severely malnourished category with Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat topping the list.
• More than half of the world’s undernourished are found in Asia (418 million) and more than one-third in Africa (282 million).

The Mumbai Case Study: The report also highlights a specific case study in Mumbai, where the cost of meals has risen by a staggering 65% in just five years. In contrast, salaries and wages have only increased by 28%-37% during the same period.

Inflation due to rising conflicts and supply chain disruptions is the biggest barrier to developing countries to be taken care of and nutrition-related problems can be solved by policies like India- Poshan 2.0, anemia mukta Bharat.

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