Hunger - Concept, Causes, Consequences and Solutions

Concept 

Hunger is a social constraint that can have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities. When people are unable to access sufficient food, it can lead to malnutrition, poor health, and even death. Hunger can also affect cognitive and physical development, which can impede educational achievement and employment opportunities. 

In addition to its direct impact on individuals, hunger can also have broader societal consequences. It can lead to increased poverty, social inequality, and political instability. In some cases, hunger can even result in conflict and violence as people struggle to meet their basic needs. 

Addressing hunger as a social constraint requires a multifaceted approach. This may involve efforts to increase agricultural productivity, improve access to markets and infrastructure, promote economic growth, and provide social safety nets and other forms of support to vulnerable populations. Education and awareness-raising campaigns may also be necessary to address issues such as food waste, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Ultimately, addressing hunger and ensuring access to sufficient, nutritious food is critical for promoting sustainable development and achieving a more just and equitable society. 

According to various reports and data, the state of hunger in India remains a significant challenge: 

• Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021: India ranked 101 out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index. The report found that 14% of India's population is undernourished, and 37.4% of children under the age of five are stunted. 
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations: India has the largest number of undernourished people in the world, with approximately 189.2 million people suffering from undernourishment. 
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-20: The survey found that 34.7% of children under the age of five are stunted, 20.8% are wasted, and 33.4% are underweight. 
• State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021: The report found that the prevalence of undernourishment in India increased from 17.4% in 2014-16 to 22.4% in 2019-21. 
• Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020: The report found that 5.5% of children between the ages of 6 and 10 and 7.5% of children between the ages of 11 and 14 go to bed hungry in rural India.
• National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013: The law guarantees food security to approximately 800 million people in India, but there are challenges in the implementation of the law, including leakages in the Public Distribution System (PDS). 
• COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has had a significant impact on hunger in India, with millions of people losing their jobs and income, leading to a rise in hunger and malnutrition. 

Manifestation 

Hunger can manifest in several ways, which can be broadly categorized into physical and mental manifestations. Here are some of the specific manifestations of hunger: 

• Undernourishment: This is a condition that results from a lack of adequate food and nutrients. People who are undernourished may experience fatigue, weakness, and other physical symptoms. They may also be more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. 
• Malnutrition: This is a broad term that refers to a lack of adequate nutrients in the diet. It can manifest as various conditions such as anemia, goiter, and scurvy. Malnutrition can have serious health consequences, including impaired growth and development, cognitive impairment, and increased mortality risk.
• Wasting: This is a condition where a person experiences rapid weight loss due to a lack of food and nutrients. It is characterized by a loss of muscle and fat mass and can lead to weakness, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. 
• Stunting: This is a condition where a person's growth is impaired due to inadequate nutrition. It results in a reduced height for age, which can have long-term consequences for physical and cognitive development. 
• Underweight: This is a condition where a person weighs less than what is considered healthy for their age and height. It is often a result of malnutrition and can have various physical and mental health consequences. 
• Overweight: While often associated with overeating, being overweight can also be a manifestation of hunger. When people have limited access to healthy and nutritious food, they may consume more calorie-dense but nutrient-poor food, which can lead to weight gain and related health problems. 

Causes of Hunger 

Hunger is a complex problem that can arise due to several factors. Some of the main causes of hunger are: 

1. Lack of food: The most obvious cause of hunger is a lack of food. This can occur due to poor distribution systems, natural disasters, conflicts, and poverty.

• Neglect of agriculture by the government: Governments may not provide enough support for agriculture, such as funding, technology, and infrastructure, resulting in low yields and poor quality crops. 
• Low level of agricultural production: Inadequate agricultural practices and poor land management can lead to low productivity and food shortages. 
• 2. Poverty: People living in poverty may not have access to nutritious food, resulting in malnutrition and hunger. 
• Unemployment: People who are unemployed may not have the means to purchase food or may be forced to skip meals to save money. 
• Food wastage due to infrastructural constraints in supply: Lack of proper storage facilities and transportation systems can result in food spoilage and wastage. 
•  Hoarding/black marketing of food products: Unscrupulous traders may hoard food and create artificial shortages to drive up prices, making it difficult for people to afford. 
•  Ineffective implementation of food security measures: Governments may not implement food security measures effectively, resulting in inadequate coverage and exclusion of vulnerable populations. 
•  War/Conflicts: Conflicts can disrupt food supplies, damage infrastructure, and displace people, leading to hunger and malnutrition. 
•  Climate change: Climate change can affect food production, water availability, and soil quality, leading to crop failures and food shortages. 
•  Natural disasters/Anthropogenic disasters: Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and droughts can destroy crops and infrastructure, leading to food shortages. Anthropogenic disasters such as oil spills and nuclear accidents can also affect food production and distribution. 
•  Unstable market (inflation, demand-supply discrepancies, etc): Fluctuations in market prices, inflation, and demand-supply imbalances can affect the availability and affordability of food. 

2. Lack of efficiency and transparency: Corruption and lack of transparency in food distribution systems can result in diversion of food supplies and exclusion of vulnerable populations. 

• 3. Lack of nutritious food: Many people may not have access to nutritious food due to limited availability or affordability. 
• Green revolution is cereal specific only: The Green Revolution, which introduced high-yielding varieties of crops, focused mainly on cereals, leaving out other important food groups such as fruits and vegetables. 
• Lack of diversified diet: Limited access to a variety of foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. 
• Lack of awareness with respect to nutrition: People may not be aware of the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet, leading to poor food choices. 
• Lack of nutritional education in school curriculum: Schools may not provide enough education on nutrition and healthy eating habits. 
• Adulterated food: Food adulteration, where harmful substances are added to food, can affect its nutritional value and pose health risks. 
• McDonaldisation of the food habits: The popularity of fast food and unhealthy eating habits can lead to a lack of nutritious food choices. 
• Misrepresentation of facts: Misleading claims and marketing tactics can lead people to believe that certain foods are healthier than they actually are. 
• Price rise → focus shifted to cheap food which are usually non-nutritious: Rising food prices can force people to choose cheaper, less nutritious options. 
• Affordability: People may not be able to afford nutritious food due to poverty or limited incomes. 

3.Lack of absorption of nutrition by the body: Poor sanitation and hygiene can lead to diseases that impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients. 

• Lack of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene are important factors that contribute to hunger. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices can lead to the spread of water-borne diseases, such as cholera and diarrhea, which can cause malnourishment and even death, especially among children. Contaminated water sources also affect crop production and can lead to the transmission of water-borne diseases to livestock, reducing the supply of food. 
• Open defecation is a significant problem in many developing countries, which can contaminate water sources and contribute to the spread of diseases. The lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities affects the ability of people to maintain good health, and this, in turn, can lead to chronic hunger and malnutrition. 
• Morbidity, or the presence of disease, is another factor that contributes to hunger. Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria weaken the immune system, making it difficult for individuals to fight off infections and increasing their susceptibility to other illnesses. Chronic illnesses and disabilities can also make it difficult for people to access food, prepare meals, or engage in physical activities, which can lead to malnutrition. 
• Climate change also affects hunger by impacting the availability and quality of food. Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and storms can destroy crops and reduce agricultural productivity, leading to food shortages and price increases. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can also affect the distribution and growth of crops, leading to a decline in food production. 

Hunger and SDGs 

Hunger is directly linked to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. The following SDGs are particularly relevant to addressing hunger: 

SDG 2: Zero Hunger: This goal is specifically aimed at ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. 

SDG 1: No Poverty: Hunger is often a consequence of poverty, so addressing poverty is a critical step in reducing hunger. 

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Hunger and malnutrition can have serious health consequences, so improving nutrition and food security is essential for promoting good health and well-being. 

SDG 4: Quality Education: Education can help people acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture. 

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Access to safe and clean water is critical for maintaining good health and preventing water-borne diseases that can lead to malnutrition and hunger. 

SDG 13: Climate Action: Climate change can have a significant impact on food production and can exacerbate food insecurity and hunger. Taking action to mitigate the effects of climate change is essential for achieving zero hunger. 

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Addressing hunger requires collaboration and partnerships among governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. 

Certain targets related to Hunger 

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The SDGs aim to end hunger and all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The second SDG specifically focuses on achieving zero hunger by ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all. 
• World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO aims to reduce the number of stunted children under the age of five by 40% by 2025. 
• World Food Programme (WFP): The WFP aims to reach 97 million people with food assistance in 2021. 
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): UNICEF aims to reduce the number of wasted children under the age of five by 50% by 2025. 
• Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement: The SUN Movement aims to end malnutrition in all its forms by 2030 by promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, improving access to nutritious food, and strengthening health systems. 
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): The FAO aims to increase food production by 70% to feed the world's growing population by 2050. 

How can these targets be achieved? 

To achieve the target of ending hunger and malnutrition, several measures can be taken at various levels: 

• Secure equal access to land and productive resources: There should be equal access to land, water, seeds, and other productive resources to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to produce and access food. In addition, providing access to financial services, knowledge, and market opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment can help improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
• Implement resilient agricultural practices: Sustainable and resilient agricultural practices can help improve food production and ensure food security, even in the face of climate change and other shocks. This includes practices like crop diversification, integrated pest management, and conservation agriculture. 
• Increase investment in rural infrastructure and technology: Investment in rural infrastructure, technological development, agricultural research, and extension services can help improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance market access. 
• Prevent trade restrictions and distortions: Trade restrictions and distortions can lead to volatility in food prices, which can impact the availability and affordability of food. Removing trade barriers and ensuring fair and transparent trade practices can help stabilize food prices. 
• Transform the food system: The food system needs to be transformed to ensure sustainable food production, reduce food waste, and increase access to nutritious food. This includes promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, improving food safety and nutrition, and promoting sustainable consumption patterns. 
• Minimize food wastage: According to the FAO, about 14% of the world's food is lost after harvesting. Minimizing food wastage can help ensure that more food is available for consumption, reducing hunger and malnutrition. 
• Mitigate climate change: Climate change can have a significant impact on food production and food security. Efforts to mitigate climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting adaptation measures, can help ensure that food production remains stable in the face of changing climate conditions. 
• Prioritize the resilience of vulnerable sections: Vulnerable sections like women, children, and the elderly are more likely to face hunger and malnutrition. Therefore, it is important to prioritize their resilience through targeted interventions like social protection programs and nutrition-specific interventions. 

Consequences of hunger  

1. At Individual Level: 

• Health: Hunger can have a significant impact on an individual's physical and mental health. It can lead to malnutrition, stunted growth, weakened immune system, anemia, and other health problems. 
• Learning Outcome: Hunger can also affect an individual's cognitive abilities, making it difficult for them to concentrate and learn effectively. 
• Economic Productivity: Hunger can reduce an individual's productivity and ability to work, which can affect their earning potential and economic status.  
• Social Participation: Hunger can limit an individual's ability to participate in social activities, leading to isolation and exclusion. 

2. At Family Level: 

• Hunger can affect the health and well-being of the entire family, particularly children and pregnant women. 

3. At National Level: 

• Hampers the Economic Growth: Hunger can lead to decreased economic growth as a result of decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs. 
• Demographic Dividend will Turn into Demographic Disaster: In countries with a high population of young people, hunger can lead to a missed opportunity for economic growth, where the potential "demographic dividend" turns into a "demographic disaster." 
• Population Growth will Act as Economic Liability rather than Asset: A population suffering from hunger can act as an economic liability rather than an asset, as resources are redirected to deal with the consequences of hunger, rather than being invested in economic development. 

4. At Global Level: 

• Low rank in GHI threatens the potential of India to emerge as a global power: India's low ranking in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) threatens its potential to emerge as a global power. Hunger can lead to a decrease in economic growth and human development, hindering India's ability to compete in the global market. 

Solutions 

1. Biofortification and Fortification of Food: 

• Bio-fortification involves breeding crops to increase their nutrient content, while fortification involves adding nutrients to processed foods. These can be effective methods to address nutrient deficiencies in populations. 

2. Behavioural Change: 

• Behavioral change is necessary to promote the importance of nutritional food, clean water, hygiene, and other healthy practices to protect people from disease. 

3. Supplementation: 

• Supplementation needs to be promoted to provide essential nutrients to individuals who may not have access to a diverse and nutritious diet. 

4. Social Protection Schemes: 

• Social protection schemes that give poor people access to nutritious food, such as cash transfers or food subsidies, can help reduce malnutrition. 

5. Women's Health and Gender Equality: 

• Malnutrition can be reduced by enhancing women's health, promoting gender equality, and increasing female education. 

6. Agriculture and Nutrition: 

• Agriculture and nutrition can be linked by ensuring inclusiveness and equity in agriculture policies to diversify diets, and by empowering women through policies that promote gender equality. 

7. Regional Variation: 

• Regional variation needs to be addressed by tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different regions and populations. 

8. Strengthening Social Protection Programs: 

• Strengthening social protection programs such as the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) can provide critical support to vulnerable populations and reduce malnutrition.