Question

What is the situation surrounding hunger? Describe the programs available in your State and County: Who they are for, availability, effectiveness, percentage using. Is there additional need?

Answer 1

Situation surrounding hunger- In many countries that have failed to reach the international hunger targets, natural and human- induced disasters or political instability have resulted in protracted crises with increased vulnerability and food insecurity of large parts of the population. In such contexts, measures to protect vulnerable population groups and improve livelihoods have been difficult to implement or ineffective. Economic growth is a key success factor for reducing undernourishment, but it has ro be inclusive and provide opportunities for improving the livelihoods of the poor. Enhancing the productivity and incomes of smallholder family farmers is key to progress.

The Programme available- In this year's State of Food Insecurity of the World, we not only estimate the progress already achieved, but also identify remaining problems, and offer recommendations for how these can be addressed. In a nutshell, there is no "one- fits- all" solution. Interventions must be tailored to conditions, including food availability and access, as well as longer- term development prospects. Approaches need to be appropriate and comprehensive, with the requisite political commitment to secure success. The second most populous country in the world, India has enjoyed steady economic growth and has achieved self- sufficieny in grain production in recent years. Despite this, high levels of poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition persist. Around 21.25 percent of the population lives on less than US$1.90 a day, and levels of inequality and social exclusion are very high. India is home to a quarter of all undernourished people worldwide, making the country a key focus for tackling hunger on a global scale. In the last two decades, per capita income more than tripled, yet the minimum dietary intake fell. The gap between rich and poor increased during this period of high economic growth. WEP has been working in India since 1963 with work transitioning from food distribution to technical assistance since the country achieved self- sufficiency in cereal production. With the Government now providing its own food distribution systems, our work focuses on supporting the strengthening of these systems to ensure they become more efficient and reach the people who need them most.

Availability, effectiveness, and percentage- A total of 72 developing countries out of 129, or more than half the countries monitored, have reached the MDG 1c hunger target. Most enjoyed stable political conditions and economic gtowth, often accompanied by social protection policies target at vulnerable population groups. The year 2015 marks end of the monitoring period for the Millennium Development Goal targets. The share of undernourished people in the total population has decreased from 23.3 percentage in 1990-92 to 12.9 percent. 1.3 billion population, 21 percent of people live on less than US$1.90 a day, 1/4 of the world's undernourished people live in India. WFP is working to improve the efficiency, accountability and transparency of India's own subsidized food distribution system, which brings supplies of wheat, rice, sugar and kerosene oil to around 800 million poor people accross the country. WFP ensures that food reached those who need it most, working within the Government to reform and strengthen the system, which is one of the world's largest.