The Other Side of Malnutrition and Hunger

While the vast majority of the world’s population have a long list of wishes and life expectations, hungry individuals have only one wish- food.

Are you aware of the fact that you are actually a rich person if you have that special opportunity to choose between all the beautiful crops available on the market? The sad reality is that some less fortunate people struggle with and are unable to choose the foods that will be set upon their tables.  Additionally, others struggle with chronic hunger and malnutrition.

World hunger and malnutrition is one of the most discussed topics. More importantly, hunger is one of the leading problems felt by entities throughout the world. In response to this, The Hunger Project launched the World Hunger Day initiative, aiming to call attention to global hunger and malnutrition problems.

Being aware of the problem is one of the most important elements needed in developing a solution. Therefore, World Hunger Day seeks to inspire people around the world to drive some changes. In order to kick-off the change, people need to be aware of some extremely important facts about the global hunger problem.  These facts include:

• Due to the fact that today’s world food production is enough to feed the entire population, there are still 795 million people suffering from hunger; a far more shocking fact is that one in nine people today starts and finishes each day with the same problem- hunger.
• 98% of all undernourished people come from developing countries; though hunger is the more prevalently experienced in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Hunger, as the main cause of death, particularly affects the most vulnerable population group- children.

What Is the Actual Background of the Global Hunger Problem?

Generally, there are numerous economic, social, political, and environmental factors that seriously contribute to world hunger and the malnutrition crisis.

Surprisingly, however, insufficient food production is not the main contributor of global hunger. In fact, it is to the contrary. World food production should be enough to feed the population. However, unequal food distribution, as well as food waste during production and storage, significantly contributes to the problem.

Unfortunately, the more serious cause of hunger is poverty, closely related to civil wars and insecurity. Global hunger is not a result of just one problem. It is the result of a few crucial problems, including:

• Climate change
• Lack of women’s empowerment
• Lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities
• Lack of knowledge
• Child labor and marriage
• Lack of appropriate infrastructure
• Environment degradation
• Diseases and the lack of adequate medical help

It seems as though we are headed for a future doomed to be faced with critical issues that will endanger the most basic human rights.

Modern Agtech Takes Over the Fight Against Global Hunger

A quest for a solution to the global hunger problem has led to a significant technological boom, particularly in agriculture. Driven by the need to feed the growing population, farm technology has been improved to a completely new level. In other words, today’s farming is digitalized, smart, GPS- navigated, based on real-time data, and increasingly precise.

Precision farming, as the new era of farm management, strives in optimizing food production, as well as farmers’ profitability. In this manner, farmers can improve the yields, while protecting the environment. The main components of this remarkable farm principle involve:

• Sensors that measure different parameters (soil and crop conditions),
• Remote sensing technology (satellites, airplanes, and drones),
• Smart irrigation systems
• Farm management software, such as AGRIVI

In conclusion, modern Agtech is definitely a miraculous solution that can significantly improve global food production.

What Can You Do?

World Hunger Day aims to raise awareness of the problem and to encourage individuals to become the drivers of change. So, if you are wondering what you can do, then you are on the right track towards making a difference, for at least you are aware that there is a problem.

The fact is that global institutions, scientists, and various non-government organizations have been working to improve this problem for many years. However, the solution requires many deep changes to take place within the political, economic, and social levels of each country. Therefore, it’s hard to come up with just one idea or action that will induce significant change.

However, if you want to be a part of something bigger, you can always become activated and join a local organization that aims to support the fight against global hunger. Additionally, you can volunteer by either going to the field, helping online, or supporting your local organization.

In addition, certain charity donations (money, food, clothes, hygiene supplies) are always necessary and appreciated. Still, keep in mind that donations are just a short-term solution to a long-term problem.

Sharing the knowledge about certain farm practices that can improve food production in developing countries, such as key-hole gardening, can be incredibly valuable. In doing so, you don’t give the food, but instead are teaching people how to successfully produce their own food. In fact, you give them an opportunity to be less dependent on charity and short-term help.

Sometimes it’s hard to act globally. All of these problems seem so far away. But still, if you want to act, you will find a way. At the very least, try not to waste food. You can also help by passing along to others what you have in great amounts, for these others will appreciate the gifts more that you could ever imagine.

Finally, be a farmer. Grow the crops and invite yourself to the challenging adventure of producing food. While doing so, let AGRIVI guide you in managing and improving your crop production.

Together, let’s provide some solutions to feed the world!