World Food Day

Over 2 billion people do not have regular access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. An estimated 770 to 820 million people are hungry. The impact of malnutrition in all its forms (under-nutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies) and of obesity on the global economy is estimated at $US 3.5 trillion per year. There is a clear need to accelerate the strengthening of food systems and to protect people’s livelihoods. Though there are 30,000 edible plants, only nine plant species account for 66% of total crop production. A variety of food needs to be grown to nourish people and sustain the planet. Food wastage occurs at all steps from ‘farm to plate’. With over 3 billion people in the world lacking access to internet, particularly those who live in rural and remote areas, small-holder farmers need greater access to finance, training, innovation and technology to improve their livelihoods. World Food Day marks the founding in 1945 of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945 and is to counter and prevent starvation and hunger. Varying each year, the theme of this Day has included food security, rural poverty, food and the environment, fighting hunger and malnutrition, agriculture and intercultural dialogue, ending world hunger and “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together”.