As reported by Dr. Suchith Anand, Chief Scientist, Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World was recently published. The report is jointly prepared by FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP and WHO to inform on progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition and to provide in-depth analysis on key challenges for achieving this goal in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (DG Indicator 2.1.1 – Prevalence of undernourishment). The report targets a wide audience, including policy-makers, international organizations, academic institutions and the general public.

This year, for the first time, the report also present the estimates of a new indicator: the prevalence of moderate and severe food insecurity based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). This indicator provides a perspective on global food insecurity relevant for all countries of the world: one that looks beyond hunger towards the goal of ensuring access to nutritious and sufficient food for all. As estimates of SDG Indicator 2.1.2 refer to the total number of people suffering from food insecurity, including at moderate levels, it should come as no surprise that they correspond to a much higher number of people than those who suffer from hunger.

This new edition of the report also includes a special focus on economic slowdowns and downturns, which are among the main drivers behind the recent rise in world hunger.

Full report at http://www.fao.org/state-of-food-security-nutrition/en