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Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2017

Investing in Food systems for better nutrition

Year of publication 2017

Place of publication Bangkok, Thailand ;

Pages 68

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 978-92-5-109965-0

Series title Asia and the Pacific – Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition

Series number 2017

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) The fight against hunger is slowing and as we reassess progress we are concerned that the number of hungry people in Asia and the Pacific region may have already begun to rise. This means that many countries in this region risk not meeting the 2030 target of ending food insecurity. Malnutrition and stunting among children below the age of five remains high in many countries in the region, with large disparities among population groups. More people in Asia and the Pacific region are moving tow ards healthier diets, although the availability of nutritious foods is still inadequate in many countries. However, on average, the consumption of food items considered unhealthy is also on the rise. A key challenge is to reorient food systems in a way that will help promote healthier diets through supportive food and trade policies, education and awareness campaigns. The special theme of this year’s report is Reducing Food Loss and Waste. Considerable analytical work has been und ertaken on this issue during the past 4-5 years, reaffirming the initial claims that reducing food loss and waste offers a triple win – for food security, higher income for farmers and supply chain actors, and the environment. The special section reviews existing knowledge on the extent of food loss and waste in the region, examines their definitions and measurement challenges, and considers existing policy/programme initiatives. One conclusion is that the data and available estimates are inadeq uate for establishing a baseline for the purpose of monitoring progress. FAO is finalizing some approaches that would help national statistics offices collect essential data and establish a baseline, which is essential for monitoring progress.

Read also the Asia and the Pacific Regional Overview of Food Insecurity 2016: Investing in a Zero Hunger Generation

Language English

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