Table of Contents

Key messages	[1.5Mb]
Foreword	[66Kb]
Undernourishment around the world in 2012 Undernourishment around the world Improvements in data and methodology	[479Kb]
Economic growth, hunger and malnutrition Income growth and changes in food consumption How does economic growth contribute to hunger reduction and improved nutrition? Nutrition outcomes – global progress, but many problems remain	[762Kb]
Contribution of agricultural growth to reduction of poverty, hunger and malnutrition The role of agricultural growth in economic growth, and poverty and hunger reduction Smallholders’ contribution to increasing agricultural production and productivity Hunger, agriculture and sustainable development The importance of the rural non-farm economy and its links with agriculture	[549Kb]
Social protection for the poor and vulnerable A foundation for reducing hunger and malnutrition Safety nets to improve food security and nutrition Social protection and economic growth	[479Kb]
Annex 1 Annex table Prevalence of undernourishment and progress towards the World Food Summit (WFS) and the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets in developing countries	[74Kb]
Annex 2 Updating and overhauling the FAO methodology for assessing food insecurity – a summary of changes and their impacts	[156Kb]
Annex 3 Glossary of selected terms used in the report	[29Kb]
Notes	[807Kb]

ABSTRACT

The 2012 edition of The State of Food Insecurity in the World presents new estimates of undernourishment based on a revised and improved methodology. The new estimates show that progress in reducing hunger during the past 20 years has been better than previously believed, and that, given renewed efforts, it may be possible to reach the MDG hunger target at the global level by 2015. However, the number of people suffering from chronic undernourishment is still unacceptably high, and eradication of hunger remains a major global challenge.2012 presents new estimates of undernourishment based on a revised and improved methodology. The new estimates show that progress in reducing hunger during the past 20 years has been better than previously believed, and that, given renewed efforts, it may be possible to reach the MDG hunger target at the global level by 2015. However, the number of people suffering from chronic undernourishment is still unacceptably high, and eradication of hunger remains a major global challenge.

This year’s report also discusses the role of economic growth in reducing undernourishment. Economic growth is most effective in reducing poverty and hunger when it increases employment and income-earning opportunities that the poor can take advantage of. Sustainable agricultural growth is often effective in reaching the poor because most of the poor and hungry live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for a significant part of their livelihoods. However, growth will not necessarily result in better nutrition for all. Policies and programmes that will ensure “nutrition-sensitive” growth include supporting increased dietary diversity, improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation and health services and educating consumers regarding adequate nutrition and child care practices.

Economic growth takes time to reach the poor, and may not reach the poorest of the poor. Therefore, social protection is crucial for eliminating hunger as rapidly as possible. Furthermore, when properly structured, social protection also promotes economic growth by building human capital and helping farmers manage risk so that they can adopt improved technologies. Finally, rapid progress in reducing hunger requires government action to provide key public goods and services within a governance system based on transparency, participation, accountability, rule of law and human rights.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) or of the World Food Programme (WFP) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO, IFAD or WFP in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in the maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO, IFAD or WFP concerning the legal or constitutional status of any country, territory or sea area, or concerning the delimitation of frontiers.

ISBN 978-92-5-107316-2

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© FAO 2012