Empowering Small Producers to Tackle Global Food Insecurity
Accelerate Prosperity - An AKDN Initiative
An Initiative of Industrial Promotion Services (AKFED) & Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) of the Aga Khan Development Network
Nourishing The World's Appetite
In 2022, a staggering 783 million individuals across the world grappled with the harsh reality of hunger, underscoring the enduring challenge of food insecurity on a global scale. Projections for the year 2030 show 600 million people are anticipated to continue struggling to provide adequate nourishment for their families. This predicament is compounded by numerous factors, including climate change-induced disruptions to agricultural production, population growth, and persisting economic inequalities.
Central and South Asian countries are among some of the worst impacted by this crisis. Food security challenges in Central and South Asia are complex and multi-faceted. These regions grapple with issues such as climate change, economic disparities, population growth and limited access to modern agricultural technology. Arid conditions, water scarcity, and a dense population add unique challenges to the mix. Insufficient infrastructure and disparities in food distribution further compound the problem.
Collaborative, sustainable efforts are essential to alleviate these challenges and ensure a more secure and prosperous food future for the growing populations of Central and South Asia.
Accelerate Prosperity and several other AKDN backed initiatives are working to improve food security in Central and South Asia through a comprehensive yet sustainable approach. They work across the region, supporting initiatives such as introducing modern agricultural techniques and technology, aiding small and indigenous producers, and investing in livestock and asset-building to meet rising food demands sustainably. These efforts, done in collaboration with local communities and governments, play a vital role in improving food security, empowering small-scale farmers, and building a more resilient and prosperous food future for the people in Central and South Asia.
Tajikistan, situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, is currently grappling with an alarming increase in food insecurity. By the end of 2022, the World Food Program projects that 30% of Tajikistan's population will be moderately food-insecure, a worrying increase from the 20% recorded in 2021. Factors contributing to this trend include erratic climate patterns, limited arable land, and a lack of modern agricultural technology, straining food production and access. In collaboration with local communities, Accelerate Prosperity has been trying to address the problem on multiple fronts. Dehkan Farms, providing food for up?to 30,000 people in GBAO region, is a testament of Accelerate Prosperity working in close contact with local communities.
Their neighbor, Kyrgyzstan, with its mountainous terrain, also grapples with food security. Assessments in August 2022 revealed that 21% of households, over 1.3 million individuals, experienced food insecurity. This stems from issues like inadequate infrastructure and limited food resources, compounded by economic disparities. AP has been working in the country to develop sufficient resources and introduce modern methods to local producers. Kyrgyz Org is one of many AP backed initiatives supporting local producers in keeping up with rising consumer demands.
In Pakistan, nearly 10.5 million people face acute food insecurity. Contributors to this crisis include climate change's impact on agriculture, economic disparities, and inadequate food distribution infrastructure. Prime Genetics, in collaboration with Accelerate Prosperity, is introducing modern techniques to enhance local livestock and dairy produce.
Another country in the region, Afghanistan, has a staggering 95 percent who do not get enough to eat, with that number rising to almost 100 percent in female-headed households. AKDN has been working alongside government and private organizations to help Afghan locals through these dire food security challenges.
The global food security crisis remains a persistent and formidable challenge, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
This challenge is further magnified by regional disparities and a range of complex factors that disrupt food production, distribution, and accessibility.
It is imperative that governments, international organizations, and local communities collaborate to implement innovative and sustainable solutions to alleviate this crisis and ensure that individuals across the globe have access to the food they need for a secure and prosperous future.
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In today's episode of Impact Odyssey, we revisit Prime Genetics. Through selective breeding, Prime Genetic is offering a way to local farmers to enhance their livestock and dairy produce, and keep up with growing global demand.??
The trajectory, while daunting, carries the promise of transformation, especially with these thought-leaders at the forefront. As we segue into Impact Odyssey 2.0, be part of this pivotal journey.
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Absolutely, it's crucial to acknowledge the incredible contribution of small-scale farmers in the global food system. Talking of agriculture In Pakistan, where 95% of our farmers operate on less than 12.5 acres of land, we're facing a reality where the next generation will have even less, just 3 to 5 acres to farm. Here are some practical steps, as a practicing farmer, that we can take to support these farmers: We must connect small-scale farmers with efficient, tech-based supply chains to stabilize their income. Encouraging the adoption of high-value crops can be a game-changer. Often, inefficiencies in supply chains lead to significant waste, which small-scale farmers can't afford. Self-sustainable farming models with integrated livestock can benefit both farmers and the environment, a crucial step in combating climate change. It's high time we address the issue of food waste, where 30-50% of our hard-earned harvests go to waste, putting an unfair burden on our farmers.