Future of Food

Robert F. Townsend, Steven Jaffee, Yurie Tanimichi Hoberg and Aira Htenas

No 24104 in World Bank Publications - Books from The World Bank Group

Abstract: Despite significant progress the world continues to bear a triple burden of malnutrition. These three burdens are related, but distinctly different, problems: energy deficiencies (hunger), micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger), 3 and excessive net energy intake and unhealthy diets overweight/obesity). Despite significant progress, 795 million people still are not getting the minimum dietary energy needs. The majority of these people are in Sub-Saharan Africa, in which 1 in 4 people are hungry; and in South Asia, in which 1 in 6 people are hungry. More than 2 billion people are deficient in key vitamins and minerals7 that are necessary for growth, development, and disease prevention. Globally, over 2 billion people are overweight or obese, two-thirds of whom live in developing countries. This issue clearly is not just a developed country problem. Energy and micronutrient deficiency are contributors to the 165 million children under 5 who are stunted and cannot grow to achieve their full potential. Globally, this number is equivalent to approximately 1 in 4 children under 5 years, with an even more concentrated situation in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (1 in 3 children). Arguably child stunting is one of the biggest development challenges. If not addressed it will profoundly undermine our ability to end poverty and promote shared prosperity.

Keywords: Agriculture-Agricultural Knowledge & Information Systems Rural Development-Rural Development Knowledge & Information Systems Health; Nutrition and Population-Nutrition Agriculture-Food Security Industry-Food & Beverage Industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016-04
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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