Publication: Future of Food: Shaping the Global Food System to Deliver Improved Nutrition and Health
Date
2016-04
ISSN
Published
2016-04
Author(s)
Townsend, Robert F.
Jaffee, Steven
Hoberg, Yurie Tanimichi
Htenas, Aira
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.
Citation
“Townsend, Robert F.; Jaffee, Steven; Hoberg, Yurie Tanimichi; Htenas, Aira. 2016. Future of Food : Shaping the Global Food System to Deliver Improved Nutrition and Health. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/24104 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”