What if you woke up tomorrow, your stomach twisting in knots, fearing and uncertain where your next meal will come from? And the day after? And after? And after? While it may sound nightmarish to you, unfortunately, this is a reality for over 800 million people worldwide who go to bed hungry. At least 1 in 11 people sleep hungry each day.
If you look at the big picture, the world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This means we must produce 60% more food and save enough water to feed everyone.
But how do we do that, or produce food, when 2 billion people already live in regions facing severe water shortages? By 2025, half of the global population will start facing water scarcity. By 2030, severe water scarcity can displace more than 699 million people. And by 2040, 1 out of 4 children will reside in a high water scarcity area.
These data are spine-chilling, considering we are already on the verge of entering 2025. Hence, this year, World Food Day 2024, brings attention to a critical issue: water. With the theme “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” the focus is crystal clear. Without water, there is no food security. Let’s look at this event and how water undeniably affects our global food system.
World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16th. It marks the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. This day reminds us that despite continuous food production and distribution advancements, hunger and malnutrition are still significant global challenges.
Global events like World Food Day are always more than a calendar date. They directly signal a global call to action and bring attention to millions worldwide who still suffer from hunger and malnutrition.
If we speak of India, the nation may indeed be the second largest food producer on a global scale, yet it made it to the list of 125 nations with hunger, as per the latest Global Hunger Index.5 In fact, the level of hunger in India is marked as “serious,” according to the study. Having a population of 1.4 billion, India remains undernourished, with over 190 million hungry individuals6. Even more concerning is that this number has constantly risen in recent years.
However, the theme of World Food Day this year encourages people from all walks of life to come together and find sustainable solutions to ensure food security for all. This day is not just about feeding people for a day but about finding long-term solutions that make sure no one goes to bed hungry again.
Water is essential to life and a key ingredient in food production. Access to clean, safe water is necessary for the world to produce enough food to feed its population. However, water scarcity is becoming a significant issue in many parts of the world.
Agriculture is the largest consumer of the world’s freshwater resources, using about 70% of the total. However, inefficient water use, waste, and pollution are dramatically reducing the availability of clean water, which is a concern for people and crops. Moreover, with climate change worsening water scarcity, it's time the world starts rethinking how to manage this precious resource to achieve global food security.
This time, the World Food Day theme 2024 calls for active action to improve water use in agriculture, ensure equitable access to water, and protect water resources for food production and future generations. Here are some ways in which water impacts food security:
Access to water for irrigation can be the difference between a bountiful harvest and total crop failure. Many parts of the world rely on rain-fed agriculture, which is highly vulnerable to drought. Investing in sustainable irrigation systems can improve crop yields and food availability.
Water is essential not only for growing crops but also for raising livestock. Without access to clean water, livestock cannot survive. As a result, this will only reduce the availability of meat, milk, and other animal products.
The fishing and seafood industry directly depends on clean and unpolluted water. While pollution and overfishing reduce fish stocks, climate change alters water temperatures and eventually affects fish breeding.
Looking back, the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and the increasing effects of climate change have exacerbated the global food crisis. According to the GHI (Global Hunger Index), 58 countries will not eliminate hunger levels by 2030. This is a severe form of hunger that can even cause death if not addressed sooner.
Currently, 65% of food-insecure people reside in fragile regions under economic or geographical conflict. In 2024 alone, an estimated 309 million people across 71 countries are expected to face acute food insecurity. Even more alarming, about 37.2 million individuals in 47 countries are projected to experience worse food insecurity. So much so that they will require urgent help to protect both their livelihoods and lives.8
This rising crisis calls for global actions like World Food Day to address the underlying causes and offer immediate support to those most vulnerable.
Making a difference does not always require any grand gestures. Small and consistent actions can significantly impact global food and water security. Here are a few ways in which you can celebrate World Food Day:
Start buying from local farmers’ markets. Supporting local agriculture reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food. It also encourages sustainable farming practices.
Be very mindful of your water use. Fix all leaks, install water-saving devices, and avoid wasting water in your daily activities. The less water we waste collectively, the more we can ensure there’s enough for food production.
Around one-third of all food produced globally is wasted, amounting to almost 1.3 billion tons annually. 9 If we quickly calculate, this is approximately $1 trillion, more than enough to feed 3 billion individuals. By reducing food waste in your home, you can help fight hunger. Plan your meals, store food properly, and compost the food scraps.
Advocate for policies that support sustainable agriculture and water management. Encourage the government to invest in infrastructure that improves farmers' water access. There should be equitable water distribution.
Many global organisations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), are working to fight hunger and improve water access in vulnerable regions. You can support their efforts by donating.
Choose to buy from brands prioritising sustainability in farming, production, and water management practices.
This is highly important. Stay informed and educate people about the issues surrounding water and food security. Share what you learn with others. Raise awareness. Encourage collective action.
World Food Day reminds us that we all have a role to play in achieving global food and water security. We can ensure that everyone has access to enough food and clean water by taking small steps.
Moreover, these resources not only sustain life but also have a direct impact on your overall health. Today, protecting your health is just as important. Good nutrition and clean water are essential for maintaining well-being. However, unexpected health challenges can still arise.
That’s where health insurance becomes essential. Having the right health coverage protects you from unforeseen medical expenses, especially when complications like malnutrition or waterborne diseases affect vulnerable populations.
In a nutshell, just as we take a step to protect our planet’s resources on World Food Day, it is equally wise to secure our health with comprehensive health insurance plan. Care Health Insurance offers plans that cover medical emergencies and provide peace of mind, ensuring you focus on living a healthier, more sustainable life.
>> Also Read: Best Food Items to Keep Your Immune System Strong
Disclaimers: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
Published on 21 Nov 2024
Published on 21 Nov 2024
Published on 21 Nov 2024
Published on 21 Nov 2024
Published on 20 Nov 2024
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