As the world observes World Food Day on 16 October, the plight of 733 million people grappling with hunger and food insecurity takes center stage. The International Day marks the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945 and serves as a day to raise awareness about global hunger and food insecurity, a persisting issue. Around 2.8 billion people, marking 35 percent of the world’s population, are unable to afford a healthy diet, and one in 11 people globally confront hunger, driven by recurring weather shocks, conflicts, economic challenges, inequality, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The poorest and most vulnerable, especially agricultural households bear the brunt of climate and financial crisis, according to the FAO. Their struggle highlights existing inequalities that further strain disadvantaged communities, a reality that World Food Day aims to address. World Food Day advocates for access to food as a fundamental human right, and that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is entitled to sufficient, healthy food. Although farmers worldwide produce enough food to feed the global population, hunger persists, worsened by prolonged crises driven by conflict. In Africa, one in five people face…
Egypt Works Towards Achieving Zero Hunger on World Food Day
October 16, 2024
By Nadine Tag
Journalist
