BY CHRIS ALEX
HON. Franklyn Derick Wasi, Minister for Agriculture, highlighted the pressing global and national challenges of hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity, urging a collective commitment to sustainable food systems.
Delivering the keynote address for this year’s World Food Day at FOPA Village on Wednesday, 30 October, Minister Wasi stated global hunger, malnutrition, obesity, and diet-related diseases in his keynote address for World Food Day.
“Across the world, we witness the harsh realities of hunger and malnutrition. Nearly 700 million people still go to bed hungry each night, while others face the growing threat of obesity and diet-related diseases,” stated Minister Wasi.
He highlighted the urgency to tackle these inequalities, pointing to systemic inequities and unsustainable practices in food production and distribution as significant drivers of these issues.
Locally, the minister outlined the “triple burden of malnutrition,” with 8.9% of the population undernourished and 32% of children experiencing stunted growth. He noted the concerning levels of child malnutrition, with 8% of children suffering from wasting and 16% being underweight.
Equally troubling are the national statistics on anemia, affecting 39% of children under five, 54% of pregnant women, and 41% of non-pregnant women. Minister Wasi emphasized the necessity of comprehensive strategies to address both under-nutrition and rising obesity rates, with overweight and obesity prevalence standing at 4%.
On food security, Wasi stressed that rural and urban households are both affected, with urban households facing higher annual food expenditures double that of rural households. Rural communities, in particular, rely heavily on food purchases and imports, spending over 50% of their income on food and non-alcoholic beverages. In contrast, urban households spend less than 30% on these essentials.
Wasi said: “Changing consumption patterns, urbanization, and limited land access continue to exacerbate food insecurity, and affordability remains a critical issue for many.”
Minister Wasi called for urgent action to turn toward sustainable agricultural practices.
“We must shift our focus to regenerative farming, support local food systems, and reduce food waste.
These measures are essential not only for nourishing our populations but also for preserving our planet,” he declared.
Highlighting the shared responsibility across sectors, Wasi encouraged everyone, from consumers to policymakers, to contribute to more sustainable practices in food production and consumption.
“World Food Day provided an opportunity to reflect on the vital role of food in community well-being and environmental health, with a collective call to foster resilience and sustainability in food systems”.
