Why does hunger exist?

Perhaps it is because the quantity of food produced has decreased?
7 billion people live on the planet. As a whole we produce food for 12 billion people. The quantity of existing food would be enough for all until 2030.

Perhaps it is because the amount of land available for cultuivation decreased
Between 1990 and 2005, the availability of land for cultivation increased (1%). Land cultivated with cereals increased in China (14%) and in Brazil (15%). Cultivated lands in wealthy countries (USA, Japan) decreased because the rich countries cultivate the land in poor countries to produce and consume more at lower cost.

Perhaps it is because there are wars?
Wars prevent the population from living a normal life and therefore from having regular access to natural resources or food reserves. Yet only 60 million out of 1.2 billion people in the world who suffer from hunger, live in areas of conflict or political instability.

Perhaps it is because there are natural disasters, storms, floods and droughts?
In countries affected by hunger, food production has not diminished. The amount of food that is still produced is enough to feed everyone.

The problem is not the amount of food but the possibility to access it!

Obesity was once considered a problem only in high income countries, but it is now on the rise dramatically in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.

In general this is a problem that affects groups with the lowest income and lowest levels of education, which are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, micronutrient-poor foods. Such foods tend to be lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity.

What about your country?

You are a member of an international team of humanitarian experts, in charge of facing the problem of malnutrition which affects, in different ways, several areas of the planet.

Your team aims to promote healthier way of living and eating, taking into account the specific profile of each local community.

Organize a "Nutrition Cell" in order to organize information actions, through which you can promote a higher awareness of nutrition in your country.

1) Study the map which shows the average daily calories intake in different areas of the planet

2) Discover the principles of a healthy nutrition: review these Food Pyramids. Prepare a poster in order to illustrate the Food Pyramid and organize your weekly diet according to the guidelines of healthy nutrition.

3) Do you know about high-fructose corn syrup? It is the cheap, sweetener that we find everywhere, not just in soft drinks and snacks, but in many foods that aren't even considered sweets, such as bread and ketchup. Many nutritionists think that this substance is to blame for rising obesity rates.

Could you live one week without high-fructose corn syrup?
Analyse the labels of processed foods that contain it and try to eliminate them for one week.

4) Organize a local Nutrition Cell!  What is this?

A nutrition cell is a team of doctors and other staff, usually active in developing countries, which involves the local community by informing them about nutrition and disseminating good practices.

Discover the experience of the nutritional cells in Burkina Faso

• What are the main features of a nutrition cell in an African country?
• What is its main goal?
• In which way does it involve people?
• How could you organize a nutritional cell in your community?
• Which kind of actions could your nutrition cell organize in your community?
• Are there Civil Society Organizations (CSO) dealing with the issue of healthy nutrition in your territory? Try to interview them and collect information about the main problems which affect your community in terms of unhealthy diet.

Take a look at the "Toolkit". You'll find useful tips.

Learning outcomes

• Analyse the average daily calories intake in different areas of the planet
• Know and promote the principles of a healthy nutrition
• Organize a weekly diet according to the guidelines of healthy nutrition
• Monitor personal consumption of high-fructose corn syrup
• Promote healthy food in the local community