Food Security

It is recognisable and heartening to note that there has been undeniable progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, it cannot be ignored that 736 million people in the world still live in extreme poverty, depending on less than $ 1.90 a day. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that worldwide, 821 million people suffered from hunger and malnutrition in 2017. This was a higher number than in the preceding years. Indeed this is not an encouraging trend.

Food security demands equal distribution of resources, goods and services across different regions and varied sections of society. There are multiple challenges facing people suffering from chronic food insecurity. These arise from various factors that include massive crop failures due to climate disasters such as droughts or floods. I some regions social conflicts and political unrests contribute further to the issues. Food and water are becoming increasingly scarce in some areas. Additionally droughts and famines not only lead to loss of human life, but also potentially destabilize complete regions. The resulting poverty and economic problems further lead to militant conflicts and migration. Achieving  a zero hunger world is thus a matter of need as food security potentially contributes to social and economical stability paving the path to sustainable peace.

Food Security in Austria

Austria is a stable and developed nation in Central Europe. In the past, the region has faced hunger and malnutrition due to conflicts, variable weather conditions (e.g. extreme heat and drought periods) as well as decreasing economic growth. Furthermore, land grabbing and large-scale acquisition of arable and agricultural land (usually by foreign investors) was a challenge to food security and living conditions of the local population.

However strict regulations and stringent rules have made Austria secure the food and nutritional requirements of the residents. 

The Austrian Development Agency

In pursuit of the SDGs, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) supports sustainable and inclusive land-use planning. They also promote timed land use rights for the local population. Due importance is given to the empowerment and participation of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in decision-making processes to ensure that they are at par with and within the society with equal access to resources.

ADA also supports smallholder farmers (family farms) to ensure production in an environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient manner. This improves access to local and regional markets. Investments in local infrastructure, improvement in storage of produce, better processing of agricultural production, extension of subsidies and financial services for smallholder farmers contributes to better food security in the country.

Sources and References

https://www.entwicklung.at/en/themes/water-energy-and-food-security/food-security