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Key challenges for Bangladesh's march towards zero hunger

Published : Wednesday, 26 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 743
Musharraf Tansen
Bangladesh, once synonymous with poverty and famine, has made remarkable strides in its journey toward achieving Zero Hunger-a key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). From being labeled a "basket case" in the 1970s to becoming a global model for food security and poverty reduction, Bangladesh's transformation is a testament to resilience, innovation, and collective effort. However, the journey is far from over. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as climate change, population growth, and economic inequality continue to threaten food security. This article explores Bangladesh's achievements, ongoing challenges, and the path forward in its quest to eradicate hunger by 2030.

Bangladesh's progress in reducing hunger and improving food security is nothing short of extraordinary. One of the most significant milestones has been the Green Revolution of the 1980s and 1990s, which introduced high-yield crop varieties, modern farming techniques, and improved irrigation systems, significantly boosting food production. Today, Bangladesh is self-sufficient in rice production, the staple food for its 170 million people. This achievement has been a cornerstone of the nation's food security.

Another critical area of progress is poverty reduction. The poverty rate has declined from 44.2% in 1991 to 18.7% in 2022, lifting millions out of hunger and malnutrition. Social safety nets, such as the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) and Food for Work programs, have played a vital role in supporting the most vulnerable populations. These initiatives have provided a lifeline for those struggling to access adequate food.

Nutrition has also seen significant improvements. Initiatives like the National Nutrition Services (NNS) and partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP) have improved access to nutritious food, especially for women and children. As a result, the prevalence of stunting among children under five has decreased from 51% in 2004 to 28% in 2022, a remarkable achievement.

Despite these achievements, Bangladesh faces several challenges in its pursuit of Zero Hunger. One of the most pressing issues is climate change. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Bangladesh is grappling with rising sea levels, cyclones, and erratic rainfall patterns that threaten agricultural productivity and food security. Salinization of soil and water in coastal areas is reducing arable land and affecting crop yields, posing a significant threat to food production.

Another challenge is population growth. With a population density of over 1,100 people per square kilometer, ensuring food security for all remains a daunting task. Rapid urbanization is increasing the demand for food while reducing agricultural land, creating a complex dynamic that requires innovative solutions.

Economic inequality also persists as a barrier to Zero Hunger. While poverty has declined, the poorest 20% of the population still struggles to access adequate and nutritious food. High food prices and inflation exacerbate food insecurity for low-income households, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Malnutrition remains a concern, despite progress. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, vitamin A, and zinc, affect millions, particularly women and children. Additionally, the double burden of malnutrition-undernutrition and obesity-is emerging as a new challenge, requiring a nuanced approach to nutrition programming.

Finally, food waste and loss are significant issues. An estimated 30% of food produced is lost before it reaches consumers due to inadequate post-harvest storage and transportation infrastructure. Addressing this issue is critical to maximizing the impact of agricultural production.

To overcome these challenges and achieve Zero Hunger by 2030, Bangladesh must adopt a multi-pronged approach. First, investing in climate-resilient agriculture is essential. This includes promoting climate-smart practices such as drought-resistant crops, saline-tolerant varieties, and sustainable water management. Agroecology and organic farming can also enhance soil health and biodiversity, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.

Strengthening social safety nets is another critical strategy. Expanding and improving programs like VGF and Food for Work can ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to food and nutrition support. Targeted interventions for women, children, and marginalized communities are particularly important to address inequality.

Promoting nutrition-sensitiveagriculture is also vital. Encouraging the production and consumption of nutrient-rich crops, such as pulses, fruits, and vegetables, can improve dietary diversity. Integrating nutrition education into agricultural extension services can raise awareness about healthy diets and empower communities to make informed choices.

Reducing food waste and loss is another key area of focus. Improving post-harvest storage and transportation infrastructure can minimize losses, while public awareness campaigns can reduce food waste at the household level. These efforts can help maximize the availability of food for all.

Empowering women and youth is equally important. Continuing to invest in women's education and economic participation can enhance household food security, while engaging youth in agriculture through training, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs can ensure the sector's future sustainability.

Leveraging technology and innovation can also drive progress. Digital tools, such as mobile apps and satellite data, can improve agricultural productivity and market access. Precision farming and data-driven decision-making can optimize resource use and enhance efficiency.

Finally, strengthening partnerships is crucial. Collaborating with international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector can mobilize resources and share best practices. Regional cooperation can address cross-border challenges, such as climate change and food trade, ensuring a coordinated approach to food security.

Achieving Zero Hunger requires collective action. The government, civil society, private sector, and international community must work together to advocate for policy change, invest in research and development, and mobilize resources. Policies that prioritize food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture are essential, as is support for research on climate-resilient crops and innovative farming techniques. Securing funding for food security programs and ensuring efficient utilization of resources will also be critical to success.

Bangladesh's journey towards Zero Hunger is a story of hope and determination. The progress made so far demonstrates that with the right policies, investments, and partnerships, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges. However, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles, from climate change to economic inequality. To achieve Zero Hunger by 2030, Bangladesh must build on its successes, address persistent challenges, and embrace innovative solutions. The time to act is now-for the sake of current and future generations, and for a world where no one goes to bed hungry.

The writer is a development analyst and former Country Representative of Malala Fund


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