(English) In this exchange, two passionate students from different parts of the world engage in a thoughtful discussion about Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Through their letters, Manisha from India and Ebru from Belgium share their perspectives, challenges, and solutions to addressing global hunger and achieving food security. Their conversation highlights the importance of international collaboration and innovative strategies in creating a world where no one goes hungry.
Letter 1
Dear Ebru Akgün,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with warmth. I am Manisha Priya from India, currently pursuing a PGDM-Human Resource Management programme from Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi. I am 28 years old, and my hobbies are powerlifting, dancing and drawing. I am a curiously enthusiastic person who believes learning and knowledge is present everywhere. I am glad to have matched with you as a penfriend and it’s wonderful to connect with someone who shares the same passion for reaching our Sustainable Development Goals, even though we come from different corners of the world. I truly believe that our teamwork could lead to something amazing. I want to delve into a topic that is not only close to my heart but also deeply resonates with our collective humanity – the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger.
India is a developing country with a large population. Our country is rich in cultural diversity and resources but hunger is a big problem that affects all of us. Even though we’ve made progress in different areas, making sure everyone has enough food is still a big worry. It’s something we think about every day because we know that millions of people in our country don’t have enough to eat and go to bed hungry every night. The huge population in our country has resulted in the prevalence of various issues that require attention from our government. Despite the efforts made by our government, it is evident that these problems still exist and need to be addressed. In this letter, we will explore how these issues are being tackled in India and what more can be done to solve them.
I believe it is crucial to work towards eliminating a common problem of hunger faced by many people around the world.
Even though there are a lot of programs in our country which are meant to help people have enough food, they often end up not reaching the right people and this has resulted in a situation where the majority of the people who actually need help aren’t getting it. Our government has been trying hard to tackle this problem, but it’s still not clear how much progress we’ve made. In order to understand why this is so, it is important to look at the various factors that contribute to hunger and poverty. These include economic inequality, lack of access to food and resources, inadequate nutrition education, and poor infrastructure. By understanding these issues in detail, we can gain insight into what could be done by our government to achieve SDG2.
The widespread poverty and income inequality is a major hurdle. Millions of people in our country live below the poverty line, unable to afford nutritious food or access essential resources. Big differences in how much money people have make the problem of not having enough food worse, especially for those who are already struggling. This puts them in danger of going hungry and not getting the nutrients they need. Agricultural challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated farming practices affect food production and distribution. Small-scale farmers, who form the backbone of our agricultural sector, often lack access to modern technology, credit facilities, and irrigation systems, limiting their productivity and income. Another crucial issue is of food wastage and distribution inefficiencies, despite being one of the world’s largest food producers, a significant portion of food is lost or wasted due to inadequate storage facilities, transportation constraints, and logistical bottlenecks. Meanwhile, millions of people, especially in rural areas, struggle to access food due to limited availability and high prices.
Significant changes are crucial to ensure that we can produce food sustainably and make sure everyone has access to healthy food. This means using new technologies, improving how we farm, and better managing our natural resources. By doing these things, we can reduce the risk of not having enough food and make people’s lives healthier.
India is continuously working to improve the state of hunger, help our people lead a better life. I am glad to tell you that our country has taken various steps to address the issue of hunger. We have launched a number of programmes and policies that have helped us make significant progress toward ending hunger.
These initiatives have effectively improved the lives of the people of our country, moving towards ending hunger and poverty. The government has rolled out various programs, including offering free meals to school children, supplying discounted food grains to low-income families, initiating employment schemes for rural youth, and facilitating access to financial services for small businesses.
One of the primary measures undertaken by our government to combat hunger is the National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013. This landmark legislation aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of the country’s population, effectively ensuring food security for millions of vulnerable households. Through the Public Distribution System (PDS), the government aims to provide subsidised food grains and essential commodities to the country’s citizens, especially those who are economically disadvantaged. Through the PDS, eligible individuals and families can purchase items like rice, wheat, sugar, and cooking oil at lower prices from designated Fair Price Shops. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and alleviating hunger by making essential food items more affordable and accessible to those in need.
We have recognized the critical role of agriculture in achieving food security and rural development. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) focus on enhancing agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable farming practices. By harnessing technology, improving irrigation facilities, and increasing access to credit and market linkages, these programs empower farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national food security.
In addition to governmental efforts, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society play an important role in addressing hunger at the grassroots level. There are various organisations which are at the forefront of innovative solutions, leveraging technology and community engagement to minimise food wastage and redistribute surplus food to those in need such as Akshaya Patra Foundation and Feeding India. Their tireless work exemplifies the spirit of solidarity and compassion that defines our collective response to the challenge of hunger.
The government has also launched initiatives like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the National Health Mission (NHM) to address malnutrition among children and mothers. These programs provide essential healthcare services, nutritional supplements, and education to vulnerable populations, thereby laying the foundation for a healthier and more resilient society.
The Mid-Day Meal Program is another initiative taken by our government which aims at providing free nutritious meals to school children across the country. Under this program, children receive cooked meals with a balanced mix of nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, during their school hours. The meals typically consist of items like rice, dal (lentils), vegetables, and fruits. By providing nutritious meals, the Mid-Day Meal Program not only addresses hunger but also promotes educational outcomes and overall well-being among school children.
Though there are various initiatives and programmes to eradicate hunger, we still have a long way to go in order to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. While it’s a big goal, with the right investments and actions, we can definitely make meaningful strides toward reaching our objectives. There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that everyone in India has enough nutritious food to lead a healthy and fulfilling life and that not a single person goes to bed hungry. The journey towards achieving Zero Hunger in India is one filled with both challenges and opportunities. As an Indian, I deeply feel the duty to play my part in the joint effort to eliminate hunger, not only within our nation but also worldwide.
The journey towards Zero Hunger is not just a goal to be achieved but a moral imperative that demands our collective action and unwavering commitment. As individuals, as communities, and as nations, we must strive to create a world where no one sleeps hungry, where every child has access to nutritious food, and where the fundamental dignity of each individual is respected.
I hope that this brief overview gives you an insight into India’s efforts in working towards the goal of zero hunger.
Further, I would like to know, if there are any such initiatives in your country? How accessible are nutritious foods for people in different regions of your country? And in your opinion, what are the most pressing issues or barriers hindering progress towards zero hunger in your country?
I am looking forward to reading your letter and to listening to your opinions and learning from you.
Best regards,
Manisha Priya
Letter 2
Dear Manisha Priya,
I am Ebru, and I warmly acknowledge your letter. Briefly summarising my background, I was born and raised in Turkey, moved to Brazil in 2017 and then to Belgium in 2019. After following degrees in political science, anthropology and sustainable development, currently I am conducting a Joint PhD research in political science and sociology at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Universiteit Antwerpen. Meanwhile my research mainly deals with sustainability issues, I also work professionally as sustainability and circularity officer in European affairs, advocating for sustainability transition in the construction industry in Europe. As you can see, I have an in-depth passion for sustainability! Apart from that, my hobbies are reading, travelling, music and painting, and what a coincidence, I also possess a curious personality! So then, I am genuinely happy that I got matched with you. Despite my expressed passion and experience in sustainability, I may sometimes lack sharing space. Then this project is a great opportunity for me to listen, share and spark the lights of collaboration with a like-minded peer. With great interest, I read your letter on Sustainable Development Goal Zero Hunger, and really appreciate your input. It is fascinating to read what your opinions are as well as how your country and culture are doing in terms of this topic.
Given the fact that I have actually lived in three different countries, being Turkey, Brazil and Belgium, I will respond your questions in a three-folded manner. This, I believe, will bring different perspectives to the topic. To begin with, Turkey experience moderate levels of food issues and hunger. Despite this not being a real-life issue, the government still runs food assistance programs including agricultural support, food aid, vouchers, and cash transfers ensuring access to food. Such programs are more active for the disaster areas of the country, e.g., in the 2023 earthquake area, as well as towards the refugee and asylum seekers in the country. On top of that, NGOs, charities, food banks play an active role in addressing hunger and food insecurity in Turkey while collecting surplus foods from supermarkets, restaurants, and manufacturers and distributing to those are in need. Both government and NGOs take part in nutrition education, food waste reduction and management. Finally, Turkey joins the international assistance and development aid to countries facing food crises. In the end, the current challenges in the Turkish food systems are, increasing inflation and therefore food production costs, moderate levels of socioeconomic disparities and inequality, land degradation and soil erosion, increasing drought risk, and high and uncontrolled pesticide and chemicals use. Moreover, as part of cooperation between Brazilian governmental institutions and NGOs, many programs are now under implementation to tackle with food issues in Brazil. The country implements its Zero Hunger Program providing cash transfers to low-income families; the National School Feeding Program and Food Acquisition Program purchasing food from family farms to distribute in the social assistance programs; the National Food and Nutritional Security policy monitoring nutritional status and promotes healthy eating habits; as well as the Family Farming Support Program provides crucial support to small-scale agriculture. On top of that, Brazil Without Extreme Poverty Plan targets extreme poverty reduction through expanded social assistance and economic inclusion measures. To sum up, the current challenges in the Brazilian food systems are climate change and therefore environmental degradation, land inequality, loss of food insecurity and unsafety, and finally social and economic inequality in general terms. Finally, Belgium does not face prominent hunger issues as being a developed country. Both at the national and European levels, Belgium joins the international assistance and development programs including food security programs, agricultural support, research and innovation. The current challenges in the Belgian food systems are, external dependency in agricultural supply and therefore high production and transportation costs and increasing heavy rain-fall risks.
After responding to the first two questions you appeal, I would like to focus on the third. According to my view, the most pressing issue and barrier hindering progress towards zero hunger is the historically embedded social structures leading to rooted inequalities. I genuinely believe that the challenges related to food systems mainly relate to historically and deeply embedded social backgrounds and structures, making the issue politically and socially complex to solve. I do not believe there is scarcity of resources or necessity to use artificial technologies leading to issues in food security and safety, but it is rather an issue of unequal understanding of political and social relations. So then, across the globe, access to food is not solely determined by the availability of resources or technological advancements but it is rather linked to social, economic, and political factors – the uneven distribution of resources, wealth, and power exacerbates food insecurity and inequality. In many regions, marginalised communities face barriers such as poverty, conflict, discrimination, and lack of access to land, education, and healthcare, which limit their ability to produce or purchase nutritious food. Moreover, issues like food waste, inefficient supply chains, and unsustainable agricultural practices further strain food systems and contribute to global hunger. Eventually, the extent and way of distributing food differ all around the world due to comprehension of social systems, resulting in issues in the food systems. For that reason, we definitely need profound solutions that appeal to eliminate inequalities, that is to come with collaboration. Addressing these systemic challenges requires collaborative efforts at local, national, and international levels, no single country or organisation can solve the complex issues surrounding food security and nutrition alone. Collaboration among governments, policymakers, civil society organisations, businesses, farmers, researchers, and consumers is essential to develop holistic solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity and promote sustainable food systems. Through collaboration, we can work towards implementing policies and initiatives that prioritise equitable access to nutritious food, support smallholder farmers, promote sustainable agriculture practices, reduce food waste, and address the social determinants of health and nutrition. Moreover, it enables knowledge sharing, innovation, and resource mobilisation, which are crucial for building resilience and adapting to challenges such as climate change that affect food security. By coming together and pooling our resources, expertise, and efforts, we can create a more just, resilient, and sustainable food system that ensures food security and nutrition for all, leaving no one behind. It’s only through collective action and collaboration that we can truly make progress towards achieving the goal of Zero Hunger. After deciding the scope, namely the collaboration of different stakeholders for eliminating inequalities, this brings the issue of finding the exact solutions.
How do you observe the differences in the three countries I portrayed? How do you find the scope I arrived in? What solutions come into your mind to eliminate inequalities? Which relates specifically to the topic of food, and which other appeal to a broader context?
Thank you for reading my letter and looking forward to hearing from you.
Ebru Akgün
Letter 3
Dear Ebru,
I hope you are doing well. Thank you deeply for your detailed and insightful letter. It’s fascinating to learn about your diverse background and your extensive work in sustainability. Your perspective on sustainability and your passion for addressing food security and inequality shines through your words. The way you presented the differences in food systems and the challenges each country faces was enlightening. I find it intriguing how each nation’s unique socio-economic and political landscape shapes its approach to addressing food security and hunger. It’s evident that each country has its unique set of challenges, shaped by historical, social, economic, and environmental factors. Turkey’s focus on disaster relief, refugee support, and NGO-driven initiatives demonstrates a responsive approach to addressing immediate needs while also recognizing the importance of long-term solutions. Brazil’s Zero Hunger Program, along with its emphasis on family farming and social inclusion, highlights a proactive stance towards handling systemic issues of poverty and inequality while battling with complex challenges like environmental degradation and social inequality. Belgium’s participation in international aid efforts shows its commitment to global unity in combating hunger. It can be seen that each country adapts to diverse strategies and tackles the challenges encountered in addressing hunger, emphasising the need for different approaches and global collaboration to achieve SDG2 of Zero Hunger.
Answering your questions I must say, the scope you arrived at through your experiences in Turkey, Brazil, and Belgium is truly impressive. Your proposed scope of collaboration to eliminate inequalities aligns perfectly with what my thoughts are. Your insights from diverse socio-political contexts enriches my understanding of the complexities surrounding hunger and inequality. Your multidimensional perspective offers a comprehensive view of the challenges we face in achieving Zero Hunger. I find your scope to be incredibly insightful and relevant. By fostering partnerships across sectors and leveraging diverse expertise, we can develop holistic approaches that address the underlying drivers of food insecurity while promoting social justice and environmental sustainability. Solutions ranging from supporting smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices to advocating for policy reforms that prioritise equitable access to nutritious food are crucial steps towards building resilient and inclusive food systems. Your emphasis on the deeply embedded historical and social structures contributing to inequalities resonates deeply with me. It shows the need for holistic solutions that address the root causes of food insecurity, rather than just the symptoms. I totally agree with you that no single entity can tackle these complex issues alone. By bringing together governments, policymakers, civil society organisations, businesses, farmers, researchers, and consumers, we can develop comprehensive strategies to promote sustainable food systems and ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all. By addressing systemic inequalities, we can not only improve food security but also open the way for a more just and resilient society.
Talking about solutions that come into my mind to eliminate insecurities here are a few things. We should be fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing at local, national, and international levels globally to drive transformative change. Platforms for dialogue and exchange, such as conferences, workshops, and online forums, will encourage the sharing of best practices, innovations, and lessons learned, fostering collective learning and innovation. By harnessing the collective wisdom and creativity of diverse stakeholders, we can co-create solutions that address the complex challenges of food insecurity in a holistic and sustainable manner. I believe that a multifaceted approach is essential to find solutions to eliminate inequalities. Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroecology and regenerative farming, can empower small-scale farmers and contribute to both food security and environmental conservation. By investing in education and training programs for farmers, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance productivity while preserving natural resources. Enabling access to markets for smallholder farmers and addressing policy and governance issues are crucial steps towards creating more equitable food systems. By advocating for policy reforms and strengthening food governance frameworks, we can ensure that resources are distributed more fairly and transparently. Also promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment is key to addressing underlying inequalities, as women play a central role in food production and household nutrition. And leveraging technology and innovation can enhance agricultural productivity and supply chain efficiency, but it’s essential to ensure that these advancements benefit everyone and do not make existing differences or inequalities worse.
The broader initiatives aimed at addressing structural inequalities are also crucial. Education and capacity-building programs can empower marginalised communities to advocate for their rights and access opportunities for economic empowerment. Investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and social protection systems can enhance resilience and mitigate the impacts of shocks and crises on vulnerable populations. It is equally important to recognize that many of the challenges surrounding food insecurity stem from deeper systemic inequalities. Solutions addressing poverty, improving education and healthcare access, promoting gender equality, and empowering marginalised communities are essential in creating a more inclusive and resilient society. These broader initiatives contribute to tackling the underlying social, economic, and political factors that perpetuate food insecurity and inequality. Therefore, while specific food-related solutions are essential, it’s imperative to adopt a holistic approach that addresses both immediate food security concerns and the broader societal issues that contribute to inequality. By implementing comprehensive strategies and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, we can work towards achieving Zero Hunger while simultaneously promoting equity, justice, and sustainability across society. Zero Hunger is not just a distant goal, but a shared reality for all.
I hope I was able to answer your questions with detailed insights. I am extremely sorry for the late response. I appreciate your time in reading my letter and eagerly await to hear from you.
Warm regards,
Manisha Priya
Letter 4
Dear Manisha,
I highly appreciate your response to my storyline as well as to my questions. I really liked the way you reflected on the holistic approach to tackling the problems related to food systems. As also suggested in my previous letter as well supported by you, by bringing together governments, policymakers, civil society organisations, businesses, farmers, researchers, and consumers, we can develop holistic approaches that tackle the underlying drivers of food insecurity. This multifaceted collaboration is essential to promoting sustainability and socio-ecological justice in food systems. On top of that, in this round of writing to you, I would like to elaborate on what we can do as individuals being consumers in this matter. As every action matters regardless of what and how it is, I would like to brighten up minds in this way.
As mentioned, on top of stakeholder collaboration, to achieve the goal of Zero Hunger, we as consumers can play a vital role through various actions and initiatives. Firstly, adopting a plant-based diet can significantly lower an individual’s environmental footprint and support more sustainable food production, as plant-based diets generally require fewer resources and generate less greenhouse gas emissions than diets high in animal products. Making informed choices about food and supporting companies with ethical and sustainable practices can push the market towards more sustainable options. Reading labels, understanding certifications, and choosing products that align with sustainability standards can drive demand for better practices. Moreover, one of the most effective ways is minimising our food waste. This can be achieved by planning meals more carefully, buying only what is needed, storing food properly to extend its shelf life, and therefore getting creative with leftovers to ensure nothing goes to waste. Composting organic waste also helps reduce the amount of food ending up in landfills, turning it instead into valuable nutrients for the soil. Supporting local and sustainable means of agriculture is another benefiting action. Through purchasing food from local farmers and markets, we can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation while also supporting the local economy. Choosing organic and sustainably grown produce encourages farmers to adopt environmentally friendly methods, which contribute to long-term food security and ecological balance. Consuming fair trade products ensures that farmers and workers receive fair wages and work under equitable conditions, which helps improve the livelihoods of producers in developing countries and promotes ethical production practices. Promoting and participating in community gardens can increase local food production, provide fresh produce to local residents, and foster a sense of community. In addition, donating non-perishable food items to food banks can provide support to those in need. Volunteering at these organisations is also important, as they rely heavily on community contributions to distribute food to vulnerable populations. Moreover, engaging in advocacy for policies and legislation that aim to reduce hunger and improve food security is another powerful way we can make a difference. Writing to local representatives, signing petitions, and participating in campaigns that promote food justice and sustainability can lead to meaningful policy changes.
Furthermore, supporting NGOs that work towards eliminating hunger through donations, volunteering, or participating in their initiatives can also make a significant impact. Many NGOs focus on providing food assistance, developing sustainable agriculture projects, and advocating for food policy changes. Therefore, raising awareness about food insecurity within the community can inspire others to take action. Hosting workshops, participating in community gardens, and using social media to spread information are effective ways to educate and motivate others. Empowering women and marginalised groups in food production is also crucial, as they often play key roles in food production. Supporting initiatives that provide education, resources, and equal opportunities to these groups can have a profound impact on food security.
By taking these actions, we collectively can contribute to a powerful force for positive change. These efforts help to build a more equitable and sustainable world where everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Together, through both individual and collective efforts, we can make significant strides towards achieving Zero Hunger and creating a more just and resilient society.
Our letter exchange over the past few weeks has opened up new ideas in me. Through our exchange, I ended up with a deeper understanding of the realities of food security, scarcity and hunger; as well as the various approaches different countries take to address this pressing issue. Thank you very much for this and looking forward to meeting you in person soon,
Ebru Akgün