{"id":1756,"date":"2026-06-16T21:20:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T21:20:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/global-pen-friends\/?p=1756"},"modified":"2026-06-16T21:21:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T21:21:49","slug":"food-security-and-sustainable-development-a-correspondence-on-sdg-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/global-pen-friends\/food-security-and-sustainable-development-a-correspondence-on-sdg-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Food Security and Sustainable Development: A Correspondence on SDG 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This letter exchange between Kashish from India and St\u00e9phanie from the Democratic Republic of the Congo<\/strong> reflects on the complex reality of hunger. Combining personal experiences and professional insights, they explore visible and hidden hunger, inequality, sustainable agriculture, and resilience, emphasizing dignity, awareness, and community action as key elements in the global fight toward achieving Zero Hunger.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LETTER 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

KASHISH KANISHKA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear St\u00e9phanie ,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you are doing well. It feels really meaningful to be part of this pen friend program, where we can share our thoughts about important global issues and learn from each other\u2019s perspectives. Today, I am writing to you about SDG 2: Zero Hunger, a goal that I believe is deeply connected to the well-being of people everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we think about hunger, we often imagine people not having any food at all. But as I have come to understand, hunger is not only about empty stomachs. it is also about poor nutrition. Many people across the world may eat regularly but still do not get the right kind of nutrients their bodies need. This is sometimes called \u201chidden hunger,\u201d and it affects millions of people, especially children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Globally, hunger is still a major issue despite all the progress humanity has made. According to recent reports, millions of people go to bed hungry every night. This is surprising because the world actually produces enough food to feed everyone. The problem lies more in distribution, access, poverty, and inequality rather than just production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons why hunger continues to exist. Poverty is one of the biggest causes. When people do not have enough income, they simply cannot afford proper food. Climate change is another important factor. In many parts of the world, farmers are facing unpredictable weather too much rain, too little rain, or extreme temperatures which affects crop production. Conflicts and wars also disrupt food supply and make it difficult for people to access basic necessities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though I live in Jharkhand, a state in India, I realize that the issue of hunger is not limited to one place. It is a global challenge that connects countries and communities. Still, I have noticed that in some areas around me, people rely heavily on a limited type of food, mainly rice. While it helps to fill the stomach, it may not provide complete nutrition. This small observation made me understand how hunger can exist even when food is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing that gives me hope is that many efforts are being made at both national and international levels. Organizations like the United Nations and various governments are working towards improving food security, supporting farmers, and ensuring that vulnerable populations get access to food. School meal programs in many countries, for example, help children receive at least one nutritious meal a day, which also encourages them to attend school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another important idea is sustainable agriculture. Instead of just producing more food, the focus is now also on producing food in ways that protect the environment and ensure long-term availability. Farmers are being encouraged to use methods that conserve water, improve soil health, and reduce harm to nature. This is important because if the environment is damaged, food production will suffer in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also feel that awareness plays a very important role in solving hunger. Many people are not fully aware of what a balanced diet looks like. They may not know how important it is to include different types of food such as vegetables, fruits, and proteins. Education can help people make better food choices and improve their health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a personal level, even small actions can contribute to this goal. For example, reducing food waste is something we can all practice. It is often said that a significant amount of food produced globally is wasted. If we become more careful and responsible, we can help reduce this problem. Supporting local farmers and choosing locally grown food can also make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I find most important about SDG 2 is that it is closely linked with other goals. Without proper nutrition, children cannot focus on their studies, and adults cannot work efficiently. Hunger affects health, education, and overall quality of life. In this way, achieving zero hunger can help improve many other aspects of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, I think about how different the situation might be in your country. Is hunger a visible issue there, or is it more hidden? Are there any programs or initiatives that you find particularly effective? I would really like to learn from your experiences and understand how different parts of the world are dealing with this challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ending hunger is not an easy task, but it is not impossible either. It requires cooperation between countries, strong policies, community efforts, and responsible actions from individuals. It is about making sure that no one is left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I write this, I feel hopeful that our generation can bring positive change. By staying aware, sharing knowledge, and taking small steps, we can contribute to a world where everyone has access to enough and nutritious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic and learning more about your perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care and stay safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warm regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kashish kanishka<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LETTER 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEPHANIE BAHIZIRE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear Kashish,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you very much for your letter. I truly enjoyed reading it and discovering your perspective on SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Your observations about \u201chidden hunger\u201d particularly touched me, especially when you described people who eat regularly but do not receive the right nutrients. It made me reflect on our situation here in Bukavu, where this problem is very present and, unfortunately, very visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like you, I have noticed that hunger is not limited to an empty stomach. Many families have something to eat every day, but their meals lack diversity and essential nutrients. Vegetables, fruits, and protein sources are sometimes too expensive or difficult to access. Here, especially in areas where insecurity is constant, it becomes very difficult\u2014almost impossible\u2014for farmers and low-income households to feed themselves properly. In places where armed conflicts occur day after day, people are forced to flee repeatedly. This not only affects their health but also their income, leading to persistent cases of malnutrition in many parts of Bukavu. This deeply affects me and encourages me to think about concrete solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am working on cape gooseberries (Physalis peruviana), a local fruit we grow here that is very rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. My goal is to show how this fruit can help fight malnutrition while also providing smallholder farmers with an additional source of income. It is fascinating to see how such a small fruit can have such a big impact on health, family well-being, and the local economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Bukavu, there are many associations and non-profit organizations that support communities. Some provide balanced meals to disadvantaged children, the sick, and prisoners, while others assist smallholder farmers in improving their crops. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with some of them. I am also a member of a non-profit organization called Children\u2019s Hope, which works especially for the well-being of children. Since 2020, we have been striving to support as many people as possible\u2014particularly children\u2014in terms of nutrition, education, and healthcare. It is sometimes difficult and demanding, but incredibly fulfilling. It is always moving to see the direct impact of these actions: a child receiving their first complete meal of the day, a child being told, \u201cYou will go to school this year,\u201d or a small farmer finally able to sell their harvest and provide for their family. These experiences give me great hope and bring me so much joy, motivating me to continue this mission. Dear Kashish, I also invite you to follow our pages to see the little we do\u2014you will find the links below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also mentioned sustainable agriculture, which made me reflect on our reality here. In Bukavu, smallholder farmers often use very simple methods adapted to their means. With climate change, they must learn to cope with increasingly unpredictable seasons. Sustainable agriculture therefore becomes essential\u2014not as a complex idea, but as a daily necessity: protecting the soil, using water more efficiently, and choosing crops that can withstand local conditions. Even small improvements can significantly change yields and strengthen food security for families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You asked me whether hunger here is visible or hidden\u2014I would say both. In some neighborhoods, it is very visible: children and families do not have regular meals. In others, it is more subtle: people eat, but essential nutrients are missing. This shows that quantity alone is not enough; we must also consider the quality and diversity of food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I strongly believe in education and awareness. Many families do not know which food combinations are most beneficial or how to make the best use of local fruits and vegetables. That is why my work on cape gooseberries is also a way to educate and inform. Even small actions, such as including a nutritious fruit in a daily meal, can significantly improve the health of a child or a family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like you, I believe that everyone can take action at their own level. Reducing food waste, supporting local producers, and sharing knowledge about nutrition are simple actions, but they have a real impact when practiced widely. Local initiatives, combined with community engagement, create a positive cycle that nourishes families and supports farmers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What motivates me most is seeing how even small actions can change lives. Cape gooseberries and local community projects show that it is possible to offer realistic and sustainable solutions to improve nutrition and strengthen household incomes. Despite the many challenges, I remain optimistic and convinced that we can contribute to meaningful change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would love to know how hunger manifests in your area. Is it more visible or hidden? Are there any initiatives or community programs that you find particularly effective in improving nutrition? And what about you\u2014are you part of an association or organization working toward this goal? I would really like to learn from your experience and see what works in your context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you again for your letter and for this wonderful opportunity to reflect and exchange ideas. I look forward to reading from you again and continuing our discussion on such an important topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St\u00e9phanie Bahizire<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April 17, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P.S.: Here are the links<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/childrenshope2022<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/children\u2019s-hope-drc-43939539a<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

P.P.S.: I talk a lot about agronomy and nutrition \ud83d\ude05\u2014please understand, I am an agricultural engineer, I just can\u2019t help it! \ud83d\ude05<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LETTER <\/strong>3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KASHISH KANISHKA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear St\u00e9phanie,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you are doing well. Since I already wrote one letter on SDG 2 earlier, I wanted this time to write in a more personal way,not just about facts and statistics, but about the thoughts and feelings this topic creates in me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more I think about \u201cZero Hunger,\u201d the more I realize that hunger is not only a global issue discussed in conferences or reports. It is something deeply human. It exists quietly around us, sometimes in ways we fail to notice because we become too used to seeing inequality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few days ago, while returning home, I saw a small child standing near a roadside food stall. He was watching people eat with so much attention, almost as if he could taste the food just by looking at it. What struck me was not just his hunger, but the patience in his eyes,as if he had already accepted that food was a privilege and not a right. I kept thinking about him long after I came home. It made me question how, in a world of so much development and abundance, basic needs are still out of reach for so many people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living in Jharkhand has made me observe these realities closely. Here, many families depend on farming, mining work, or daily wages for survival. Life becomes especially difficult during times when crops fail or work opportunities decrease. In some villages, people still struggle to access nutritious food regularly. Rice often becomes the main meal because it is affordable and available through ration systems, but nutrition requires much more than just filling the stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, I have also witnessed incredible resilience among people. One thing I deeply admire about rural and tribal communities in Jharkhand is their connection with nature and traditional food practices. Some communities are slowly bringing back foods like millets, pulses, and forest produce that are healthier and more sustainable. Women\u2019s self-help groups are also playing an important role by growing vegetables, supporting local farming, and helping families earn stable incomes. These efforts may not make global headlines, but they create real change in everyday lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What affects me the most is the contrast that exists in society. On one side, people throw away untouched food after parties and celebrations. On the other side, someone sleeps hungry without knowing what they will eat the next morning. Sometimes I feel hunger is not only caused by lack of resources, but also by lack of sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Globally, millions of people still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Wars, climate change, poverty, and economic inequality continue to worsen the situation. Farmers across the world are struggling because weather patterns are becoming unpredictable. Floods, droughts, and extreme heat affect crops and reduce food security. In Jharkhand too, agriculture depends heavily on monsoon rains. When rainfall becomes irregular, entire communities feel the impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also think social media has changed the way we see these issues. We are constantly exposed to images of luxury, expensive meals, and overconsumption, while somewhere else people are struggling for basic food. This contrast sometimes feels disturbing. It reminds me that development is uneven, and progress has little meaning if it does not include everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, despite all these problems, I still feel hopeful. I believe people are becoming more aware, especially young people. Around the world, students and volunteers are organizing food drives, community kitchens, and awareness campaigns. Many individuals are now speaking about sustainable farming, reducing food waste, and helping vulnerable communities. These may seem like small actions, but collective small actions often create big change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personally, this topic has changed the way I look at food. Earlier, I never thought much about wasting leftovers or skipping meals casually. But now I feel more grateful for the food I have. I also try to be more mindful because I realize that what is ordinary for some people is a luxury for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me, SDG 2 is not just about ending hunger. It is about restoring dignity. No person should feel invisible because they are poor. No child should have to study on an empty stomach. Food is one of the most basic human needs, and yet it remains one of the greatest inequalities in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes I wonder what kind of future awaits us if hunger continues to exist alongside excess. Will humanity truly be called advanced if millions still suffer silently every day? I think real progress is not measured only by technology or economic growth, but by how we treat the most vulnerable people in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would really like to know your thoughts about this issue. Is hunger discussed openly in your country? Have you ever witnessed something that changed your perspective about food or inequality? I think conversations like these matter because they help us understand each other\u2019s realities beyond borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though we may not be able to solve global hunger individually, we can still choose kindness, awareness, and responsibility in our daily lives. And maybe real change begins exactly there,with ordinary people deciding not to ignore the suffering of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you for reading my thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warm regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kashish Kanishka<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LETTER <\/strong>4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEPHANIE BAHIZIRE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear Kashish,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you are doing well. I read your letter very carefully, and I must admit that it deeply touched me. You did not simply speak about hunger as a global or academic issue; you gave it a human face again. While reading your words, I felt that behind every statistic there is a story, a gaze, a silent expectation, just like the child you described. Some images remain engraved in our minds, and that one is among them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are right: hunger is not limited to the absence of food. It is also connected to dignity, equality, and the feeling of existing in the eyes of society. What often moves me the most is not only that someone lacks bread, but that they are sometimes forced to endure this suffering in general indifference. Hunger then becomes twofold: hunger of the body, but also hunger for human consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my country as well, this reality exists, sometimes visibly, sometimes hidden behind daily habits. Many families survive through agriculture, small businesses, or unstable incomes. When prices rise, when harvests fail, or when insecurity disrupts activities, food immediately becomes a source of anxiety. For some people, eating three times a day is not a routine, but an uncertain privilege.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I come from a region where the land is fertile and generous, yet social difficulties often prevent this natural wealth from fully benefiting the population. This creates a painful paradox: living on land capable of feeding people, while still seeing families struggle with hunger and malnutrition. We then understand that the problem is not only food production, but also access, stability, organization, and social justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like you, I have often been marked by simple scenes. Seeing a mother divide a portion that is too small among several children. Seeing someone buy only enough to survive for the day, without being able to think about tomorrow. Seeing children go to school on an empty stomach, seeing them beg by the roadside, or collect leftovers from garbage bins. These are quiet realities, but they sometimes say more than long speeches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet, despite all this, I also see immense strength in people. I see women cultivating small gardens to feed their families. I see neighbors sharing what they have, even when they possess very little. I see farmers continuing to sow despite past losses, because giving up would be even worse. This ability to hope in difficult conditions deserves as much attention as the problems themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You spoke about the contrast between waste and deprivation, and that is also something that deeply touches me. In today\u2019s world, abundance and scarcity coexist almost side by side. Some people throw away without thinking what others would search for during hours. This shows that hunger is not always caused by a total lack of resources, but also by poor distribution and sometimes by our lack of collective awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also believe that climate change strongly worsens this situation. When seasons become unpredictable, it is often the poorest who pay the highest price. Late rains, prolonged droughts, or crop diseases can be enough to destabilize an entire family. Behind every climate disturbance, there are often skipped meals, weakened children, and abandoned dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an agronomy student, these questions affect me in a very particular way. The more I progress in my studies, the more I understand that agriculture is not only an economic activity: it is connected to life, health, and human dignity. Producing better, preserving food better, promoting local harvests, and supporting small farmers can transform entire communities. Feeding a population is not only about filling plates; it is about building the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your letter also reminded me of the importance of gratitude. We sometimes eat without thinking about the work, the rain, the soil, the hands, and the efforts that made this meal possible. We forget that what seems ordinary to us represents an uncertain hope for others. Reflecting on this changes the way we see the simplest things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I share your hope regarding young people. Many young people are beginning to ask the right questions: how to produce sustainably, how to avoid waste, how to help locally, and how to make food systems fairer. Solutions may not come from one single grand action, but from thousands of responsible decisions made every day in homes, schools, farms, and institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me too, SDG 2 goes far beyond the simple idea of food. It speaks about justice, respect, and solidarity. No child should learn with hunger as a companion. No parent should go to sleep with the pain of not being able to feed their family. No human being should feel that survival is a daily struggle forgotten by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You asked me whether I had ever experienced something that changed my perception of the world. Yes. Some realities, even those that seem simple at first glance, leave deep marks within us. Every time I see someone sharing the little they have with someone even more deprived, or when I meet the eyes of children forced to beg despite their young age, I am reminded that true wealth is not measured by what we possess, but by our ability to remain human and sensitive to the suffering of others. These scenes, sometimes silent and ordinary, strengthen in me the idea that humanity continues to exist through small acts of compassion and solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you sincerely for your letter. It was profound, sensitive, and necessary. In a world filled with noise, distractions, and superficial conversations, it has become rare to read words that truly make us reflect and feel. I appreciated the sincerity with which you shared your thoughts, because they go far beyond a simple exchange about SDG 2: they speak about compassion, human dignity, and collective responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though this is our last letter within the framework of this program, I am happy to have been able to exchange with someone as thoughtful and humane as you. Through our letters, I discovered another reality, another way of seeing the world, but also values that we share despite the distance and cultural differences. I believe this kind of connection is precious because it reminds us that empathy can bring together people living thousands of kilometers apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care of yourself and continue to keep this human perspective on the world. It is a rare and precious quality. I sincerely hope that the future brings you beautiful opportunities and that you will continue to inspire others through your sensitivity and reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warm regards,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St\u00e9phanie BAHIZIRE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This letter exchange between Kashish from India and St\u00e9phanie from the Democratic Republic of the Congo reflects … <\/p>\n

“Food Security and Sustainable Development: A Correspondence on SDG 2”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":1732,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,66],"tags":[340],"coauthors":[341,342],"class_list":["post-1756","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dr-congo","category-india","tag-zerohunger"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFood Security and Sustainable Development: A Correspondence on SDG 2 - USOS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" 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