Food Security

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations recently released its 2021 “State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World” report. One of the most important global assessments of food insecurity and malnutrition, the report outlines regional findings, key statistics, and overall trends in food security. In this Q&A, TechnoServe’s Chief Transformation Officer, Kindra Halvorson, addresses the report’s key findings and how they relate to TechnoServe’s work to address global food insecurity.

Across West Africa, food security is being challenged by armed struggles and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which will create long-lasting challenges. Amaka Ikeaka, regional program manager for West Africa, writes about how dairy production and other long-term solutions can help address these challenges, particularly in Nigeria.

After growing up watching his family grow coffee on their land in the Sidama region of Ethiopia, Amanuel Belay followed suit. But years of repetitive farming practices dulled his success. An environmentally sustainable TechnoServe program changed all that – and encouraged Amanuel to start helping other farmers.

Food insecurity disproportionately affects women and other vulnerable populations – and the situation is worsening with COVID-19. See how two determined women in low-income countries found creative ways to improve their incomes and their families’ access to nutritious food.

Around the world, more than 2 billion people – nearly one out of four – suffer from “hidden hunger.” Caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals, the condition disrupts healthy development and  can lead to serious health conditions, including blindness, disability, and birth defects. Countries have long been fighting these diseases through food fortification. Read about past efforts and new solutions.

In Guatemala, shifting weather patterns and increased natural disasters are creating additional challenges for smallholder produce farmers like Manuel Guarcas Batzibal. TechnoServe is working with these farmers to boost their climate resilience while also addressing challenges related to high production costs, price volatility, and informal market connections.

With world hunger reaching its highest peak since 2006, solutions addressing each link in the food system are essential. Drawing from TechnoServe's work across value chains with a range of public and private partners, we are highlighting the latest challenges, insights, and promising approaches in the current effort to prevent widespread food insecurity and build greater long-term resilience.

How much do you know about food security? Test your knowledge by taking our quiz, and learn about some common myths and misconceptions. How did you do? Share your results on social media, and challenge your friends and family to take it, too.

Food security is a rapidly growing concern around the world.  According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global hunger rose by nearly 120 million people in 2020, bringing the total to just under 800 million. That number represents the highest peak since 2006.

Earlier this year, violent insurgents attacked the city of Palma in northern Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique. They killed dozens of people, forced thousands to flee, and sparked a humanitarian crisis that continues to this day. There is a perceived link between poverty — particularly among youth — and insecurity. TechnoServe is addressing this challenge by promoting economic opportunities for youth in the region.