Pakistan, the fifth most populous country in the world, is ranked 99th out of 129 countries in the latest Global Hunger Index (GHI). The ranking raises questions about accessibility, affordability, and socioeconomic challenges.
The Global Hunger Crisis and Pakistan’s Vulnerability
Global Hunger Index’s fourth edition, published by German non-profit Welthungerhilfe and Irish counterpart Concern Worldwide, sheds light on the global food crisis. According to the report, a combination of conflicts, climate change, and COVID-19 has resulted in millions of people facing food shortages. Pakistan, among 46 other countries, is likely to fail to achieve “low hunger” status by 2030.
Pakistan’s Deteriorating GHI Scores
According to the GHI report for 2022, Pakistan’s status has deteriorated from 29.6 in the 2014 edition to 26.1. Even earlier reports from 2007 and 2000 showed concerning scores of 32.1 and 36.8.
South Asia: The Region Struggling with High Child Stunting Rates
Globally, South Asia has the highest levels of malnutrition, stunting, and wasting among children, according to the report. Among five countries, Pakistan is experiencing an increase in stunting rates in children that requires immediate attention and remedial measures.
The United Nations’ Concern and Pakistan’s Food Insecurity
The United Nations has also expressed concern about Pakistan’s food security. World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization prepared a report that identified Pakistan as a “very high concern” area, with over eight million people expected to experience acute food insecurity.
Pakistan’s Economic and Political Crisis
Over the past 18 months, Pakistan has experienced a number of challenges, including political turmoil and a severe financial crisis. Floods caused extensive damage to the economy, resulting in total losses exceeding $30 billion, including over $100 million in damage to the agricultural sector. Further, the country’s foreign reserves have been depleted due to a balance-of-payment crisis, and it is expected to owe more than $77 billion to its creditors over the next three years.
Also, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased energy tariffs in response to demand from inflation reaching a record high of 38 percent earlier this year. Pakistani rupee devaluation of more than 50 percent against the US dollar has worsened the situation.
Critical Concerns: Accessibility and affordability
In order to resolve the food crisis in Pakistan, accessibility and affordability must be taken into account. In addition to affordability, reduced purchasing power has made it difficult for the populace to afford basic necessities. Boosting productivity and enhancing affordability are the only ways to alleviate this problem.
Increasing domestic wheat production
The domestic wheat production in Pakistan has not met the required levels, so imports have been necessary to fill the gap. There is a lack of research facilities and skills for developing seeds with higher productivity, which impedes progress towards self-sufficiency in wheat production. Given exchange rate dynamics, exporting wheat to neighboring countries, such as Afghanistan, has become a means of improving profit margins.
Conclusion
To tackle Pakistan’s standing on the Global Hunger Index, a comprehensive strategy is required. This involves addressing issues of accessibility and affordability, while also focusing on food security initiatives and investing in agricultural innovation and science. Collaboration between the government, non-profit organizations, and the global community is vital in order to improve Pakistan’s current ranking and create a future free from hunger.
