Conclusion: Way forward

Hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition are major challenges for Asia and the Pacific region in the twenty-first century. To achieve Zero Hunger, which stands at the core of the SDGs, food systems urgently need to be improved and dietary patterns have to change. There is a disconnect in the value chain between production, consumption and nutrition: current agricultural production patterns are not sustainable, are unlikely to achieve necessary growth rates and do not offer the right mix of nutrients needed for a healthy diet. Consumers are often unaware of their potential food choices and stick to dietary patterns that do not suit an urbanized lifestyle. Poor people’s diets are still overly-dependent on a few staple crops that lack important nutrients and minerals; at the same time, the newly affluent strata of society are increasingly likely to suffer from obesity and related health issues.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Zero Hunger