The Global Hunger Index (GHI) report brings a ray of hope for Nepal, as the nation climbs from the 81st to the 69th position within a year, marking a significant improvement. This commendable achievement underscores the efforts made in addressing hunger and malnutrition. However, it is crucial to recognize that the journey is far from over, and the momentum gained should be the impetus for even more robust actions. Nepal's rise in the GHI to the 69th position, with a moderate score of 15.0, is indeed a cause for optimism. The report, jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, sheds light on four key indicators—child stunting, child wasting, undernourishment, and child mortality. These indicators form the backbone of the GHI, providing a comprehensive view of a nation's hunger situation.
Despite this progress, Nepal is not immune to the challenges that persist globally, including the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical unrest. The report rightly emphasizes the vulnerability of regions with large youth populations, pointing to the need for a concerted effort to address the unique challenges faced by the younger generation. It is vital to remember that the positive findings should not be cause for celebration alone. The global landscape is rife with challenges, and Nepal's vulnerability to climate change and dependence on agriculture necessitate a strategic and forward-looking approach. Additionally, the migration of youths poses a significant threat to agriculture and food production. The shortage of labor in the agriculture sector resulting from the increasing trend of young people seeking opportunities abroad demands attention. This challenge not only impacts production but also exacerbates food security concerns, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized communities.
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Despite the positive progress made in terms of the Global Hunger Index, Nepal faces challenges in specific geographic regions and communities, such as Madesh and Karnali. The 20 percent rise in food prices post the COVID-19 pandemic poses a direct threat to those with lower incomes, underlining the importance of addressing economic disparities alongside hunger. In this regard, accurate and reliable data is fundamental to crafting effective policies and interventions. Discrepancies between government data and on-the-ground findings must be addressed promptly to ensure that the nation's efforts are based on a solid foundation of information. Encouraging the youth to view agriculture as a timeless and profitable business is essential for the sustained growth of the sector. The emphasis on integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies and making agriculture less laborious and more profitable aligns with the need for innovative solutions.
As Nepal stands at the threshold of a brighter future in terms of hunger alleviation, it is imperative to capitalize on the momentum gained. Nepal is on the right path to beat hunger, and we can't stop now. The suggestions from the GHI report are like a roadmap. We should help farmers, use old and new ideas, and make farming more profitable. Nepal can do it—we've shown we can change for the better. Let's keep going and make sure no one is left hungry in our country.
