“Pakistan’s Food Insecurity Crisis 2024: Addressing SDG 2, Challenges, and Sustainable Solutions for Hunger and Nutrition”
Pakistan facing what kind of ups and downs while achieving the 2nd sustainable Development Goal.How we meet the Goal?
Statistics:
1. 8.6 million people (24 percent of the analysed population) in parts of Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan are facing high levels of acute food insecurity between March to June 2024 with 1.6 million people in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 7 million people in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). Of the 47 rural districts analysed, 20 have between 30 and 45 percent of their populations in IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse).IPC(Integrated Food Security Phase Classification)
2. 8.6 million people (24 percent of the analysed population) in parts of Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan are facing high levels of acute food insecurity between March to June 2024 with 1.6 million people in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 7 million people in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). Of the 47 rural districts analysed, 20 have between 30 and 45 percent of their populations in IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse).
3. In the 2023 Global Hunger Index, Pakistan ranks 102 nd out of the 125 countries with sufficient data to calculate 2023 GHI scores.
Initiatives:
1. Zero Hunger Programme: Aims to reduce hunger and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups like women and children.
2. “Koi Bhoka na soay program” From Previous Govt. Of IK
3. Langer khana program
4. Ehsas Program for low income people etc.
National Food Security Policy:
Focuses on improving agricultural productivity, reducing food losses, and enhancing nutrition.
The most recent analysis on food security in Pakistan indicates significant challenges despite the country’s strong production of staple crops. As of early 2024, approximately 24% of the population in certain regions—particularly in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—are facing acute food insecurity. This affects 8.6 million people, with 1.6 million in an emergency situation (IPC Phase 4) and another 7 million in a crisis (IPC Phase 3). The main drivers include the aftermath of the 2022 floods, 2023 monsoons, high food and fuel prices, political instability, and agricultural disruptions
Sustainable Agriculture Projects:
1.Promote climate-resilient farming practices, efficient water use, and organic farming.
2.Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP): Provides financial assistance to vulnerable households to improve food security.
3.In September 2023, a deal was reached to lease over 400,000 hectares of land in Pakistan Punjab to the army for 30 years. Additionally, another agreement was signed to allow the army to cultivate over 17,000 hectares of land in South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
4.Some of the leading agriculture companies in Pakistan include Engro Fertilizers, Punjab Seed Corporation, National Fertilizer Corporation, and Pak Agro Industries. These companies play a crucial role in ensuring food security and promoting economic growth in Pakistan.
Challenges:
Climate change:
Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of natural disasters affect agricultural productivity.
The 2024 monsoon season in Pakistan has brought above-average rainfall, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. Some of the highlights include:
April 2024 rainfall totals: The Chitral district received 283.5 mm of rain, the Dir district received 461.9 mm, and the Drosh area of Chitral district received 300.4 mm. Other areas with significant rainfall included Saidu Sharif, Kalam, Lower Dir, Ghari Duppatta, Mirkhani, and Peshawar.
August 2024 rainfall totals: The monsoon season has significantly impacted Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). In AJK, heavy rains have caused river and nullah levels to rise, affecting infrastructure and agriculture. In GB, rainfall and snowmelt have increased the risk of flash floods.
Sukkur rainfall totals: Sukkur recorded 290 mm of rain in one day, breaking a 77-year-old record.
Sindh rainfall totals: 37 people died in Sindh due to ongoing monsoon rains.
KPK rainfall totals: Flash floods caused extensive damage in DI Khan, Chitral, and Mansehra.
Baluchistan rainfall totals: Heavy rains caused flash floods, landslides, and damage to roads, houses, and orchards.
Water scarcity:
Insufficient water resources impact agricultural production and food security.
Pakistan’s per capita annual water availability has reduced from 1500 cubic meters in 2009 to 1017 cubic meters in 2021. It is estimated that by 2025 it will fall to 274 million acre-feet (MAF) while the resources remain the same at 191 MAF, a demand-supply gap of approximately 83 MAF.
Limited access to finance:
Small-scale farmers face difficulties in accessing credit, hindering investment in sustainable practices.
Farmers in Pakistan face a number of challenges to accessing finance, including:
Lack of awareness: Farmers and small businesses in the agricultural sector may not be aware of their financing options.
Lack of collateral: Farmers may not have the collateral required to obtain a loan.
Geographical isolation: Remote areas may have limited physical connectivity and underdeveloped technology, making it difficult to provide financial services.
Unregistered status: Many small firms and farmers in the agricultural sector are unregistered.
Fear of borrowing: Some farmers may be afraid to borrow from a bank.
Religious hindrence: As in Islam Interest is forbidden.
The Karandaaz Pakistan organization has launched the Digital Financing for Agriculture (DFA) Challenge Round 2023 to support innovative solutions for financing farmers. The challenge seeks proposals for disruptive technology, credit scoring models, and financing model pilots.
Opportunities:
Agricultural research:
Investing in research and development can improve crop yields, disease resistance, and water efficiency.
Private sector engagement:
Collaborating with businesses can enhance agricultural productivity, food processing, and distribution.
Social protection programs:
Scaling up initiatives like BISP can help vulnerable populations access food and nutrition.
Despite Pakistan’s notable achievements in agricultural production, such as being ranked among the top producers of wheat, rice, sugarcane, and milk globally, the country faces persistent food insecurity. The ongoing climate crises, including devastating floods and droughts, coupled with high food and fuel prices, have contributed to this challenge. In 2024, 8.6 million people in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are enduring acute food insecurity, highlighting the gap between national food production and equitable access to nutrition
The government’s efforts, including programs like the Zero Hunger Programme, “Koi Bhooka Na Soaye” initiative, and social safety nets like the Ehsaas Program, have been pivotal in providing relief. However, structural challenges—such as water scarcity, inadequate financial access for small-scale farmers, and limited climate resilience—pose long-term threats to the country’s food security. Investments in sustainable agricultural practices, financial inclusion, and social protection schemes are vital to bridging the gap.
In conclusion, while Pakistan has made strides in food production, addressing the systemic challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and socio-economic inequalities is crucial to achieving sustainable food security and reducing hunger. The path forward requires collective action, innovation in agricultural practices, and stronger safety nets for vulnerable populations.