SDG 2 in Pakistan:2024 Hunger Crisisthe Fight to End ItPakistan is facing what kind of ups and downs while achieving the 2nd Sustainable Development Goal. How do 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:
Zero Hunger Programme
Aims to reduce hunger and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups like women and children.
“Koi Bhoka na soay program” From the Previous government. Of IK
Langer Khana Program
Ehsas Program for low-income people, etc.
National Food Security Policy:
Food security in Pakistan focuses on improving agricultural productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing nutrition. Despite strong production of staple crops, significant challenges persist. As of early 2024, about 24% of the population in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa face acute food insecurity, affecting 8.6 million people. Of these, 1.6 million are in emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4), while 7 million are in crisis (IPC Phase 3).
The main drivers of this food insecurity include the aftermath of 2022 floods, 2023 monsoon damage, rising food and fuel prices, political instability, and disruptions in agricultural production. These factors have widened the gap between national food supply and equitable access, especially for vulnerable populations. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts in climate-resilient agriculture, financial inclusion for small farmers, and strengthened social protection programs.
Hunger is not just the absence of food, but the presence of obstacles yet to be overcome.
Sustainable Agriculture Projects
Key Measures to Strengthen Food Security in Pakistan
Sustainable Agriculture
Promote climate-resilient farming, efficient water management, and organic farming practices to enhance productivity and reduce environmental impacts.
Social Safety Nets
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) provides financial assistance to vulnerable households, helping improve food security and household nutrition.
Land Use Agreements
In September 2023, agreements allowed the army to lease over 400,000 hectares in Punjab for 30 years and cultivate 17,000 hectares in South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, contributing to organized agricultural production.
Agriculture Companies
Leading firms such as Engro Fertilizers, Punjab Seed Corporation, National Fertilizer Corporation, and Pak Agro Industries play a pivotal role in enhancing food supply, supporting farmers, and fostering economic growth.
These combined measures with sustainable farming, financial support, strategic land management, and corporate involvement, are central to improving Pakistan’s food security and agricultural resilience.
In the soil of effort, seeds of sustenance find their strength.
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
In August 2024, Pakistan experienced heavy monsoon rains, causing widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Chitral district received 283.5 mm of rain, while the Dir district recorded 461.9 mm, and Drosh in Chitral received 300.4 mm. Other areas with significant rainfall included Saidu Sharif, Kalam, Lower Dir, Ghari Duppatta, Mirkhani, and Peshawar.
The monsoon also severely affected Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Rising river and nullah levels in AJK impacted agriculture and infrastructure, while GB faced increased flash flood risks from rainfall and snowmelt.
In Sukkur, 290 mm of rain fell in a single day, breaking a 77-year-old record. In Sindh, ongoing rains led to 37 deaths. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) experienced flash floods causing extensive damage in DI Khan, Chitral, and Mansehra. Balochistan suffered from flash floods, landslides, and damage to roads, houses, and orchards, highlighting the severe nationwide impact of the monsoon.
When the skies open, the rivers speak in torrents of warning.
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 in Pakistan struggle to access credit, which limits their ability to invest in sustainable farming practices. Key challenges include a lack of awareness about available financing options, preventing farmers and small businesses from exploring potential support. Additionally, many farmers face a lack of collateral, making it difficult to secure loans from formal financial institutions.
Addressing these barriers requires innovative financial solutions, such as digital lending platforms, alternative credit scoring models, and targeted awareness programs. By improving access to finance, small-scale farmers can adopt resource-efficient and climate-resilient practices, ultimately enhancing productivity, income, and long-term sustainability in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
Empowering farmers with financial access is the first step toward cultivating a resilient and sustainable future.
Geographical isolation
Remote areas may have limited physical connectivity and underdeveloped technology, making it difficult to provide financial services.
Unregistered status
Many small farmers and agricultural firms in Pakistan remain unregistered, limiting their access to formal financial services. Additionally, some farmers fear borrowing due to repayment risks, while religious prohibitions on interest in Islam create further barriers to conventional credit.
To address these challenges, Karandaaz Pakistan launched the Digital Financing for Agriculture (DFA) Challenge Round 2023, aimed at promoting innovative financial solutions for farmers. The initiative invites proposals for disruptive technologies, advanced credit scoring models, and pilot financing schemes that can expand access to capital. By leveraging digital tools and alternative lending approaches, the program seeks to increase financial inclusion, empower small-scale farmers, and support sustainable agricultural growth in Pakistan.
Innovation in finance can sow the seeds of opportunity where traditional systems fall short.
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 is essential for enabling vulnerable populations to access adequate food and nutrition. Despite being a top global producer of wheat, rice, sugarcane, and milk, Pakistan continues to face persistent food insecurity. Climate crises, including floods and droughts, coupled with rising food and fuel prices, have worsened the situation. In 2024, approximately 8.6 million people in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are experiencing acute food insecurity, highlighting a gap between national production and equitable nutrition access.
Government efforts such as the Zero Hunger Programme, “Koi Bhooka Na Soaye” initiative, and the Ehsaas Program provide crucial relief. However, structural challenges—including water scarcity, limited financial access for small-scale farmers, and low climate resilience that pose long-term threats. Investments in sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and strengthened social protection are key to bridging this gap.
While production is strong, equitable, climate-resilient food systems are essential to ending hunger in Pakistan.
