Understanding the Core Aim of SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger
The aim of SDG Goal 2, often referred to as 'Zero Hunger', is to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. It recognizes that multiple factors contribute to hunger, including poverty, inequality, environmental issues, and climate change. SDG Goal 2 is supported by several targets focusing on various aspects of food security and sustainable agriculture. These include ending hunger and ensuring access to food (Target 2.1), ending all forms of malnutrition (Target 2.2), and doubling small-scale producer incomes (Target 2.3). Further targets focus on sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4), maintaining genetic diversity (Target 2.5), and increasing investment and preventing trade distortions (Targets 2.a, 2.b, and 2.c). Sustainable agriculture is a key component, promoting farming practices that enhance food production while protecting the environment and building resilience to climate change. Implementing climate-resilient crops is part of this.
SDG 2: From MDG to a More Comprehensive Approach
SDG 2 builds upon the hunger reduction targets of the preceding Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but offers a more comprehensive approach. While MDG 1 aimed to halve the proportion of hungry people, SDG 2 seeks to end hunger entirely. SDG 2 also has a broader focus, encompassing all forms of malnutrition and applying to all countries.
Comparison Table: MDG 1 vs. SDG 2
| Feature | Millennium Development Goal 1 (Partial) | Sustainable Development Goal 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Scope | Focused on halving the proportion of undernourished people and those in extreme poverty. | Comprehensive goal to achieve Zero Hunger, food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. |
| Malnutrition Focus | Concentrated primarily on basic hunger and reducing underweight children. | Addresses all forms of malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, overweight, and micronutrient deficiencies. |
| Applicability | Primarily targeted developing countries. | Applies to all countries, both developed and developing, recognizing universal challenges. |
| Underlying Causes | Did not explicitly address the systemic drivers like environmental degradation. | Incorporates sustainable food systems and climate resilience, recognizing interconnected issues. |
| Smallholders' Role | Less emphasis on supporting small-scale producers. | Explicitly targets doubling the productivity and income of small-scale food producers. |
Conclusion
The fundamental aim of SDG Goal 2 is to achieve a world free from hunger where everyone has access to nutritious food produced sustainably. The goal's targets acknowledge the complexity of hunger and its links to other global challenges. Accelerating efforts to build sustainable and equitable food systems is critical to achieving Zero Hunger by 2030, especially given recent setbacks.
Action for a Sustainable Future
Contributing to SDG Goal 2 can happen at various levels. Individual actions like supporting local producers and reducing food waste are important. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and other stakeholders is also essential.
- {Link: United Nations https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/hunger/}
