At the end of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), global leaders endorsed the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) in July 2015 during the Third International Conference on Financing for Development held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This agenda serves as a vital framework for the execution of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from 2015 to 2030.
The SDGs encompass 17 global objectives that must be fulfilled by 2030 to address various global challenges and foster sustainable development. Specifically, SDG Goal 2, titled “Zero Hunger,” aims to eliminate hunger, ensure food security and nutrition, and promote sustainable agricultural practices by 2030. The realization of Zero Hunger is essential not only for enhancing human health and well-being but also for achieving broader objectives such as poverty alleviation, economic advancement, and environmental sustainability.
In a similar vein, the World Without Hunger Conference is an annual gathering that champions the cause of food security. This year’s conference took place in Addis Ababa and concentrated on addressing the issues of food security and global hunger. The event aims to unite stakeholders from various sectors, including government entities, non-governmental organizations, international bodies, and others, to explore strategies for eradicating hunger and ensuring food security for all. Key discussions include making agricultural practices resilient to climate change and environmentally sustainable, as well as enhancing productivity.
Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate hunger and secure food availability through initiatives like the World Without Hunger Conference and SDG Goal 2, it is imperative to evaluate additional measures necessary to achieve the SDG vision and eliminate hunger worldwide, particularly in the IGAD region. What insights or effective practices can countries adopt from one another to combat hunger in their respective areas? To realize the SDGs and uphold food security, collaboration among nations, governments, NGOs, international organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders is essential. Such cooperation enables the pooling of resources and expertise.
Coordinating initiatives and developmental projects is essential for maximizing funding from various sources, enabling the execution of larger-scale projects that individual nations might find challenging to undertake. Additionally, fostering collaborative efforts is vital for the creation of integrated policies that consider the multifaceted aspects of food systems, ensuring that activities are synergistic rather than fragmented.
A significant aspect of achieving regional food security involves the sharing and effective utilization of human and natural resources among nations. The region is rich in water resources, arable land, and labor. Consequently, the collaborative use of these natural resources can significantly contribute to alleviating hunger and enhancing food security.
Beyond resource sharing, countries can also develop joint infrastructure projects, such as dams or irrigation systems, to improve water accessibility for agriculture, especially in areas prone to drought. Addressing the impacts of climate change through collective action is another vital measure for countries in the IGAD region. Food scarcity is a prevalent issue, exacerbated by frequent droughts. To mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, it is imperative to unite and collaborate.
Reducing environmental risks is essential to prevent long-term damage and to adapt to climate change. Tackling climate change is crucial for addressing the underlying causes of drought and fostering sustainable development that benefits individuals, the environment, and economic prosperity.
Moreover, countries must collaborate to conserve biodiversity, as establishing cross-border conservation initiatives is critical for preserving shared habitats and biodiversity, which are essential for agricultural productivity. Joint efforts can facilitate the sustainable harvesting of wild resources while promoting agro-biodiversity. Sharing best practices and valuable lessons are an important part of reaching zero hunger goals. Ethiopia, for example, can share its initiatives and successes.
The nation has showcased its dedication to addressing hunger and ensuring food security through the Green Legacy Initiative. Its national economic reforms are aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, cultivating drought-resistant crops, and annually planting trees. Since 2019, the country has successfully planted over 40 billion trees.
Additionally, the government launched the “Ye YelematTirufat” development campaign, which advocates for nutritional abundance. This initiative commenced with the production of milk, eggs, chicken, and honey, later expanding to include a wider range of products based on initial outcomes.
Moreover, the “Made in Ethiopia” strategy integrates agro-industrial park services as centers for job creation, income generation for farmers, and academic advancement, thereby bolstering Ethiopia’s presence in the global agricultural market. Hunger remains a pervasive issue.
Achieving Zero Hunger is vital not only for individual health and well-being but also for broader goals related to poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Consequently, various sectors, including agriculture, health, education, and social protection, must collaborate effectively to realize this objective.
Furthermore, a coordinated and persistent global response is essential. Collective initiatives, such as the establishment of global funds for food security, reliable financial resources, climate-resilient infrastructure, advanced agricultural technologies, and robust food systems capable of withstanding disasters, are critical. This funding will be particularly important for regions most vulnerable to food insecurity.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 10 NOVEMBER 2024
