WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2013 – The Global Hunger Index (GHI), an
annual metric released by a trio of development organizations, indicates that
world hunger is decreasing but “serious.”
“Nineteen countries still have levels of hunger that are
‘extremely alarming’ or ‘alarming,’” a press release from the International
Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Welthungerhilfe, and Concern Worldwide
stated.
The GHI combines three equally weighted indicators –
undernourishment, child underweight and child mortality – to calculate indices
for 120 countries.
This year, South Asia remained the world region with the
highest index, at 20.7. That’s a dramatic decline, however, from the area’s
1990 number – 31.5.
The report also highlights the situation in Africa’s Sahel,
which “remains fragile” due to recurrent ecological crises – infrequent
rainfall, crop shortages, etc. – and government instability.
In response to this year’s numbers, the groups involved call
upon the world to re-commit to the concept of “resilience.” A resilient global
food system would quickly bounce back from temporary shocks due to natural
disasters like drought.
Monday’s report release comes two days before the opening of
the World Food Prize in Des Moines, Iowa. The prize honors those who have made significant
contributions to global food security.
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