What are the specific targets that indicate that the SDG 2 is achieved?
To measure the progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), specific indicators
are used for each target. Here are the key indicators for each target under SDG 2:
1. Universal Access to Safe and Nutritious Food:
o Prevalence of undernourishment.
o Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population, based on the Food
Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES).
2. End All Forms of Malnutrition:
o Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviation from the median of the
World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5
years of age.
o Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height >+2 or <-2 standard deviation from the
median of the WHO Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age, by
type (wasting and overweight).
o Prevalence of anemia in women aged 15 to 49 years, by pregnancy status (percentage).
3. Double Agricultural Productivity and Incomes:
o Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
o Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.
4. Sustainable Food Production and Resilient Agricultural Practices:
o Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
5. Maintain Genetic Diversity:
o Number of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in either
medium- or long-term conservation facilities.
o Proportion of local breeds classified as being at risk, not at risk, or at unknown level of
risk of extinction.
These indicators help track the progress and effectiveness of efforts to achieve SDG 2.
Global Issues
Cite two (2) issues related to SDG 2 outside the Philippines/ other countries. Cite related issue in the
Philippines.
Global Issues Related to SDG 2
1. Conflict and Food Insecurity in Yemen: Yemen has been experiencing severe food insecurity
due to ongoing conflict. The war has disrupted agricultural production, supply chains, and access
to markets, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition. As of 2023, nearly 17 million people
in Yemen were food insecure, with 2.2 million children suffering from acute malnutrition.
2. Climate Change and Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa: Climate change has significantly
impacted agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Erratic weather patterns, prolonged
droughts, and floods have reduced crop yields and increased food insecurity. This region is highly
dependent on rain-fed agriculture, making it particularly vulnerable to climate variability.
Related Issue in the Philippines
Malnutrition and Food Insecurity: In the Philippines, malnutrition remains a critical issue, particularly
among children. According to the 2021 National Nutrition Survey, 28.8% of children under five years old
were stunted, and 5.8% were wasted. Food insecurity is exacerbated by poverty, natural disasters, and
limited access to nutritious food, especially in rural and remote areas.
Initiatives
What initiatives does the UN provide to address the problem or achieve the SDG 2?
The United Nations has implemented several initiatives to address hunger, achieve food security, improve
nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture under SDG 2.
Here are some key initiatives:
1. Zero Hunger Challenge: Launched by the UN Secretary-General, this initiative aims to
eliminate hunger in our lifetime. It promotes sustainable food systems, encourages investments in
rural development, and supports smallholder farmers. The challenge focuses on five elements:
zero stunted children under two years, 100% access to adequate food all year round, sustainable
food systems, 100% increase in smallholder productivity and income, and zero loss or waste of
food.
2. Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement: The SUN Movement is a global initiative that unites
governments, civil society, the private sector, and the UN to improve nutrition. It focuses on
implementing effective nutrition interventions, promoting breastfeeding, and improving maternal
and child nutrition. The movement supports countries in developing and implementing national
nutrition plans.
3. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Programs: The FAO runs various programs to
support sustainable agriculture and food security. These include the Integrated Food Security
Phase Classification (IPC) for better food security analysis, the Global Soil Partnership to
improve soil health, and the FAO’s work on climate-smart agriculture to help farmers adapt to
climate change.
4. World Food Program (WFP) Initiatives: The WFP provides emergency food assistance and
works on long-term solutions to hunger. Programs include school feeding initiatives, nutrition
support for pregnant and lactating women, and resilience-building activities to help communities
withstand shocks and stresses.
5. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Projects: IFAD focuses on rural
development and poverty reduction. It funds projects that improve agricultural productivity,
enhance market access for smallholder farmers, and promote sustainable land management
practices.
These initiatives are part of a coordinated global effort to address the complex issues of hunger and
malnutrition. Given your background in maternal and child health, initiatives like the SUN Movement
and WFP’s nutrition support programs might be particularly relevant to your work.
What does the country do to help alleviate the problem?
The Philippines has implemented several initiatives and programs to address hunger, improve food
security, and promote sustainable agriculture, aligning with SDG 2. Here are some key efforts:
1. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): This conditional cash transfer program provides
financial assistance to low-income families to improve health, nutrition, and education. It
includes provisions for pregnant women and young children, aiming to reduce malnutrition and
improve food security.
2. Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP): This program aims to mitigate
hunger, ensure food security, and reduce poverty through partnerships among government
agencies, local government units, and the private sector. It focuses on increasing agricultural
productivity, improving market access for farmers, and providing nutrition support.
3. National Nutrition Council (NNC) Programs: The NNC implements various programs to
combat malnutrition, such as the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN). PPAN includes
interventions like micronutrient supplementation, promotion of breastfeeding, and nutrition
education campaigns.
4. Agricultural Modernization and Mechanization: The Department of Agriculture (DA)
promotes the modernization and mechanization of agriculture to increase productivity and ensure
sustainable farming practices. Programs include providing farmers with access to modern
equipment, training, and financial support.
5. Community-Based Food Production: Initiatives like the Gulayan sa Barangay (Vegetable
Gardens in Villages) encourage communities to grow their own food, improving access to fresh
and nutritious produce. These programs also promote sustainable agricultural practices and
community resilience.
6. School-Based Feeding Programs: The Department of Education (DepEd) runs feeding programs
in public schools to address malnutrition among schoolchildren. These programs provide
nutritious meals to students, improving their health and academic performance.
These efforts are part of a comprehensive approach to tackle hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines.
Given your background in maternal and child health, you might be particularly interested in the 4Ps and
NNC programs, which directly address nutrition and health for mothers and children.
What Challenges hinder the achievement of the SDG 2?
Achieving SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote
sustainable agriculture, faces several significant challenges globally. Here are some of the key obstacles:
1. Conflict and Political Instability: Conflicts disrupt food production and supply chains, leading
to food shortages and increased prices. Countries like Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan have seen
severe food insecurity due to ongoing conflicts.
2. Climate Change: Climate change affects agricultural productivity through extreme weather
events, such as droughts, floods, and storms. These events can destroy crops, reduce yields, and
make farming more unpredictable, particularly in regions heavily dependent on rain-fed
agriculture.
3. Economic Inequality: Economic disparities limit access to nutritious food for many
people. Poverty restricts the ability to purchase sufficient and healthy food, leading to
malnutrition and food insecurity.
4. Pandemics and Health Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity by
disrupting supply chains, reducing incomes, and increasing unemployment. Health crises can
strain resources and divert attention from long-term food security goals.
5. Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure, such as inadequate storage facilities,
transportation networks, and market access, hampers the distribution of food. This leads to
significant food losses and waste, particularly in developing countries.
6. Lack of Investment in Agriculture: Insufficient investment in agricultural research, technology,
and extension services limits the ability to improve productivity and sustainability. Small-scale
farmers, who produce a significant portion of the world’s food, often lack access to the resources
they need.
Challenges in the Philippines
In the Philippines, several specific challenges hinder the achievement of SDG 2:
1. Natural Disasters: The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons,
earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. These events can devastate agricultural areas, leading to
food shortages and increased prices.
2. Poverty and Inequality: High levels of poverty and inequality restrict access to nutritious food
for many Filipinos. Rural areas, in particular, face significant challenges in achieving food
security.
3. Agricultural Productivity: Low agricultural productivity due to outdated farming practices,
limited access to modern technology, and insufficient support for smallholder farmers affects food
production and availability.
Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts at both the national and international levels.
Initiatives that focus on building resilience, improving infrastructure, and supporting small-scale farmers
can make a significant impact.
