SDG2: Current progress and future challenges
How is progress measured?
Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger is measured using key indicators that assess food security, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices. These indicators include the prevalence of undernourishment, child malnutrition rates (such as stunting and wasting), and food insecurity levels based on access to sufficient, nutritious food. Monitoring also considers agricultural productivity, including crop yields, sustainable farming practices, and resilience against climate change and environmental degradation. Additionally, the affordability and accessibility of food, as well as government policies supporting small-scale farmers and equitable food distribution, are analysed to evaluate progress. Other metrics include investments in agricultural research, biodiversity conservation, and the reduction of food waste. By tracking these indicators, policymakers can assess global efforts to eliminate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable food systems.
Tracking progress: a regional approach
To ensure effective tracking, progress is divided into regions, allowing for tailored strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Regional classification enables meaningful comparisons between countries with similar economic, social, and environmental conditions, making trend analysis more insightful. It also facilitates better coordination of resources, funding, and technical support, particularly for nations facing shared challenges like climate vulnerability or demographic shifts. Additionally, defining progress within regional contexts fosters cross-border collaboration and policy alignment, strengthening collective efforts on global issues such as migration and sustainability. By systematically monitoring SDG advancements at a regional level, organisations can identify gaps, prioritise interventions, and ensure inclusive development. These classifications reflect economic, political, and environmental commonalities, enabling a more nuanced understanding of global sustainability efforts.
Current progress towards SDG 2 targets
The table below presents the standardised abbreviations for the designated regions:
- EAP: East Asia and Pacific
- ECA: Europe and Central Asia
- LAC: Latin America and the Caribbean
- MENA: Middle East and North Africa
- NA: North America
- SAR: South Asia Region
- SIDS: Small Island Developing States
- SSA: Sub-Saharan Africa
The East Asia and Pacific region faces mixed progress in meeting SDG 2 by 2030. While some countries have made significant strides, others struggle due to climate change, economic instability, and food security challenges.
- End Hunger (Target 2.1): While hunger rates have declined in some areas, food insecurity remains a concern, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
- End Malnutrition (Target 2.2): Progress has been made in reducing child stunting, but micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread.
- Increase Agricultural Productivity (Target 2.3): Some countries have modernised agriculture, but smallholder farmers still face barriers to productivity and market access.
- Ensure Sustainable Food Production (Target 2.4): Climate change and environmental degradation threaten food systems, requiring stronger adaptation strategies.
- Maintain Genetic Diversity in Agriculture (Target 2.5): Efforts to preserve biodiversity are underway, but commercial farming practices pose risks to genetic diversity.
Europe and Central Asia have made progress toward SDG 2, but challenges remain, particularly in food security, agricultural sustainability, and nutrition.
- End Hunger (Target 2.1): While hunger rates are low in most European countries, some Central Asian nations still struggle with food insecurity, especially in rural areas.
- End Malnutrition (Target 2.2): Many countries have strong nutrition programs, but micronutrient deficiencies and obesity remain concerns.
- Increase Agricultural Productivity (Target 2.3): Some nations have modernised agriculture, but smallholder farmers in Central Asia face barriers to productivity and market access.
- Ensure Sustainable Food Production (Target 2.4): Climate change and environmental degradation threaten food systems, requiring stronger adaptation strategies.
- Maintain Genetic Diversity in Agriculture (Target 2.5): Efforts to preserve biodiversity are underway, but commercial farming practices pose risks to genetic diversity.
Latin America and the Caribbean face significant challenges in meeting SDG 2 by 2030. While some countries have made progress, others struggle due to economic instability, climate change, and food security concerns.
- End Hunger (Target 2.1): While hunger rates have declined in some areas, food insecurity remains a concern, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
- End Malnutrition (Target 2.2): Progress has been made in reducing child stunting, but micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread.
- Increase Agricultural Productivity (Target 2.3): Some countries have modernised agriculture, but smallholder farmers still face barriers to productivity and market access.
- Ensure Sustainable Food Production (Target 2.4): Climate change and environmental degradation threaten food systems, requiring stronger adaptation strategies.
- Maintain Genetic Diversity in Agriculture (Target 2.5): Efforts to preserve biodiversity are underway, but commercial farming practices pose risks to genetic diversity.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces significant challenges in meeting SDG 2 by 2030. While some countries have made progress, others struggle due to conflict, economic instability, and climate change.
- End Hunger (Target 2.1): Food insecurity remains a major issue, particularly in conflict-affected nations like Yemen and Syria, where access to food is severely limited.
- End Malnutrition (Target 2.2): While some Gulf countries have low malnutrition rates, others face high child stunting and micronutrient deficiencies, especially in low-income areas.
- Increase Agricultural Productivity (Target 2.3): Many countries rely on food imports, and smallholder farmers struggle with limited resources and market access.
- Ensure Sustainable Food Production (Target 2.4): Climate change and water scarcity threaten agricultural sustainability, requiring stronger adaptation strategies.
- Maintain Genetic Diversity in Agriculture (Target 2.5): Efforts to preserve biodiversity are underway, but commercial farming practices pose risks to genetic diversity.
North America has made significant progress toward SDG 2, but challenges remain, particularly in food security, agricultural sustainability, and nutrition.
- End Hunger (Target 2.1): While hunger rates are low overall, food insecurity remains a concern, especially among low-income and marginalised communities.
- End Malnutrition (Target 2.2): Many countries have strong nutrition programs, but micronutrient deficiencies and obesity remain challenges.
- Increase Agricultural Productivity (Target 2.3): The region has modernised agriculture, but small-scale farmers face barriers to productivity and market access.
- Ensure Sustainable Food Production (Target 2.4): Climate change and environmental degradation threaten food systems, requiring stronger adaptation strategies.
- Maintain Genetic Diversity in Agriculture (Target 2.5): Efforts to preserve biodiversity are underway, but commercial farming practices pose risks to genetic diversity.
South Asia faces significant challenges in meeting SDG 2 by 2030. While some countries have made progress, others struggle due to economic instability, climate change, and food security concerns.
- End Hunger (Target 2.1): Food insecurity remains a major issue, particularly in rural areas and among marginalised communities.
- End Malnutrition (Target 2.2): While child stunting has declined, micronutrient deficiencies and widespread anaemia remain concerns.
- Increase Agricultural Productivity (Target 2.3): Some nations have modernised agriculture, but smallholder farmers still face barriers to productivity and market access.
- Ensure Sustainable Food Production (Target 2.4): Climate change and land degradation threaten food systems, requiring stronger adaptation strategies.
- Maintain Genetic Diversity in Agriculture (Target 2.5): Efforts to preserve biodiversity are underway, but commercial farming practices pose risks to genetic diversity.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face unique challenges in meeting SDG 2 by 2030 due to their small economies, geographic isolation, and vulnerability to climate change.
- End Hunger (Target 2.1): Many SIDS rely on food imports, making them highly vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.
- End Malnutrition (Target 2.2): While some progress has been made, micronutrient deficiencies and diet-related health issues remain concerns.
- Increase Agricultural Productivity (Target 2.3): Limited land and resources restrict agricultural expansion, making sustainable farming practices essential.
- Ensure Sustainable Food Production (Target 2.4): Climate change and natural disasters threaten food security, requiring stronger adaptation strategies.
- Maintain Genetic Diversity in Agriculture (Target 2.5): Efforts to preserve biodiversity are underway, but commercial farming practices pose risks to genetic diversity.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in meeting SDG 2 by 2030. While some progress has been made, the region continues to struggle with food insecurity, malnutrition, and agricultural sustainability.
- End Hunger (Target 2.1): Food insecurity remains widespread, with millions lacking access to nutritious and sufficient food.
- End Malnutrition (Target 2.2): Child stunting and micronutrient deficiencies remain major concerns, particularly in rural areas.
- Increase Agricultural Productivity (Target 2.3): Smallholder farmers face barriers to productivity, including limited access to technology, markets, and financing.
- Ensure Sustainable Food Production (Target 2.4): Climate change and land degradation threaten food systems, requiring stronger adaptation strategies.
- Maintain Genetic Diversity in Agriculture (Target 2.5): Efforts to preserve biodiversity are underway, but commercial farming practices pose risks to genetic diversity.
Summary of main challenges to SDG 2
- Food Insecurity: Millions face chronic hunger due to poverty, conflict, and lack of access to nutritious food. Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America and the Caribbean
- Agricultural Challenges: Poor farming practices, resource shortages, and lack of technology hinder sustainable agriculture. Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Small Island Developing States
- Climate Change: Droughts, floods, and changing weather patterns disrupt food production and availability. Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia
- Inequitable Food Distribution: Structural inequalities lead to food wastage in some regions while others face scarcity. Regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, South Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa
- Economic Barriers: High food prices and lack of infrastructure, such as storage and transportation, affect food access. Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Small Island Developing States
- Policy Gaps: Weak agricultural policies and underinvestment in rural areas limit progress toward ending hunger. Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean
Grouping of global regions based on common challenges
Global regions are grouped below according to common challenges. For each group, the following information is provided: a summary of the common challenges and the key strategies to overcome the challenges, the main requirements for successful implementation, barriers that need to overcome, the ways in which the stakeholders can contribute, and relevant notable initiatives and case studies.
Group 1: Regions Facing High Levels of Hunger and Malnutrition
Regions Included: Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
- Persistent undernourishment, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.
- High rates of stunted growth and micronutrient deficiencies due to poor dietary diversity.
- Limited access to nutritious food caused by poverty, inadequate agricultural production, and economic instability.
- Invest in sustainable agriculture and improve smallholder farmers' access to resources, such as seeds, fertilisers, and financing.
- Scale up nutrition-specific interventions, such as food fortification and school meal programs.
- Strengthen social protection systems, such as food assistance and cash transfers.
- Comprehensive data collection to monitor nutritional outcomes and food insecurity trends.
- Increased funding for nutrition-sensitive and agriculture-related programs.
- Partnerships to improve access to markets and reduce food wastage.
- Widening gaps in rural and urban food security.
- Lack of integration between health, agriculture, and social protection policies.
- Challenges in reaching marginalised and remote populations.
- Governments: Promote policies supporting smallholder farmers and fortify social protection systems.
- Businesses: Invest in nutrition-sensitive agriculture and distribution systems for affordable, nutritious foods.
- Civil Society: Support community-based programs that provide nutrition education and distribute food aid.
- Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program, which provides food and cash assistance to food-insecure populations.
- India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), offering food supplements and nutritional counselling to mothers and children.
Group 2: Regions Facing Climate-Induced Food Insecurity
Regions Included: Small Island Developing States (SIDS), East Asia and Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia
- Reduced agricultural yields caused by unpredictable weather patterns, such as droughts, floods, and storms.
- Loss of arable land due to desertification, soil degradation, and rising sea levels.
- Disruptions in food supply chains caused by climate-related disasters.
- Promote climate-smart agriculture practices, such as drought-resistant crops, agroforestry, and sustainable irrigation techniques.
- Enhance early warning systems and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather on food systems.
- Build resilient food supply chains and invest in post-harvest storage to reduce losses.
- Access to climate-resilient agricultural technologies and training for farmers.
- International support for climate adaptation projects and disaster risk reduction programs.
- Integrated policies linking climate action with food security strategies.
- Limited funding for climate adaptation in low-income countries.
- Insufficient adoption of climate-resilient farming practices.
- Vulnerable populations, such as smallholder farmers, are disproportionately affected.
- Governments: Integrate food security into national climate adaptation plans and allocate funding for agricultural resilience.
- Businesses: Develop and distribute climate-resilient seeds and technologies.
- Civil Society: Advocate for equitable climate financing and provide training on sustainable farming practices.
- Malawi’s adoption of drought-tolerant maize varieties to enhance food security amidst changing rainfall patterns.
- Mangrove restoration projects in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which protect agricultural areas from coastal erosion.
Group 3: Regions with Urbanisation and Governance Challenges
Regions Included: Latin America and the Caribbean, East Asia and Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia
- Rapid urbanisation leading to poor food distribution networks and increased dependency on imported food.
- Inadequate urban governance, resulting in inefficient waste management and loss of food during transportation and storage.
- Rising urban inequality, leaving marginalised populations with limited access to affordable, nutritious food.
- Improve urban planning to include sustainable and efficient food systems, such as local urban farming.
- Strengthen governance and policies to ensure equitable access to food markets.
- Foster partnerships to reduce food loss and waste in urban areas.
- Financial investment in urban infrastructure supporting food systems.
- Capacity building for urban planners and policymakers on food security governance.
- Public-private collaboration to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce food prices.
- Persistent urban food insecurity, particularly in slums and informal settlements.
- Lack of coordination among stakeholders managing urban food systems.
- Environmental challenges from urban sprawl impacting surrounding agricultural land.
- Governments: Invest in urban food hubs and improve supply chain logistics.
- Businesses: Support urban agriculture and reduce food waste through innovative technologies.
- Civil Society: Advocate for better policies addressing urban hunger and promote community-driven urban farms.
- Rooftop farming initiatives in cities like Singapore, contributing to local food production.
- Kenya’s Nairobi Urban Agriculture Promotion and Regulation Bill, which encourages urban farming to address food insecurity