TOWARDS A HUNGER-FREE WORLD: INTEGRATING FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Hunger and malnutrition continue to pose significant challenges to global development despite considerable advances in food production and agricultural technologies. Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. Food security exists when all individuals have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food at all times. However, factors such as climate change, population growth, environmental degradation, poverty, conflicts, and unequal food distribution continue to threaten food systems worldwide. This chapter explores the concept of food security and examines the role of sustainable agriculture in addressing hunger and malnutrition. It discusses the dimensions of food security, the challenges faced by agricultural systems, and strategies for promoting sustainable food production. Particular emphasis is placed on climate-resilient farming, technological innovation, policy interventions, resource conservation, and inclusive agricultural development. The chapter highlights the importance of integrating environmental sustainability with agricultural productivity to ensure long-term food availability. It concludes that achieving Zero Hunger requires coordinated efforts from governments, international organizations, farmers, researchers, and communities to build resilient food systems that can meet present and future nutritional needs while preserving natural resources.