The Global Hunger Index 2023 ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, highlighting that malnutrition, stunting and micronutrient deficiencies continue to be prevalent
Although India is not a country of widespread hunger, it faces significant challenges related to malnutrition and hidden hunger, especially in rural areas. India has achieved self-sufficiency in food production and implemented programs to improve access to food, such as the National Food Security Act and the National Nutrition Mission. However, problems such as micronutrient deficiencies and income inequalities further increase food insecurity in some regions.
India’s Nutrition Paradox: The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, highlighting the significant challenges of malnutrition, especially among children. Although India produces enough food to meet its caloric needs, ensuring nutritional adequacy remains a challenge. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-2021) shows that although caloric intake is generally adequate, malnutrition persists; 35.5 percent of children under five suffer from stunting and 19.3 percent suffer from wasting. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron-deficiency anemia in women and vitamin deficiencies in children, further contribute to hidden hunger. Economic and social inequalities, including gender inequality and limited access to healthcare, play important roles in perpetuating malnutrition.
Poorer segments of the population often lack access to a varied and nutritious diet and are dependent on staples such as rice and wheat, along with inadequate consumption of fruit, vegetables and protein.
Community-Led Nutrition Centers: A Promising Solution Community-led nutrition centers provide a grassroots approach to addressing food insecurity. Unlike top-down methods, these centers leverage local knowledge and leadership to create sustainable, context-specific solutions. They focus on balanced, nutritious diets rather than calorie intake alone, helping to increase community resilience to malnutrition.
Promoting Dietary Diversity: Nutrition centers encourage consumption of a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and animal products, essential for a balanced diet. These centers address micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger by promoting dietary diversity.
Supporting Vulnerable Groups: These centers effectively reach vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. They provide specialized nutritional support, fortified foods, supplements, and education on specific nutritional needs. Leveraging Local Agriculture: Nutrition centers increase access to fresh, nutritious foods by supporting local food production and sustainable farming practices. This approach reduces dependence on external food supplies, which can be affected by price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, especially due to climate change.
Impact of Community-Led Nutrition Centers: Data from several studies highlight the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in improving nutrition outcomes and resilience. For example, a 2022 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) noted a 20 percent reduction in stunting rates among children under five in districts of Uttar Pradesh following the introduction of feeding centres.
The 2023 Global Nutrition Report showed that such centers improved micronutrient intake, significantly reducing anemia with a 30 percent increase in iron-rich food consumption among women in Maharashtra. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also found that communities practicing sustainable agriculture, supported by nutrition centres, had a 20 per cent increase in crop yields during drought compared to traditional methods.
Whole-of-Society Approach: Achieving the vision of “Viksit Bharat” depends on ensuring food security and building resilience through community-led initiatives. However, these goals require a whole-of-society approach that includes not only women but all members of society. Men as Partners: Encouraging men to participate in nutrition centers through farming, cooking, or community organizing helps distribute responsibility more equitably and promotes gender equality.
Youth Participation: Involving youth in these efforts ensures the continuation of community-led initiatives and brings fresh ideas and energy to the table.
Local Government Support: Local governments can support and scale these initiatives by providing funding, policy support and infrastructure, making nutrition centers integral parts of community development.
Gender Equality and Shared Responsibility: While women are often at the forefront of nutrition and food security, the burden should not fall solely on them. Participation of men, youth and local government helps create more equitable and sustainable solutions.
(The author is Director of the Swasti Center for Strategic Communications for Public Health; views are personal)