Conclusions

In spite of notable progress in global hunger and poverty reduction over the last few decades, way too many people in developing countries are still not able to satisfy their basic needs. Close to eight hundred million people are undernourished and do not have sufficient access to calories, most of them living in Asia and Africa. Urbanization tendencies notwithstanding, around 75 percent of the undernourished people reside in rural areas where they directly depend on agriculture as a source of income and employment. In addition to insufficient calorie intakes, micronutrient malnutrition is a serious issue. Around two billion people suffer from deficiencies in specific minerals and vitamins. These forms of malnutrition are a humanitarian disaster. They contribute to numerous infectious diseases, involve physical and mental retardation, and are the leading causes of child mortality in developing countries. Undernutrition and micronutrient malnutrition also cause huge economic costs, obstructing growth and development. Addressing these problems needs to be on top of the global development agenda.