On World Food Day (16th October) there is hope for the 870 million chronically hungry people around the world; but only if action is taken now, according to aid and development agency World Vision.
The organisation has warned that unless the issue of food wastage is addressed, many of the recent gains in reducing hunger-related deaths will be undone.
Dr David Lansley, World Vision Australia economist said, “Every year the developed world is wasting almost as much food as sub-Saharan Africa produces. We need to get smarter about how we value and distribute food.”
“In developed countries, most food is wasted at the consumer level. But in developing countries, food is usually wasted due to weak infrastructure – including poor storage, processing and packaging facilities. The inability to keep food fresh results in lost income for small farmers and higher prices for poor consumers,” said Dr Lansley.
“In both contexts – developing countries and developed countries – our efforts around food wastage need to get much better,” said Dr Lansley.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, reducing food losses in developing countries could have an “immediate and significant” impact on livelihoods and food security in the world’s poorest countries.
“If we can get policies in place that directly address issues around wastage, improved agricultural production, and improved nutrition, the results would be dramatic,” Dr Lansley said.
ENDS
Dr David Lansley is available for interview, please contact: Gabrielle Brophy on 0407 575 112 or gabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au