Europe and Central Asia - regional overview of food security and Nutrition 2019

This report outlines significant improvements in food security in Europe and Central Asia, highlighting ongoing challenges despite progress. The Europe and Central Asia - Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2019 emphasizes the need for increased investments.

The report titled Europe and Central Asia - Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2019 provides a comprehensive analysis of food security trends across Europe and Central Asia over the past two decades. It highlights a significant improvement in food security, with the majority of monitored countries maintaining undernourishment rates below 5%, which is notably less than the global average of 10.8%. This positive trend underscores the efforts made by these nations to enhance food availability and accessibility for their populations.

Despite these advancements, the report reveals that a substantial number of individuals still face challenges in accessing nutritious and sufficient food regularly. Over 100 million people in the region are estimated to experience moderate or severe food insecurity, as measured by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale developed by the FAO. This statistic serves as a crucial indicator of the ongoing struggles many face in achieving food security, particularly in rural areas where access to resources can be limited.

To address these challenges, the Europe and Central Asia - Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2019 report advocates for increased public investment in agriculture and rural development. It emphasizes the need for improved quality in spending, as current expenditures in these sectors are disproportionately low compared to their economic significance. By prioritizing these investments, countries can better work towards achieving their food security, nutrition, and environmental objectives.