by India ranks 111th out of 125 countries in the World Hunger Index 2023, indicating that malnutrition, stunting and micro-nutrition remain widespread.
Although India is not a country of widespread hunger, it faces significant challenges in terms of undernourishment and hidden hunger, particularly in rural areas. India has achieved self-sufficiency in food production and has implemented programs to improve access to food, such as the National Food Security Act and the National Nutrition Mission. However, issues such as micronutrient deficiencies and income disparities contribute to food insecurity in certain regions.
India’s Nutrition Paradox: India ranks 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023, highlighting significant challenges of undernutrition, especially among children. Although India produces enough food to meet 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, undernutrition remains—35.5 percent of children under five years of age, and 19.3 percent First wasting. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia among women and vitamin deficiencies among children, further contribute to hidden hunger. Economic disparities and social inequalities, including gender inequality and limited access to health care, play significant roles in perpetuating undernutrition.
Poorer segments of the population often do not have access to a varied nutritious diet and rely heavily on staples such as rice and wheat, with insufficient consumption of fruit, vegetables and proteins.
Community-Led Nutrition Hubs: An Ingenious Solution Community-led nutrition hubs provide a grassroots approach to addressing food insecurity. Unlike top-down approaches, these hubs draw on local knowledge and leadership to create sustainable, context-specific solutions. They focus on nutritionally balanced diets rather than just caloric intake, which helps build community resilience against undernutrition.
Promote Dietary Diversity: Nutrition hubs encourage the consumption of a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and animal products, which are essential for a balanced diet. By promoting dietary diversity, these hubs address micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger.
Supporting Vulnerable Groups: These hubs effectively reach vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. They provide customized nutritional support, solid foods, supplements, and education on specific nutritional needs. Leveraging Local Agriculture: Nutrition hubs support local food production and sustainable agricultural practices, increasing access to nutritious fresh foods. This approach reduces dependence on external food supplies, which can be affected by price fluctuations and disruptions in the supply chain, especially in the face of climate change.
Impact of Community-Led Nutrition Hubs: Data from multiple studies demonstrate the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in improving nutritional 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 the age of five in Uttar Pradesh regions after the introduction of nutrition hubs.
The World Nutrition Report 2023 showed that such hubs improved micronutrient intake, with a 30 percent increase in iron-rich food consumption among women in Maharashtra, which significantly reduced anemia. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also found that communities practicing sustainable agriculture supported by food hubs had a 20 percent 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 involves all members of the community, not just women. Men as Partners: Encouraging men to participate in nutrition hubs, whether through farming, cooking or community organizing, helps distribute responsibility more equitably and promotes gender equity.
Youth Engagement: The involvement of young people 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 hubs central to community development.
Gender Equity and Shared Responsibility: Although women are often at the forefront of nutrition and food security, the burden should not fall solely on them. The participation of men, youth, and local governance helps to create more equitable and sustainable solutions.
(The writer is Director of the Center for Strategic Communications for Public Health at Swasti; personal views)
