This article is already published in a journal named "Human Rights Monitor, Issue 32". Its original link is available on the official website of National Human Rights Foundation (HURFON).
Food insecurity is one of the significant global issues that negatively impacts individuals, families, and communities' overall well-being. It is a condition where people lack sufficient access to food for a healthy and active life. Despite being an agriculture-based country, Nepal faces severe food insecurity, and it is one of the leading causes of malnutrition and hunger. This article will examine the implications of food insecurity for human rights and measures to reduces food insecurity in Nepal.
In Nepal, this issue affects a significant portion of the population, particularly those living in rural areas and those from marginalized communities. The consequences of food insecurity are severe, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Food insecurity can also exacerbate existing social inequalities. Marginalized communities such as Dalits, indigenous people, and women are disproportionately affected by food insecurity due to discrimination and lack of access to resources (Bista, 2020). These communities often have limited access to land, water, and other natural resources, making it difficult for them to grow their own food. In addition, they may face barriers to accessing markets, healthcare, and education, further contributing to food insecurity and perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
Extent of food insecurity in Nepal:
According to the Global Hunger Index 2020, Nepal ranks 73rd out of 107 countries with a score of 19.5, indicating a serious level of hunger. The report also highlights that more than a quarter of Nepal's population is undernourished, and 36.6% of Nepali children under the age of five are stunted due to chronic malnutrition. Similarly, the prevalence of wasting, a condition where children are too thin for their height, is 10.6% in Nepal. These statistics show the extent of food insecurity in Nepal.
Human Rights implications:
The right to food is a fundamental human right recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Food insecurity in Nepal violates this right and has several implications for other human rights.
The first implication is the right to life. Food insecurity causes malnutrition and hunger, leading to an increased risk of illness and death. The lack of adequate food and nutrition can also have long-term effects on children's growth and development, leading to stunted physical and cognitive development.
The second implication is the right to health. Malnutrition can lead to various health issues, such as anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and weakened immune systems, making individuals more vulnerable to infections and diseases.
The third implication is the right to education. Food-insecure households often cannot afford to send their children to school or provide them with proper nutrition. Hunger and malnutrition can also negatively affect children's ability to learn and concentrate in school, leading to poor academic performance and lower educational attainment.
The fourth implication is the right to work. Food insecurity can lead to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs, making it difficult for individuals to maintain stable employment.
The fifth implication is the right to an adequate standard of living. Food insecurity can force individuals to make difficult choices between food, housing, healthcare, and other basic necessities, leading to a lower standard of living.
Works to be done to reduce food insecurity in Nepal:
Nepal has taken some steps to address food insecurity, such as implementing programs to provide food assistance to vulnerable populations and promoting agricultural development. However, these efforts have been limited in scope and effectiveness, and there is still much work to be done to address the root causes of food insecurity.
To effectively tackle food insecurity and uphold human rights in Nepal, the government must prioritize policies that address the underlying causes of food insecurity, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. This could involve expanding access to resources such as land, water, and credit for marginalized communities, investing in agricultural development and infrastructure, controlling land grabbing, providing land to landless families, improving access to water through irrigation, and strengthening social safety nets for small-scale farmers and vulnerable populations.
In addition, the government must ensure that its policies and programs are implemented in an equitable and transparent manner and that the most vulnerable populations are prioritized. And, it is important to recognize that food insecurity is not just a technical issue but also a political and social issue. Addressing food insecurity in Nepal requires a broader transformation of social and economic systems to create a more just and equitable society. This means addressing issues such as corruption, unequal distribution of resources, and discrimination, which contribute to the perpetuation of poverty and food insecurity.
Furthermore, it is important to address the issue of food waste and loss in Nepal, which exacerbates food insecurity. A significant amount of food is wasted due to poor post-harvest handling and storage practices, inadequate transport infrastructure, and other factors. This is particularly true for perishable crops such as fruits and vegetables, which are often lost due to poor storage facilities and lack of cold chain infrastructure. By improving post-harvest handling and storage practices, investing in transport infrastructure, and promoting the development of cold chain facilities, the government can help to reduce food waste and loss, and improve food security.
More importantly, promoting sustainable agricultural practices can help improve food security while addressing environmental sustainability. Sustainable agriculture practices include using organic farming methods, crop rotation, intercropping, and other methods that help to maintain soil fertility, conserve water, and reduce the use of chemical inputs. By promoting sustainable agriculture practices, the government can improve food security while also promoting environmental sustainability and reducing the impacts of climate change.
Another important task to reduce food insecurity in Nepal is to vastly improve access to education; particularly for girls and women. Education is a key factor in improving food security as it enables individuals to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to improve their agricultural practices, access markets, and take advantage of other economic opportunities. As well as, education can help to promote gender equality, reduce discrimination, and improve overall social and economic development.
Efforts to address food insecurity in Nepal must also take into account the impact of climate change, which is exacerbating food insecurity in the country. Climate change is causing more frequent and intense natural disasters, which can lead to crop failures and loss of livelihoods (Dahal, 2018). In addition, rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are affecting crop yields and food production. Addressing the impact of climate change on food security requires both mitigation and adaptation measures. Mitigation measures involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the root causes of climate change. Adaptation measures involve helping communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as by developing more resilient crops and improving water management practices.
Finally, it is essential to ensure that the human rights of those who are most affected by food insecurity are protected. This includes ensuring access to healthcare and education, protecting the rights of workers in the agricultural sector, and ensuring that marginalized communities have a voice in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Conclusion:
Food insecurity is a serious issue in Nepal that violates several fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to food, health, and life. The government, civil society organizations, and international agencies need to work together to address the root causes of food insecurity and ensure that all Nepali citizens have access to sufficient nutritious food. Investing in agriculture, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, promoting peace and political stability, addressing the impact of climate change, improving access to markets, creating an equitable society, and providing social protection programs can help reduce food insecurity and improve human rights in Nepal.
