Goal 2 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals embodies a vision of a world where hunger is eradicated, food security is ensured, nutrition is improved, and agriculture is sustainable.
At its core, Goal 2 strives to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. It recognises that access to safe, nutritious food is a fundamental human right, and aims to ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable populations, has year-round access to an adequate diet.
What does UN SDG 2 include?
To achieve this goal, the UN has outlined eight targets that serve as guiding principles for action in the second of the SDGs:
Universal Access to Safe and Nutritious Food (Target 2.1): By 2030, the aim is to end hunger and ensure that all individuals, particularly those living in poverty and vulnerable situations, have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food throughout the year.
End All Forms of Malnutrition (Target 2.2): By 2030, the goal is to eradicate all forms of malnutrition, including stunting and wasting in children under 5 years old, and address the nutritional needs of specific groups such as adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and older persons.
Double the Productivity and Incomes of Small-Scale Food Producers (Target 2.3): By 2030, the objective is to double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, with a particular focus on women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers.
Sustainable Food Production and Resilient Agricultural Practices (Target 2.4): By 2030, efforts will be made to ensure the adoption of sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices that enhance productivity, maintain ecosystems, strengthen adaptation to climate change, and improve land and soil quality.
Maintain Genetic Diversity in Food Production (Target 2.5): By 2020, the goal is to preserve the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants, and farmed animals, promoting access to and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
Invest in Rural Infrastructure, Agricultural Research, Technology, and Gene Banks (Target 2.6): Increased investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research, technology development, and gene banks is essential to enhance agricultural productivity, particularly in developing countries.
Prevent Agricultural Trade Restrictions, Market Distortions, and Export Subsidies (Target 2.7): Efforts to correct and prevent trade restrictions and distortions in agricultural markets are crucial for ensuring fair and equitable access to food resources.
Ensure Stable Food Commodity Markets and Timely Access to Information (Target 2.8): Measures must be adopted to ensure the proper functioning of food commodity markets, mitigate extreme food price volatility, and facilitate timely access to market information.
According to the UN, achieving this goal requires collective action, innovative approaches, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of hunger and food insecurity – in other words, building a future where no one goes to bed hungry.
To learn more about how to improve sustainability in your business, make sure you read www.sustainabilityonline.net. For more details on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, click here.
