SDG 2, also known as Zero Hunger, aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. It’s a critical issue impacting numerous countries, challenging global efforts to achieve a world where everyone has enough nutritious food.

Food insecurity in Lebanon has been escalating, posing a significant threat to the health and well-being of its population. With a substantial portion of the Lebanese facing challenges in accessing sufficient and nutritious food, the situation calls for immediate attention.

The evidence lies in the data trends from 2017 to 2021, which reveal a stark increase in food insecurity. The percentage of the population experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity has more than doubled, climbing from 14.7% to 36.5%. Severe food insecurity has also tripled, rising from 4.2% to 12.6%. Concurrently, the prevalence of undernourishment has increased from 6.8% to 10.9% by 2020. These figures highlight a disturbing deterioration in food security, suggesting that an increasing number of individuals are unable to meet their basic food needs.

This rising tide of hunger is not just a statistic; it is the daily reality of families like that of Layla, a single mother who skips meals to ensure her children eat, and Youssef, an elderly man who once prided himself on providing for his family but now relies on food aid. Their stories are the true measure of this crisis, lending a face and voice to the stark numbers.

To fight against this phenomenon, Lebanon needs to:

•Invest in agricultural infrastructure to increase productivity and reduce dependency on food imports.

•Encourage sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term food security.

•Implement food assistance programs that provide direct support to those in immediate need.

•Strengthen policies that promote fair food prices and reduce market volatility.

The proposed strategies for Lebanon align with the United Nations’ recommendations and have been successful in similar contexts. For instance, countries like Jordan and Morocco have seen substantial improvements in food security and agricultural productivity through similar investments and policy reforms. These examples provide a blueprint for Lebanon, underscoring the feasibility and effectiveness of these measures.

The data clearly indicates that Lebanon is facing a growing food security crisis. It is crucial for policymakers to prioritize investments in agriculture, establish robust food assistance programs, and engage in regional cooperation to stabilize food markets. This is more than a policy imperative; it is a moral one. We have the means and knowledge to curb this crisis. What is needed now is the will and action.

As we stand at this pivotal moment, the call to action is clear and urgent. For the sake of every hungry child, every struggling parent, and every vulnerable elder in Lebanon, let us unite in our efforts. Let us work tirelessly towards achieving Zero Hunger, not as a distant dream, but as a reality within our reach. The time to act is now – together, we can turn the tide and ensure a future where food security is a right enjoyed by all in Lebanon.