State of Food Security and Hunger in Nepal

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to assess the current status and trend of food security and hunger in Nepal. Methodologically, the paper uses a descriptive research design; for this, secondary sources of data were intensively reviewed, and it draws an insightful conclusion from a variety of literature. Collected data were presented and interpreted using descriptive statistical tools such as tables, figures, percentages, and trend lines. The paper’s scope is limited to the Nepalese context. Professional ethics, a minimum similarity index, and authenticity in data have been taken as ethical considerations. Around half of the households (48.2 percent) have access to food security over the course of the year in Nepal. The urban area is more secure than the rural, and the position of the Terai region is better than that of the hill and mountain regions in terms of food security status. In terms of food security and severe food insecurity, Gandaki Province performed well, while Karnali Province performed poorly. The fight against hunger has mostly stagnated internationally in recent years. The GHI score for 2022 is moderate, although at 19.1, it only slightly deviates from the 16.4 score in 2014, the 20.8 score in 2019, and the 19.5 score in 2020. Nepal's global hunger index trend is shifting from a serious to a moderate position. This paper suggests exploring future food security strategies and reducing the intensity of hunger through further research. This study would stimulate public interest in policy advocacy, which might result in widespread favorable policy initiatives for more in-depth discussions and the implementation of development strategies in developing countries like Nepal.