Reasons for increasing food consumption
Food consumption has been rising globally for over 50 years. A country with a gross national income per capita above US $12,735 (according to the World Bank) such as the Netherlands and the UK. (HICs) consume the most calories, but Based on the World Bank's income classifications, a LIC has a gross national income (GNI per capita) of $1,045 or lower. (LICs) are experiencing the biggest increase in calorie intake. There are two main reasons for increasing food consumption:
- Economic development. As countries become wealthier, people can afford to eat more food. People in Chad and Somalia eat less than 2,850 calories a day, whereas those in the USA and Italy consume more than 3,440 calories a day. Many HICs have high levels of Excess food that is thrown away. because people buy more food than they need. Fast food and food advertising also increase food consumption in wealthier places.
- Rising population. World population continues to grow and is likely to exceed 8.5 billion people by 2030. This means there are more mouths to feed. The most rapid growth is taking place in LICs and some A country that has recently become more wealthy. (NEEs), like China and India.
Measuring hunger
The World hunger, as calculated by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). (GHI) is calculated by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). It measures world hunger. Each country is given a score between 0, which is no hunger, to 100, which is when everyone is hungry. Three things are used to calculate this score:
- Not having enough food to be able to grow and stay healthy. - the percentage of people consuming too few calories
- number of children underweight - the number of children below the age of five who are underweight
- The death of children, usually before the age of five. - the death rate of children below the age of five
The Global Hunger Index is used to target When people have enough nutritious and affordable food to eat. initiatives.