Monday this week, the world remembered 2.4 billion people in water-stressed nations, particularly the small farmers, women, Indigenous People and refugees as the most exposed demographics.
They are part of the 7.88 billion people in the six populated continents, most of them in Asia and Africa as well as South America.
Observed annually since 2014 on October 16, World Food Day this year continues to raise awareness and take action against worldwide hunger and malnutrition, affecting as many as 828 million people who regularly go to bed hungry.
Economic shocks, extreme weather events, and conflicts like the war in Ukraine – and only this month the discord in the Gaza Strip – have restricted global food supplies, driven up prices, and presented a threat to vulnerable populations and countries.
Fittingly, the World Food Day 2023 was a clarion call as it were to conserve what is a terminable resource which is water.
The day, and the succeeding days, serve as a reminder of the need to ensure food security and access to nutritious food for all and highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture and food production to address global food challenges.
Verily, World Food Day was an opportunity to come together as a global community and work towards a world where no one goes to bed hungry.
The day provided a platform for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments worldwide to unite in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
The theme is fitting, as it defines water as life, food and that no one should be left behind.
Since 2014, the World Food Day has been used to promote the idea of feeding the world and eliminating poverty in rural nations.
In recent years, the World Food Day has used its annual day of celebration to focus on different aspects of food security and agriculture, including fishing communities, climate change and biodiversity.
The Food and Agriculture organization of the United States said it aptly: “Water is essential to life on Earth. It covers the majority of the Earth’s surface, makes up over 50 percent of our bodies, produces our food, and supports livelihoods.
“But this precious resource is not infinite, and we need to stop taking it for granted. What we eat, and how that food is produced all affect water.
“Together, we can take water action for food and be the change.”