SDG 2: Zero Hunger

What is the purpose of SDG 2?

SDG 2’s purpose of zero hunger aims to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030. There is a need to take swift actions in order to provide food and nourishment to those in need. What is more, the change in agriculture and more sustainable food production is necessary to reduce hunger.

Table of Contents

• Reason for working with SDG 2
• How is 2030 Builders addressing SDG 2?
• How are companies working with it

Reason for working with SDG 2

As of 2014, 795 million people were estimated to be chronically undernourished. Certainly, this is a direct consequence of environmental degradation, drought, and loss of biodiversity. Recovering biodiversity by increasing agricultural productivity is one way to improve that. Above all, the goal is to double the agricultural productivity and supporting small-scale producers, including women, families, and indigenous producers. Additionally, SDG 2 focuses on improving sustainable production that contributes to the maintenance of the ecosystem, and progressively improves the soil.

How is 2030 Builders addressing SDG 2?

By implementing different strategies, businesses can successfully work towards reaching the zero hunger goal. Here are some examples of recommended strategies. For instance, maintaining the genetic diversity of seeds, plants, and domesticated animals. This can be done through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at a national and international level. Furthermore, another solution can be promoting access to fair sharing of benefits arising from the genetic resources and traditional knowledge about agricultural practices.

Promoting sustainable agricultural practices through supporting small-scale farmers and allowing equal access to land, technology, and markets, helps local farmers to create a stronger market position, and economies would grow and make a change not only in SDG 2 but also in other goals such as SDG 1, SDG 8 and SDG 12.

Increasing international investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural research may bring numerous benefits. Above all, it leads to an enhance in the agricultural productive capacity in developing countries. In other words, working towards SDG 9 would lead us to reach SDG 2. Very often by working towards one of the SDGs we unintentionally involve working towards more goals.

Correcting and preventing trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets is crucial. This includes a parallel elimination of all forms of agricultural export subsidies.

How are companies working with it:

Cargill- essential vitamins in cooking oil: The “Nourishing India” platform has reached 25 million customers with its edible oil with the addition of essential vitamins as A, D, & E. Through this product, Cargill gained a competitive advantage and made an important contribution to tackling malnutrition.

(Source: SDG industry matrix — Food, Beverage and Consumer Goods)

CSX — Helping low-income families in the US: Together with a non-profit organization, the transportation company CSX helps local farmers improve food delivery services. Consequently, it increases access to fresh and healthy foods for low-income families in the United States.

(Source: SDG industry matrix — Transportation)

Michelin tires — Soil preservation: Michelin developed low-pressure tires for heavy agricultural machinery in order to preserve soil lightness and stop its incremental compaction over time. The effects are a proven increase in agricultural yields and reduced pollution from agricultural land.

(Source: SDG industry matrix — Transportation)