As described in my blog last week February 3rd, I will be referring, on a weekly basis, to each of the SDGs: facts, targets, and how could companies be engaged. This week is about SDG#2 - Zero Hunger:
Facts: Around 11% of the global population are undernourished, and with the population expected to increase by ~20% over the next 20 years , demand for more food and better nutrition will only rise. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), there will be a 12% increase in meat demand, 21% rise in milk consumption and 30% increase in farmed fish over 2016-26. In addition, food distribution needs to improve, with 1.9 billion adults overweight and c 815 million under-nourished.
Targets: There are 8 targets all of them related to end the world hunger, improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. More information about targets and the indicators to track progress can be found here: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg2#targets.
Companies engagement: Out of the 8 targets, two seem to be actionable for the businesses in the context of their investment decisions
SDG 2.1: "By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe,nutritious and sufficient food all year round."
SDG 2.4: "By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather,drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
According to a recent Morgan Stanley report, there are four industries that, with the right investment decisions,could really make an impact on delivering the targets of SDG#2:
Agriculture: Companies that are produce and sell food for consumption.
Animal Health: Companies that develop and sell medicines and vaccines that help to prevent or treat disease in animals, in addition to improving nutrition.
Crop Services: Companies that sell products and services to help farmers improve productivity.
Equipment: Companies that manufacture and sell equipment to help with the production, transportation and sale of food.
