Empowering Change Guide to SDG 1 – Eradicating Poverty
The Call to Action: Aiming for Eradication by 2030
World marked by rapid progress, it’s disheartening that millions still grapple with the harsh realities of poverty and hunger. The first two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations – “No Poverty” and “Zero Hunger”
Stand as beacons of hope, guiding our collective efforts towards creating a more equitable and sustainable global community by 2030.
The pursuit of eradicating extreme poverty requires a multifaceted approach
addressing the root causes that trap over 800 million individuals in a daily struggle for survival. From inclusive economic growth to social protection systems, the path to uplifting the impoverished demands coordinated action on various fronts.
Women, disproportionately affected by poverty, require targeted interventions to bridge the gender gap in access to education, employment, and property rights.
Simultaneously, Goal 2 – “Zero Hunger” compels us to revolutionize our approach to food production, distribution, and consumption. With a focus on sustainable agriculture, this goal envisions a world where no one goes to bed hungry, ensuring year-round access to safe, nutritious food. Small-scale farmers play a pivotal role in this transformation, requiring support in the form of technology, secure land access, and market opportunities.
As we delve into the intricacies of these goals, it becomes evident that achieving them necessitates a collaborative effort involving governments, the private sector, civil society, and local communities. The journey towards a world free from poverty and hunger demands a commitment to sustainable practices, climate-resilient strategies, and an unwavering dedication to social and economic equality.
Goal 1 – No Poverty
The first Sustainable Development Goal aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger for all people everywhere by 2030. This involves reducing by at least half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty, as measured by people living on less than $1.25 a day.
Women in Poverty: Breaking the Chains of Inequality
Extreme poverty remains a daily reality for over 800 million people worldwide. Many lack access to adequate food, clean drinking water, sanitation, health care and social protection. Women are more likely to live in poverty than men, due to unequal access to paid work, education, and property.
To eradicate extreme poverty, inclusive economic growth must be promoted with a focus on creating opportunities for the poor. Social protection systems need to be implemented to help alleviate suffering and meet basic human needs. Food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture must also be prioritized. Developing countries require assistance through development aid, trade regimes focused on poverty reduction, and debt relief measures.
Comprehensive Approach: Pro-Poor Development Policies in Focus
The target is to eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, reducing by at least half the proportion of people living on less than $1.25 a day by 2030. This requires a comprehensive approach including pro-poor development policies, equal rights to economic resources
Ending hunger and malnutrition is a key focus of Goal 2. The aim is to ensure everyone has access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. This requires promoting sustainable agricultural practices that increase productivity and incomes for small-scale farmers.
Sustainable Agriculture: A Key to Zero Hunger and Climate Resilience
Specific targets under this goal include:
- By 2030, end hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food for all people all year round
- By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition and address nutritional needs of adolescents, pregnant women, lactating mothers and older persons
- By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through secure access to resources like land, technology and markets
- Maintain genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed/domesticated animals
- Increase investment in rural infrastructure, agricultural research for sustainable agriculture
Achieving zero hunger requires combined efforts from governments, private sector, civil society and local communities. Sustainable agriculture is key – using resources efficiently, reducing waste, improving soil health, minimizing use of chemicals and promoting biodiversity. Supporting small scale farmers with skills, technology and access to markets can boost productivity and growth. Food and nutritional security relies on promoting climate-resilient practices and equitable access to resources. Tackling hunger and malnutrition is imperative for building a sustainable world.
