NEWS & EVENTS

As we chart our path of development, ensuring food security and nutrition for every citizen stands as a critical concern. In tackling this complex challenge, collaboration emerges as a pivotal foundation for crafting effective solutions. One of the primary hurdles confronting Bhutan is the triple burden of malnutrition. From undernourishment to micronutrient deficiencies and obesity, addressing this multifaceted issue demands a comprehensive approach. By fostering collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, community organisations, and the private sector, we can pool resources and expertise to promote dietary diversity, improve access to nutritious foods, and raise awareness about healthy eating habits. Securing access to nutritious foods, especially in remote and rural regions, continues to be an ongoing struggle. Factors such as limited agricultural output, inadequate infrastructure, and economic limitations exacerbate this challenge. Collaborative approaches, like bolstering local food producers, advocating for sustainable agricultural methods, and fortifying food distribution networks, have the potential to amplify the availability and accessibility of nutritious foods, leaving no one marginalised. Climate change poses yet another significant threat to food security, demanding urgent attention due to its adverse effects on agricultural productivity, water availability, and food production systems. Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, research institutions, and international organisations, we can develop climate-resilient agricultural practices, adaptation strategies, and early warning systems to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on food security. In addition to climate change, limited awareness and education about nutrition exacerbate the challenge. By implementing nutrition education programmes in schools, conducting community outreach initiatives, and launching media campaigns, we can empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed dietary choices and adopt healthy lifestyle practices. Addressing food waste and loss along the supply chain is crucial. Approaches involving government, businesses, and civil society can promote efficient food storage and distribution systems, implement food recovery and redistribution programmes, and raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts of food waste. Despite resource constraints, collaborative partnerships offer a pathway to mobilise additional resources, technical expertise, and innovative solutions. By leveraging the collective efforts of development partners and the private sector, we can scale up initiatives and address gaps in service delivery, ultimately advancing food security and nutrition for all.