The Hunger of Nations: An Empirical Study of Inter-relationships among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

The United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that more than 820 million people suffer from chronic undernourishment, and it identifies poverty as the principal cause of hunger. According to the World Bank, 767 million people live on less than $1.90 per day, i.e. below the international poverty line. Other causes of hunger include conflict, political instability, food and agricultural policies and climate change. To these causes, this paper adds gender inequality. The study uses regression analysis of secondary data to test the impact of gender inequality, income and environmental performance on the hunger of nations. Statistical results confirm interrelationships among several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Policy implications include a call to identify and address root causes of hunger and to adopt a long-term focus.