Nepal is a developing country, where significant portions of the population suffer from undernutrition. This has an adverse impact on their overall wellbeing

Kathmandu, September 24

A report released by the government this week details how food insecurity and undernutrition are affecting the people of Nepal.

The report ‘Small Area Estimation of Food Insecurity and Undernutrition in Nepal’ provides insights into food poverty, stunting and low levels of calorie intake with detailed analysis of Nepal’s latest population census, as well as national living standards and demographic and health surveys.

Statistics are presented in maps that show different human development indicators at the area and district level.

“Nepal is a developing country, where significant portions of the population still suffer from food insecurity and undernutrition. This has an adverse impact on their overall well-being and capacity to reach their full potential,” said Dr Govind Raj Pokharel, vice-chairman of National Planning Commission.

“By knowing where the food insecure and malnourished are, I believe we can more effectively meet their specific needs through our prosperity enhancing and other development programmes, as well as our public health and nutrition interventions.”

The report was jointly prepared by National Planning Commission, Central Bureau of Statistics, UN World Food Programme, World Bank, UNICEF and Massey University, New Zealand.

“This report is an important tool that will help us focus attention on those areas that have yet to achieve the target for the Millennium Development Goals,” said Pippa Bradford, country director, WFP, Nepal. “It will highlight where our efforts should be directed as we move forward with the new Sustainable Development Goals for Nepal.”