Achieving Zero Hunger under Sustainable Development Goals Concerning Organic Agriculture

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were formulated to accomplish highly required overall human development without depleting the environment for future generations. Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) aims for “Zero Hunger” with eight associated targets. These associated targets set in motion the overall development of agriculture that provides healthy food and raises the living standard of smallholder farmers while maintaining the natural base. SDG2 and other SDGs are intertwined, and achieving SDG2 targets will help accomplish other goals that have been weakening due to climate change, carbon emission, excessive use of chemicals, droughts, locust attacks, and pandemics. The essence of achieving SDG2 is directly linked to food production and access. The current food production based on conventional farming harms the environment and is unsustainable in the long run. Thus, the need for an alternative food production system that ensures sustainable development is emphasized. Organic farming is a food production system based on agroecological principles and promotes sustainable development. We reviewed the role of the present organic farming as a food production system to achieve SDG2. We analyzed the four targets of SDG2 and assessed whether organic farming can achieve the sub-targets of SDG2. Besides food security, organic farming ensures economic viability for small farmers, provides nutritious food and promotes biodiversity. Innovative research, practices, stakeholder partnerships, and a comprehensive framework are recommended.