Assessing the Zero Hunger Target Readiness in Africa: Global Hunger Index (GHI) Patterns and its Indicators

Sustainable Development Goal 2 is hinged on achieving zero hunger target globally, by the year 2030. Many developing countries, especially African countries, are faced with extreme hunger often caused or compounded by bad governance, conflicts and climate change. In this paper, we assess Africa’s readiness towards attaining the zero hunger target by 2030 by comparing patterns of Global Hunger Index (GHI) scores and each of its indicators across Africa in 2000-2018 and proffer solutions that can help actualise the SDG 2 target by 2030. Most African countries have made significant and consistent progress in the reduction of child mortality rates from 2000 to 2018 but it was found that most African countries (except North Africans) have high prevalence of undernourishment, stunting and child wasting indicating that they are not making significant progress towards achieving zero hunger target. The study recommends that, in order to actualise the zero hunger target, each country should focus on making significant progress as regards the GHI scores and its indicators. Furthermore, African governments should give priority to fighting factors aggravating hunger in their societies including corruption, armed conflicts and extreme poverty.