Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? 1. Undernourishment 2. Child stunting 3. Child mortality Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Contents16
- A1 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1, 2 and 3
- D1 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (C) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) by IFPRI uses FOUR indicators - all three mentioned are included:
- UNDERNOURISHMENT - proportion of population with insufficient caloric intake
- CHILD WASTING - children under 5 with low weight for height (acute undernutrition)
- CHILD STUNTING - children under 5 with low height for age (chronic undernutrition)
- CHILD MORTALITY - death rate of children under 5
Since the question lists undernourishment, child stunting, and child mortality, all three are correct GHI indicators.
GHI Categories:
- 0-9.9 (Low)
- 10-19.9 (Moderate)
- 20-34.9 (Serious)
- 35-49.9 (Alarming)
- 50+ (Extremely Alarming)
Key distinction: GHI is by IFPRI (not FAO or WHO). Don't confuse with Global Food Security Index (Economist Intelligence Unit).
The Global Hunger Index uses four specific indicators to measure hunger across countries, making it a comprehensive assessment tool that UPSC frequently tests.
IFPRI releases this report annually with country rankings, so students must distinguish it from other hunger-related indices by FAO or WHO.
The question tests whether students know the exact methodology behind GHI rather than just knowing it exists.
Global Hunger Index (GHI)
Indian Economy Global Hunger Index IFPRI undernourishment child stunting child mortality
Global Hunger Index: IFPRI's Four Indicators & Scoring
IFPRI publishes Global Hunger Index annually using 4 indicators
All three options (undernourishment, child stunting, child mortality) are GHI indicators
GHI scores: 0-9.9 Low, 20-34.9 Serious, 50+ Extremely Alarming
India typically ranks in 100+ position among 120+ countries
What is GHI
The Global Hunger Index is an annual report by IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute) that measures hunger and malnutrition worldwide. It combines multiple nutrition indicators into a single score to track progress and identify crisis regions.
Four GHI Indicators
Indicator | What it Measures | Population Affected | Weight in GHI |
|---|---|---|---|
Undernourishment | Insufficient caloric intake | Total population | 1/3 |
Child Wasting | Low weight-for-height (acute) | Children under 5 | 1/6 |
Child Stunting | Low height-for-age (chronic) | Children under 5 | 1/3 |
Child Mortality | Death rate | Children under 5 | 1/6 |
GHI Score Categories
Score Range | Severity Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
0-9.9 | Low | Minimal hunger |
10-19.9 | Moderate | Some concern |
20-34.9 | Serious | Requires attention |
35-49.9 | Alarming | Crisis situation |
50+ | Extremely Alarming | Emergency |
India's GHI Performance
India consistently ranks 100+ among 120+ countries in recent GHI reports
Child stunting is India's worst-performing indicator (over 30% children affected)
India's GHI score places it in Serious hunger category
Kerala and Punjab perform better than national average in nutrition indicators
Trap: IFPRI publishes GHI, not FAO or WHO
Trap: GHI has 4 indicators total - question lists 3 correct ones plus unlisted child wasting
Trap: Don't confuse with Global Food Security Index by Economist Intelligence Unit
Trap: Child stunting (chronic) vs child wasting (acute) - both are GHI indicators
Malnutrition Indicators
Indian Economy undernourishment child stunting child mortality
Malnutrition Indicators: Definitions & Measurement
Undernourishment = insufficient calories for basic energy needs
Stunting = chronic malnutrition (height-for-age), wasting = acute malnutrition (weight-for-height)
Child mortality reflects overall health system and nutrition status
Key Malnutrition Indicators
Indicator | Technical Definition | What it Shows | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
Undernourishment | Caloric intake below minimum energy requirement | Food access & availability | Current |
Child Stunting | Height-for-age below -2 standard deviations | Chronic malnutrition effects | Long-term |
Child Wasting | Weight-for-height below -2 standard deviations | Acute malnutrition | Short-term |
Child Mortality | Deaths per 1000 live births (under-5) | Overall health system | Outcome measure |
Why These Matter
Stunting is irreversible after age 2 - reflects long-term development failure
Wasting indicates crisis - children need immediate intervention
Undernourishment captures adult population, not just children
Child mortality includes deaths from malnutrition-related diseases
India Context
India has high stunting rates (35%+ children under 5) but improving child mortality. NFHS-5 shows gradual improvement in wasting but stunting remains stubbornly high, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP.
Trap: Stunting (chronic) vs wasting (acute) - don't interchange
Trap: Undernourishment covers all ages, not just children
Trap: Child mortality includes all deaths under 5, not just malnutrition deaths
IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute)
Indian Economy IFPRI
IFPRI: Mandate, Location & Key Publications
IFPRI = International Food Policy Research Institute, founded 1975
Headquarters in Washington DC, publishes Global Hunger Index
Part of CGIAR consortium of agricultural research centers
About IFPRI
IFPRI is a leading research institute focusing on food security, agriculture, and nutrition policies. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Washington DC, it conducts evidence-based research to inform policy decisions in developing countries.
Key IFPRI Publications
Global Hunger Index (annual) - measures hunger and malnutrition worldwide
Global Food Policy Report - reviews major food policy developments
Food Security Portal - provides data and analysis on food security
Research on climate change impacts on agriculture and food systems
IFPRI & India
Has country office in New Delhi focusing on South Asia research
Collaborates with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Studies India's food security programs like PDS and MGNREGA
Provides policy recommendations on agricultural productivity and nutrition
Trap: IFPRI publishes GHI, not FAO (Food & Agriculture Organization)
Trap: IFPRI is research institute, not UN agency like WHO or UNICEF
Trap: Don't confuse with ICRISAT or other CGIAR centers
Global Hunger & Food Security Indices
Indian Economy
Major Global Indices: Hunger, Food Security & Nutrition
GHI by IFPRI measures hunger, GFSI by EIU measures food security
FAO publishes State of Food Security reports, WHO tracks nutrition targets
India performs poorly on hunger indices but better on food availability
Major Food & Nutrition Indices
Index | Publisher | Focus | India's Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
Global Hunger Index | IFPRI | Hunger & malnutrition | 100+ rank (Serious) |
Global Food Security Index | Economist Intelligence Unit | Food affordability & availability | 70-80 rank (Moderate) |
State of Food Security | FAO/WHO/UNICEF | Undernourishment trends | High undernourishment |
Global Nutrition Report | Independent experts | Nutrition targets progress | Off-track on most targets |
Key Differences
GHI focuses on outcomes (stunting, mortality) while GFSI focuses on inputs (availability, affordability)
FAO reports are collaborative UN efforts, GHI is independent research
Global Nutrition Report tracks SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) progress specifically
GFSI includes food safety and natural resources sustainability
Trap: GHI = IFPRI, GFSI = Economist Intelligence Unit - don't mix publishers
Trap: Both measure food issues but GHI = hunger outcomes, GFSI = food system inputs
Trap: FAO's State of Food Security is different from IFPRI's Global Hunger Index