Asean must protect South-East Asian people’s right to food

Securing the food supply: Farmers working on a paddy field in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, last year. — AFP

THE climate crisis is threatening South-East Asia’s ability to feed itself.

The 2024 South-East Asian Climate Outlook Survey, which collected responses from all 10 Asean states, reported that 70.1% of respondents experienced food insecurity, up from last year’s 59.8%, and attributed it to climate change, rising food prices and poor government policy.