Long-term hunger looms large for millions of people in Asia, unless governments invest heavily in agricultural production and put more money in the hands of the poor, says this report. The region is failing to deal with hunger because of an overemphasis on economic growth, it says. The UN estimates that 61 percent or 615 million of the world’s 923 million undernourished people are in Asian and Pacific nations, a staggering figure when considered against the robust growth rates seen in countries such as India and China. Over 50 percent of the world’s undernourished children are in South Asia, predominantly in rural areas. Asian policies of relentlessly pursuing high growth rates have failed to trickle down to the poorest, it seems.

More than 23 million could lose their jobs in Asia this year as the global financial crisis batters the region. The crisis could also slow rural-to-urban migration, with many facing the prospect of returning to low-paid agricultural jobs as factories and firms lay off workers. A dramatic increase in working poverty is projected. The projections carry with them a real risk that children may be forced to withdraw from school in order to work and support their families. The ILO says the substantial growth slowdown taking place is likely to lead to stagnant or falling real wages, with the potential for increased incidences of wage related disputes. The region is at the tipping point of seeing social unrest explode into the streets, as the jobless and marginalised demand greater government action. Migrant workers with short-term contracts as well as women working in small factories and firms are particularly vulnerable, says this report.

Survivors of Myanmar's devastating Cyclone Nargis nine months ago still need international aid to rebuild their lives, the United Nations said at the launch of a three-year recovery plan on Monday. This plan focuses on restoring livelihoods and housing through grants and microfinance, thanks to the cooperation of both the UN, the ASEAN and the Myanmar’s military junta. More donations are still necessary to help rebuild the hit areas, however it seems that the globally boycotted Myanmar government has already gained “a higher degree of confidence” in working with the international community. More here.

Desertification is threatening a vast area of the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien, with a corresponding loss of biodiversity and productive land for farming. A survey conducted by in the region extimates that 40 percent of land is degraded with much of the rest of it under threat. Much of the desertification has been caused by deforestation and drought and is now causing increases in levels of poverty amongst farmers. More here.