Political Causes Of Hunger

According to the U.S department of agriculture, more than 13 million families are unable to buy food at times. A big reason for food insecurity is the uncertainties of life and unexpected events like loss of job. Hunger is not just caused by the natural disasters or crisis but also due to political issues. Some of the political food security issues that affects the community are mentioned below.

Corporate control harms food security

Nowadays, food is treated as a product to gain profit from selling it rather than feeding people. Because of this reason, the community suffers. People buy food products made by large corporations grown on their lands, using seeds, pesticides and fertilizers from large companies. Corporate control on food has forced farmers out of business and off their land.

Until people get food security, hunger will remain the biggest product of the corporations that control the production and distribution of food.

Green Revolution farming methods

Since the green revolution, international agencies and food corporations committed that they can feed the world with improved seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. Over time, they have gained control on farms, lands, seed supplies, marketing and distribution systems. But, they have failed to end hunger and governments failed to end poverty.


Poor access to water

Small farmers do not get sufficient water supply for their crops, which leads to decreased production. It is important to manage soils and preserve water resources. Methods must be protected and promoted by governments agencies supporting people’s right to water.


Loss of land

The main problem behind food problem is that the most of the land is owned by a few people or corporations. Many small farmers are forced to leave their lands and migrate to the cities, or work in factories. They get deprived of land to grow their own food and money to buy it. They become victims of hunger and malnutrition.

If these issues are solved, no child will go to bed hungry.

5 Ways to Control World Hunger

Many individuals are working to find one or more methods that will solve the world's hunger problem and may be produce more food. It is necessary to know that hunger the result of poverty and poverty is not easy to tackle.

Hunger problems are not emerging due to the lack of food, but because people do not have enough money or resources to purchase food. Unequal distribution of food is another factor in this. However, here are some methods through which hunger problems can be controlled.

Education: The most important step in solving these issues is to get people educated regarding it. The causes of food shortage are diverse and widespread throughout the developing world. The most common causes are severe drought, land grabbing and exploitation on a monumental scale.

One should learn these factors as well as about the climate change that causes major disasters in countries and affects food production.
   
Donate: How can we stop world hunger with money? You can give some monetary contribution, so that those in need can get the crucial technology needed to provide some fertility in arid land and increase food production.
   
Enable: You can make a difference in the lives of those affected by chronic starvation, by providing funds. If population is struggling to make a living, then investment in the local economy can be an effective way to help them.   

Partnership: If you run a local charity, and would like to expand your reach, then get in touch with those who are looking forward to it. Partnerships make your campaign stronger.

Volunteer: Getting involved directly to end world hunger can be a little daunting. So, you can start from a lower level and choose to be a volunteer. You can provide essential support to the organizations that are helping people suffering from hunger issues all around the world.

You can also speak to the people who are already engaged in the volunteer work and providing aid to those in need to get to know more about volunteering.

Although, there has been a tremendous progress in this direction, there are still many who do not get enough food to live a healthy life. To achieve the complete end of hunger and poverty from world,  everyone’s help and support is needed.

Why Immediate Response After A Disaster Is Important To Defeat Hunger Issues?

Natural disasters are one of the major factors behind increasing world hunger issues. And, the world hunger organizations all around the globe also believe in immediate response when a natural disaster hits a region. But, why is this immediate response important? How can it make a difference in the fight against world hunger?

Here are the details that describe how immediate response after a disaster can play an important role in ending hunger problems.

Complete emergency food needs – When a disaster strikes a region, many people lose their food source and become a victim of hunger. Depending on a disaster’s severeness, it can be days, weeks or even months before their food sources are restored. During this period, these people can become a victim of malnutrition. However, with the emergency response, this problem can be solved.

Focus on those who are in most need – In a natural disaster like flood, earthquake and draught, children and women suffer the most. If attention is not paid to the children and the pregnant women, they can fall victim of malnourishment. In children, it can affect their growth and in many unfortunate cases, may even lead to death.

In pregnant women, it can affect both their own and their child’s health. But, immediate response can overcome this problem and hundreds of lives can be saved.

To reduce the threat of poverty – A natural disaster can cause severe damage to properties and businesses. Many people lose their jobs and businesses due to these catastrophes. The loss of income and its source can lead to poverty if appropriate actions are not taken on time. And, poverty is one of the major factors in hunger problems.

Immediate response is essential to reduce the threat of poverty in a disaster hit area. It is necessary to respond to disasters and complete food shortages, so that the survivors can focus on standing up and trying again to regain their lives and future.

Reasons For Hunger In The World

To lead a health active life, it is important to consume good nutritious food. Unfortunately, approx. 795 million people in the world do not get enough food to lead a healthy life.

According to stats, the world produces food for entire global population of 7 billion people, yet, one person in nine goes to bed hungry each night.

There are many reasons that lead to hunger problem, which are as follows-

Poverty trap

People below poverty line are the ones who go to bed hungry every night. Serving nutritious food is a distant dream for them, when they can’t even afford two meals a day for their families.

In developing countries, farmers do not have money to buy seeds that could be used to plant crops for their families. Hence, poverty is the reason that is increasing the number of hungry people.

Lack of investment in agriculture

Countries that lack in agricultural infrastructure such as enough roads, warehouses, and irrigation are facing hunger problem. This is because improper infrastructure leads to high transport costs, lack of storage facilities and unreliable water supplies, which affects the agriculture process.

Hence, improving the land by using water more efficiently and planting seed will bring good improvements. According to the research by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, investment in agriculture helps reduce poverty.

Climate and weather

Natural disasters such as floods, storms, and lack of rain, spoil agriculture that leads to food shortages in the world. In 2011, natural disaster in parts of Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya caused massive crop failure. In 2012, similar situation occurred in the Sahel region of West Africa.

War and displacement

War is another reason that disrupts farming and food production. This is because people have to flee from their homes and land. Subsequently, this leads to hunger emergencies.

Price hike of food items

Unstable price of food products puts food out of reach for people who are below the poverty line. This also affects the nutrition factor as rise in prices of food makes consumers opt for cheaper and less-nutritious food products.

To bring an end to this, many hunger organizations are working in this field. They provide food to needy people and spread awareness regarding food nutrition.

Why Developing Countries Are More Affected With Hunger Issues?

World hunger cannot be considered just one nation’s problem. It is an issue that is affecting lives worldwide. But, it is also a fact that it affects developing countries more than the developed nations. Most malnourished people live in African regions (like Niger and Ethiopia), other countries in Asia.

But, why? Why developing countries suffer more than developed ones when it comes to hunger issues? What makes them more prone to these problems?

Here are the reasons –

Poverty – Poverty is one of the biggest factors behind hunger issues. Family or individuals who cannot afford food are more likely to suffer malnourishment. It is a well-known fact that population in most developing countries suffers from poverty. It makes them more prone to malnourishment since they cannot afford nourishing food. Many times, this population comprises of farmers who play important role in food production.

But, many of these farmers do not own any land to grow crops. It affects their financial status as they work on others’ land but still cannot afford food. No other resources or source of income worsens their situation. Malnourished children of these families are usually unable to live a healthy life, which affects their financial status. Malnourished mothers may give birth to underweight children. Unfortunately, it becomes an unbreakable cycle of poverty and malnourishment.

Low investment rate on agriculture – In developing nations, low investment rate in agriculture also affects the hunger issue. Small farmers are unable to acquire sources like storage, irrigation, agricultural equipment, land management etc., for their crops. If affects food production adversely. Lack of appropriate irrigation resources and aspects like storage can lead to shortage of food supplies.

Still developing infrastructure – These countries have a still developing infrastructure, which affects the overall food production. Natural disasters like draughts can worsen the situation for government that is already struggling with food management and sovereignty.

As mentioned above, developing countries are more prone to the dangers of hunger. However, it is essential to take necessary steps to end world hunger. Whether it’s a developed nation or a still developing one, proper actions should be taken, so that no one sleeps hungry anywhere in the world.

How Planting Trees Can Help In Ending World Hunger?

Over the years, many solutions have been suggested by experts to end hunger worldwide. It includes food sovereignty, giving attention to small farmers, focus on underfed children, food justice, and more. Planting trees is one of these solutions that aim to ending world hunger.

But, how planting trees can help in eliminating the issue of world hunger? Answer is –

It plays an important part in food production – Trees can play a major role in food production. One can get healthy fruits from woods, which are an essential source of nutrients. Even those people who cannot afford other eatables can get fruits from nearby forests. Seasonal fruits can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is an effective method of ending hunger.

There are many communities worldwide who heavily depend on forests for their food. In addition, forests are also a source of products like honey, seeds, gum Arabic and more. They can be a source of eatables even in the difficult times like draught.

It has a major effect on global environment – It is a well-known fact that trees and forests have a major effect on the global environment.
 They can help in reducing global warming, which is causing many natural disasters all around the world. These disasters affect food production and cause shortage of food. Forests can be helpful in preventing natural disasters like flooding, which ruins the crops of many farmers.

Trees help in absorbing water in soil effectively removing excess water from the surface and reducing the chances of flood. For poor farmers, it provides a chance to save their crops and increase food production. It helps in nearing the goal of ending hunger.

It helps in preserving essential resources – Trees can help in preserving essential resources like wood, and more. People who cannot afford other resources can depend on forests to provide resources like firewood and fruits. Furthermore, trees help in preserving ground water by absorbing it during rain. One can use this water for crops and drinking. In draughts, these water resources save many lives.

Many people sell forest products to earn money. It includes products like gum Arabic, seeds, fruits, honey etc. It can help in improving their financial situation, so that they can afford food.

However, just one solution or method alone cannot end world hunger. All methods should be used together for this purpose. Focus on small farmers and malnourished generations along with planting trees can get desired results.

What Are The Causes Of Hunger And Ways To Prevent It?

Hunger is scarcity of food in a country. In technical term, it is also referred as malnutrition (effects of not having good nutritious food) which leads to deficiency in body. Adverse effects of malnutrition even cause death.

Following are few micro nutrients deficiencies that lead to malnutrition-

• Iron
• Vitamin A
• Iodine
• Calcium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Protein

The cause behind hunger or malnutrition is a fundamental question. Following are few facts that states reason behind hunger-

Poverty- Lack of resources in a family or unequal income distribution leads to poverty, which ends up causing hunger. According to World Bank statistics, over 1 billion poor people in developing countries are under poverty line. Subsequently, this has increased hunger amongst many poor people.

Conflict between countries- Conflicts worldwide affects many people that lead to increase in the number of hunger. The Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) estimates that more than 172 million people are affected because of conflict between the countries. Conflicts as a cause of hunger also increase higher death rate.

World population- Increasing population is the major cause behind hunger as not all can get a decent standard of living.

Climate change- Increasing drought, flooding, and changing climatic conditions spoil crops. This is another principal cause of hunger and increased death rate.

Food and agricultural policy- Government policies regarding food and agriculture has affected many lives of farmers and forced them to live a life below poverty line. Hence, it has also lead to increase in the number of deaths because of hunger.

Harmful economic systems- Economic and political system amongst various countries in the world is an underlying cause of poverty and hunger.
From the above stated reasons, you must have got an idea what are the key factors that lead to hunger.

These factors are affecting generations to come. A malnourished mother suffering from hunger gives birth to a malnutrition child that suffers from mental or growth problem.

To bring an end to this many world hunger organization have taken an initiative to educate people and children about the importance of nutrition diet.

In addition to it, organization provides nutritious food to everyone, which helps prevent people from any of deficiency or disease. Conclusion to all this is that end of poverty, bad climate condition, government rules and more can end hunger.

What Is Malnutrition And Various Facts Associated With It?

Poor nutrition causes deficiency in children’s body that lead to nearly half of deaths and approx.795 million people in the world are malnourished.

People when starve or not get nourished food suffer from malnutrition. Food should contain proper amounts of micro nutrients – vitamins, minerals and more, which are necessity of body.

People facing malnourishment often find difficulty in physical activities, growth, and development of body. For pregnant women malnutrition causes risk in their pregnancy.

Disease and malnutrition are associated with each other. Result of malnutrition can also cause even death. According to the UN's Standing Committee on Nutrition (SCN), malnutrition is the biggest reason behind increasing number of diseases in the world.

Types of malnutrition that becomes the major cause of death every year-

Iron deficiency- This is most commonly found in millions of people worldwide. Iron in body plays an important role of carrying oxygen in the blood. Deficiency of iron leads to tiredness in doing work. Cognitive development in children is also hampered because of the deficiency of iron. According to UNICEF report, approx. 40-60 percent of children aging 6-24 months are suffering from Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency.

Vitamin A- Deficiency of vitamin A increases risk of diarrhea, measles, and malaria. It can also further lead to death. Approx. 20-24 percent of people are suffering from vitamin A malnutrition. According to statistics, 140 million children going to preschool and seven million plus pregnant women suffer from child blindness.

Iodine deficiency- Malnutrition of iodine causes thyroid gland called a goiter, which has affected 780 million people worldwide. It has also caused adverse effects on the brain because for proper brain development iodine is must in body. According to researches, 20 million children are suffering from this deficiency. Pregnant women give birth to children with mental issues like mental retardation and physical stunting because they did not consume enough iodine.

Zinc deficiency- It affects growth and weakens immune system in children. It may also cause higher risk of diarrhea and pneumonia. According to reports, nearly 800,000 deaths per year caused because of Zinc deficiency.

To end hunger worldwide, many organizations have taken world hunger solutions. They ensure children get proper nutrition and proper education.

How Forests Can Help In Ending World Hunger?

World hunger is a grave issue for which various solutions are being explored. Focus on ending child hunger, supporting small farmers, and ending poverty are some of the major solutions in the fight against hunger. But, forests are the aspects that are usually discounted.
People may not realize but forests could be the key to end world hunger. How? Answer is –

By supporting farmers and poor people – It is a well-known fact that small farmers profoundly depend on the natural resources including woodlands. Tree based farming provides better protection against the harsh weather conditions effectively protecting crops. It increases the food production and supports small farmers.

People who cannot afford other fuels like liquid petroleum gas (LPG gas) depend on wood fuels. Forests also help poor individuals in earning some capital. Many people sell various forest products such as oils, fruits etc., to get some extra income. This extra income helps in decreasing and eventually ending poverty, which is one of the major aspects in world hunger. Not being able to afford nutritious food is the probably the biggest reason behind world hunger.

By providing nutritious food options – You may not realize but woodlands also provide various nutritious food options such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, honey and more. Local people consume these options in their daily diet and get numerous nutrients. In case of a natural calamity like drought, these diet options become very essential for people.

By sheltering wild life including various food sources – Woodlands also provide shelter to wild life in which many are used as a food source.

It includes fishes and animals that are used for completing meat requirements of diet. It completes the nutrients requirements including fats, protein and more. All these diet options increase the overall nutrition level for an individual. It also keeps the animal balance in forests while local people get food to eat without spending money.

By providing feed for cattle – Many cattle farmers or small farmers with few cattle depend on forests for animals’ feed. Woodlands provide enough silage to feed their animals, which are an essential source of milk and other products. Waste of these animals is also used to produce biofuel, which reduces the financial burden on an individual.

As mentioned above, woodlands can play a major role in ending hunger worldwide. Natural resources like these may be the key to ending hunger.

How Organic Farming Can Contribute In The World Hunger Relief?

Malnutrition and hunger remains to be one of the serious issues throughout the world. Once you look at the world hunger statics, you will realize that millions of people around the globe do not have sufficient food to lead a healthy active standard of living. However, different organizations and groups are putting their efforts to find the best possible solution to future food security. 

Among all available solutions, organic farming can be a reliable option. The main idea of the organic farming is to grow food with the help of natural resources while keeping them intact and pollution free. To understand the role of organic farming in the world hunger end or relief, go through the factors given below-

• Numbers of studies have revealed that organic techniques can provide much more food compared to conventional chemical-based agriculture. Hence, it can help us meet the need of growing food.

• These techniques are especially beneficial for the areas that lack money, machinery and fossil fuels for industrial approaches, as it is based on traditional techniques that are less resource oriented. 

• Organic farming does not contaminate the air, water, and land just like conventional farming. Hence, it produces long-term additional benefits, as it preserves and builds up the soil instead of depleting it.

• Organic farming also keeps the soil fertilized for longer period, which means that farmers can utilize the land for longer duration of time. On the other hand, it also boosts the local biodiversity.

At the end, we can say that there are no reasons to say no or ignore the organic farming. Apart from its importance in ending the world hunger, it can also reduces the risk of aliments like cancer, heart related issues, etc. Therefore, it is essential for all of us to raise our voice to ensure that organic farming gets the required attention all over the globe.