Author: Lisa Michelutto Saturday, August 31st, 2024
Country: Italy
SUMMARY
Hunger remains a critical global issue, driven by poverty, conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Despite technological and agricultural advances, millions still face food insecurity, with countries like Namibia resorting to drastic measures, such as culling animals, to combat severe drought and hunger. This highlights the enduring challenge of addressing hunger, especially in regions severely affected by environmental and economic crises.
BACKGROUND
One of humanity's most important and enduring problems is hunger. Millions of people worldwide still experience daily hunger despite notable advances in technology, agriculture, and global economic growth.
Key Causes of Global Hunger
1. Poverty
The biggest underlying cause of hunger is poverty. Impoverished people frequently do not have enough money to buy food, access healthcare, or find steady work. Economic disparity worsens this problem in many emerging nations, depriving vast swaths of access to basic needs.
2. Conflict and Instability
Food production is disrupted, communities are uprooted, and obstacles to food distribution are created by armed conflicts and political instability. Food shortages are a common occurrence in war-torn areas due to the breakdown of agricultural systems, disruption of markets, and impediment to international relief.
3. Climate Change
Climate change is another important factor impacting global food security. Droughts, floods, and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and severe, damaging crops and disrupting food supplies. Additionally, changing climate patterns are altering growing seasons and affecting the availability of water, further threatening food production.
4. Economic Factors
It may be challenging for some people to afford a healthy diet due to global economic instability, which includes inflation, trade interruptions, and increased food prices. For example, the COVID-19 epidemic significantly disrupted economies, increasing unemployment and food shortages in many regions of the world.
The case of Namibia
All this information is not new, of course. Hunger is a problem that has been affecting humanity since it existed. However, no major changes and impactful advancements have appeared in this matter, especially in some areas of the world. Some countries are more affected by this critical issue and countries that are less impacted.Namibia, for example, is struggling enormously. To solve this issue, the Ministry of the Environment, Forests, and Tourism declared they would cull 700 animals to feed inhabitants. They specified that those animals will be chosen by areas that hold a “sustainable number of game” and they will be culled by professional hunters. Is this right? Is this wrong? This is a decision that can be seen as wrong however, the country is facing such a severe drought (the worst in the last century) that the authorities see no other solution possible to alleviate the impact on people. Namibia declared a state of emergency in May already and 1,4 million people have come to terms with food insecurity.
REFERENCES
Redazione ANSA (August 29th, 2024). La Namibia vuole abbattere oltre 700 animali selvatici. ANSA. https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/mondo/africa/2024/08/29/la-namibia-vuole-abbattere-oltre-700-animali-selvatici_c9dd95a9-bb92-4996-885d-0055867e7e26.html
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