Global hunger: causes, statistics, and the crisis in Afghanistan

¶ … Hunger

The number of people in the world said to suffer from chronic hunger is estimated to be 1.02 billion by the United Nations Food and agriculture Organization. This works out to about one in seven people or 13.6% of the world's population. More than 62% of these people live in Asia and the Pacific, while 26% live in Sub-Saharan Africa, 6% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 4% in the Near East and North Africa, and 2% in developed countries ("2012 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statisics" (2011).

Causes of Hunger

The principal cause of hunger is poverty. Poverty is the result of an individual's lack of resources unequal income distribution in the world and within specific countries, conflict and hunger itself. The World Bank estimates that 1,345 million people in developing countries live on $1.25 a day or less. The chief under lying cause of poverty and hunger is the ordinary operation of the economic and political systems in the world. For all intents and purposes control over resources and income is based on military, political and economic power is in the hands of a minority who live well while a significant number struggled ("2012 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statisics" 2011).

Another source of hunger and poverty is conflict. During the last three years there has been a significant increase in the number of refugees due primarily to the disturbances in Iraq and Somalia. Currently there are approximately 36 million displaced people throughout the world. Hunger is also a source of poverty and thus a cause of hunger. By causing poor health, low levels of energy, and even mental impairment, hunger can lead to even greater poverty by reducing people's ability to work and learn, thus leading to even greater hunger. Finally climate change is increasingly becoming a seen as a current and future cause of hunger and poverty. Increasing drought, flooding, and changing climatic patterns requiring a shift in crops and farming practices that may not be easily accomplished are three key issues ("2012 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statisics" 2011).

Conclusion

The world produces enough food to feed everyone. World agriculture produces 17% more calories per person today than it did 30 years ago, despite a 70% population increase. This is enough to provide everyone in the world with at least 2,720 kilocalories (kcal) per person per day ("2012 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statisics" 2011). Sadly, the problem is that many people in the world do not have sufficient land to grow, or income to purchase, enough food.