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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Food Insecurity Problems
Food insecurity is a major global challenge affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite advances in agricultural technology and food production, many communities struggle to access sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life.
Key Definitions:
• Approximately 828 million people face hunger globally
• 2.3 billion people are moderately or severely food insecure
• 45% of deaths in children under 5 are linked to undernutrition
• Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of food insecurity
• Most severe in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
• Growing concerns in conflict zones (Yemen, Syria, South Sudan)
• Present in wealthy nations among vulnerable populations
• Rural areas typically more affected than urban centres
Food insecurity stems from complex, interconnected factors that vary by region. Understanding these causes is essential for developing effective solutions.
• Climate change and extreme weather events
• Drought and water scarcity
• Soil degradation and desertification
• Natural disasters (floods, hurricanes)
• Pests and diseases affecting crops
• Poverty and income inequality
• Rising food prices
• Market volatility
• Lack of infrastructure
• Limited access to credit for farmers
• Conflict and political instability
• Poor governance
• Inadequate agricultural policies
• Land ownership issues
• Trade restrictions
The world's population continues to grow rapidly, placing increasing pressure on food production systems. Thomas Malthus theorised that population growth would outpace food production, leading to widespread hunger. While technological advances have helped increase food production, distribution challenges and environmental limits remain significant concerns.
• World population reached 8 billion in 2022
• Projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050
• Food production must increase by 60% to meet demand
• Arable land per person decreasing globally
• Urbanisation reducing agricultural land availability
• Limited new land available for agriculture
• Water scarcity affecting irrigation potential
• Climate change reducing crop yields in many regions
• Soil fertility declining in intensive farming areas
• Diminishing returns from fertiliser applications
Food insecurity has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond hunger, affecting health, education, economic development and social stability.
Food insecurity creates a cycle of poverty and ill health that can span generations. Children are particularly vulnerable, with malnutrition during critical developmental periods causing lifelong consequences.
• Stunted growth in children
• Weakened immune systems
• Increased susceptibility to disease
• Maternal and infant mortality
• Reduced cognitive development
• Poor concentration in school
• Higher absenteeism
• Lower educational attainment
• Migration and displacement
• Social unrest and conflict
• Gender inequality (women often eat last)
• Breakdown of community structures
Food insecurity creates significant economic costs through reduced productivity, increased healthcare expenses and lost human potential. Countries with high levels of food insecurity often struggle to develop economically.
Ethiopia has faced recurring food insecurity challenges due to a combination of factors:
Impacts: During the 2015-16 drought, over 10 million people required food assistance. Child malnutrition rates exceeded 40% in some regions. School attendance dropped by 20% in affected areas as children joined parents in searching for food and water.
Responses: The Ethiopian government established the Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) in 2005, which provides food and cash transfers to vulnerable households in exchange for community work. This has helped reduce the impact of food insecurity for over 8 million Ethiopians.
While food insecurity is often associated with developing countries, it also exists in more economically developed countries (MEDCs), though in different forms and for different reasons.
• 9% of UK households experienced food insecurity in 2021
• Food bank usage increased by 128% over five years
• Main causes include low income, benefit delays and rising living costs
• 'Food deserts' exist in some urban areas with limited access to fresh, affordable food
• Single-parent households and disabled people at highest risk
• 10.2% of US households were food insecure in 2021
• Higher rates among Black and Hispanic households
• Rural areas often face higher rates than urban areas
• 'Food swamps' with abundance of unhealthy fast food but limited fresh options
• Obesity and food insecurity often coexist due to reliance on cheap, calorie-dense foods
Tackling food insecurity requires a multi-faceted approach addressing immediate needs while building long-term resilience. Solutions must be tailored to specific contexts and involve stakeholders at all levels.
• Emergency food aid
• Food banks and soup kitchens
• Cash transfers to vulnerable households
• School feeding programmes
• Nutrition supplements for pregnant women and children
• Improved seed varieties
• Farmer training programmes
• Irrigation development
• Food storage facilities
• Market access improvements
• Sustainable farming practices
• Climate change adaptation
• Land reform policies
• Gender equality in agriculture
• Investment in agricultural research
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Cuba lost its main trading partner and source of agricultural inputs. Food availability plummeted, with daily calorie intake dropping by 30%. The government responded with an innovative approach to urban agriculture:
Results: By 2013, Havana was producing over 50% of its fresh vegetables within the city limits. The programme created 350,000 new agricultural jobs. Food security improved significantly, with fresh produce available at affordable prices in urban areas.
Lessons: This case demonstrates how urban agriculture can contribute to food security, particularly in times of crisis, while also creating jobs and improving urban environments.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognise the critical importance of addressing food insecurity. SDG 2 specifically aims to "End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture" by 2030.
Key targets include:
Progress towards these goals requires coordinated action at global, national and local levels, with particular attention to the most vulnerable populations and regions.
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