Hunger in Africa- Causes, consequences, and solutions

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When it comes to Africa, many people relate it to being poor, undeveloped, and largely unknown. What many people do not know is the specific challenges plaguing the continent. One challenge that remains endemic is that of hunger. All across Africa, there are more than 200 million people facing starvation. In fact, in countries like war-torn Somalia, more than 200,000 people have starved to death. To save people from this catastrophe, we have to help people in need with a small contribution that can help transform their lives.

Causes of Hunger in Africa

Poverty

This is both a cause and effect of a vicious cycle, where people are pushed into poverty and find it hard to come out of it due to hunger and its effects. Food insecurity due to failed crops, drought, and famine complicates the situation and adds to poverty. Across Africa, countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria have many people who face poverty due to circumstances not in their control. This directly results in hunger and food insecurity which hampers children’s growth and leads to malnutrition and stunting.

Gender inequality

In many poor families, the first preference for food is given to the children and men. Women get lesser or no food for their subsistence. Studies have shown how proper food supplies to women help in the overall health of the family. Yet, women get a raw deal of food even as they are the ones who work in the fields the most. The best way to feed the hungry is to give women their fair share of food.

AIDS

Mostly prevalent in Southern Africa, about six million people are suffering from AIDS. This makes them too sick for agricultural and other work. This eventually results in poverty considering that the AIDS-affected cannot even leave their homes due to their conditions.

Lack of infrastructure

Ironically, even in those countries where there is plenty of food you will find people who are hungry and malnourished. The main reason here is the lack of transport and infrastructure to get the food from the farm to the hands of the needy. Across Africa, countries do not have the physical infrastructure needed to get food to the hands of the poor. Roads and railways aren’t of the best quality here. Food distributed by governments, too, does not reach the poor due to corruption and red tape.

Unfair trading structures

Developed countries subsidize food production in their respective countries. These food products are exported to poor African countries, where cheap food in urban areas is no match for locally grown food. Expensive food produce is one reason why the poor cannot afford it.

Consequences of hunger in Africa

Almost half of all childhood deaths can be indirectly attributed to hunger. Tens of thousands of children across Sub-Saharan Africa are barely surviving without enough food to eat. This results in a host of consequences-

Malnutrition

Due to inadequate intake of food, children develop malnutrition and stunted growth where their bodies do not develop the way they should. In severe cases, acute malnutrition can lead to death in a few days. Stunted children do not grow the way they should and look younger than what other children their age should look like.

Other diseases

Due to malnutrition, children are more susceptible to deadly diseases like Ebola, Zika, Chikungunya, COVID-19, and others. When there is an epidemic or pandemic, malnourished children are at greater risk of contracting the disease and dying from it.

How can you help?

At the Catholic Connect Foundation, we help people in need by providing financial and food aid to like-minded organizations like Feed the hungry organization. We do whatever it takes to raise funds for helping those in need get two square meals a day.
You too can help in this noble cause. Even a small $10 donation each month can help feed many hungry mouths. By doing so, each one of you gets God’s blessings and the goodwill of the people you help.

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