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
AIDS
Lack of infrastructure
Unfair trading structures
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
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.
