Food insecurity is a major global issue, with an estimated 821 million people around the world suffering from hunger in 2018. Food insecurity refers to the lack of access to enough food to meet basic needs. There are a number of factors that contribute to food insecurity, including poverty, conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and poor agricultural practices.
Poverty
Poverty is the main cause of food insecurity. It is estimated that 805 million people worldwide are living in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.90 per day. People living in poverty lack the resources to purchase adequate amounts of food and are often unable to access food assistance programs.
Conflict
Conflict is another major cause of food insecurity. Conflict disrupts agricultural production, destroys infrastructure, and causes displacement of people, making it difficult for people to access food. In 2018, an estimated 80 million people were affected by conflict-induced food insecurity.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes, can also cause food insecurity. Natural disasters damage crops, disrupt transportation networks, and reduce access to food. In 2018, an estimated 38 million people were affected by food insecurity due to natural disasters.
Climate Change
Climate change is a major contributor to food insecurity. Climate change is expected to cause more extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, which can disrupt agricultural production and reduce access to food. It is estimated that climate change could cause an additional 120 million people to become food insecure by 2050.
Poor Agricultural Practices
Poor agricultural practices, such as overgrazing, unsustainable farming, and deforestation, can also lead to food insecurity. These practices reduce the fertility of the soil, leading to reduced crop yields and reduced access to food. In 2018, an estimated 18 million people were affected by food insecurity due to poor agricultural practices.
Overall, poverty is the main cause of food insecurity, with other factors such as conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and poor agricultural practices playing a role as well. To address food insecurity, it is important to address all of these causes. This includes implementing policies that reduce poverty, reduce conflict, improve agricultural practices, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.