Hunger in Africa

Summary

Aid agencies are raising alarms over the growing hunger crisis in Africa, particularly in countries like Somalia and South Sudan, where drought and conflict are exacerbating food insecurity. The UN reports alarming increases in child malnutrition and the spread of diseases like cholera. Organizations like Rise Against Hunger emphasize that while hunger is a solvable issue, it requires collective action, innovative solutions, and stronger policy involvement. Addressing both man-made and natural causes of hunger, such as conflict and climate change, is crucial to preventing future crises and achieving global food security.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United Nations warns of a growing crisis in Somalia, with children facing severe malnutrition due to drought and starvation.
• 😀 The drought in Somalia has destroyed crops and livestock, putting the country on the brink of famine again, just six years after a similar disaster.
• 😀 More than 35,400 children in Somalia have been treated for severe acute malnutrition, marking a 58% increase from the same period in 2016.
• 😀 Cholera cases in Somalia have surged, with over 18,000 reported this year, compared to 15,600 in all of 2016, and the majority of those cases are among children.
• 😀 In South Sudan, where the UN has declared food insecurity, the International Committee of the Red Cross is using air drops to deliver emergency food to the most affected regions.
• 😀 South Sudan continues to face ethnic conflicts that have displaced over 3 million people, with half the population—5.5 million—facing food shortages.
• 😀 The Famine Early Warning Systems Network reports that 70 million people worldwide will need food assistance in 2024, an unprecedented number.
• 😀 Edna Aangi of Rise Against Hunger stresses that hunger is a solvable problem, and countries can prevent future crises with proactive measures and solutions.
• 😀 The underlying causes of hunger are often man-made (such as conflict) and natural disasters, but these issues can be mitigated with better policies and resilience programs.
• 😀 Rise Against Hunger focuses on sustainable solutions, involving local communities, promoting innovative technologies, and addressing climate change to ensure long-term food security.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the report?

The report focuses on the hunger crisis in Africa, specifically highlighting the challenges posed by drought, starvation, and the alarming rise in malnutrition, particularly in countries like Somalia and South Sudan.

How is Somalia being affected by the current drought?

Somalia is facing a devastating drought that is decimating harvests and livestock. This has led to a significant increase in malnutrition, with over 35,400 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition being treated in early 2024, a 58% increase over the same period in 2016.

What role does cholera play in the crisis in Somalia?

Cholera is worsening the situation in Somalia, with over 18,000 cases reported in 2024, compared to less than 16,000 cases for the entire year of 2016. The disease is spreading rapidly, particularly among children.

How is the international community responding to the hunger crisis in South Sudan?

The International Committee of the Red Cross is delivering emergency food aid via air drops to areas of South Sudan. These air drops provide food for only about a month, and the country is also facing food insecurity due to ongoing conflict and displacement.

What is the significance of the famine warning in South Sudan?

The UN has declared famine in certain regions of South Sudan, where ethnic conflict has displaced over 3 million people. The food insecurity in the region is dire, with nearly half of the country’s population, 5.5 million people, facing food shortages.

What global food assistance needs are predicted for 2024?

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network predicts that 70 million people worldwide will require food assistance in 2024, an unprecedented number in recent decades.

What does Edna Aangi from Rise Against Hunger believe about the preventability of hunger?

Edna Aangi believes that hunger is a preventable issue if the global community works together. She highlights that both man-made causes, such as conflicts, and natural disasters, like droughts, can be mitigated with coordinated efforts.

What is the role of local communities in addressing hunger according to Edna Aangi?

Edna Aangi emphasizes that local communities, especially in Africa, often have valuable solutions to hunger. Involving these communities in addressing the issue is crucial for effective and sustainable solutions.

How does Rise Against Hunger aim to end global hunger?

Rise Against Hunger aims to end hunger by working collaboratively with other organizations, governments, and local communities. They focus on long-term solutions, such as increasing food security, leveraging technological innovations in agriculture, and addressing climate change.

What three steps does Edna Aangi suggest to solve the hunger crisis?

Edna Aangi suggests the following three steps: 1) Systemic solutions through collaboration, 2) Use of technological innovations to increase agricultural productivity, and 3) Building resilience to better prepare communities for climate change impacts.