How Did the Food Crisis Begin in Africa?

A food crisis exists in Africa because of increased prices, rising temperatures causing climactic problems, and the poverty in Africa that makes it impossible to purchase food at the new higher prices.

Understanding how the food crisis began in Africa involves an understanding of the global markets for food. Today, many countries all over the world are experiencing the effects of rising food costs. This means many areas are experiencing a shortage in food for the population. Food, especially staple foods, have risen in costs for many reasons.

Increasing Food Prices

According to statistics presented by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, food prices have increased by nearly:

• 18% in China
• 13% in Indonesia and Pakistan
• 10+% in Latin American, Russia and India

Remember, the market is a world market now, and when prices and shortages exist in one area, these impact other areas as well - like Africa. Furthermore, it is estimated that the food reserves for the world are at the lowest they have been in more than 25 years- a problem which contributes to the food crisis in Africa as well.

The food crisis around the world has led to the freezing of prices on staple foods to prevent the poor from going hungry. However, this idea will not work for the poor in Africa, who have been more affected by the food crisis than any other continent in the world.

The help and support offered to these struggling countries by the United Nations is the only safety net to lighten the burden of the crisis, however, in recent years even attempts by the U.N. have proved futile. There is no immediate end to the global food crisis and prices are predicted to stay high for years to come.

Climate and Food Shortages in Africa

Throughout the last decade, the climate has undergone dramatic changes. The temperature has increased worldwide and weather patterns have changed considerably. Areas once dry have become inundated with rain ultimately causing severe flooding. On the reverse side, areas where rain is typical have become plagued with drought.

The changes in the weather in Africa and throughout the world have affected the growing and harvesting of crops. Too much or too little rain can destroy crops and the shortage of what is made available to the world causes the prices of the available good to skyrocket. This spells certain disaster for poorer countries like those in Africa.

Effects of Food Shortages in Africa

In the countries of Africa where the food shortages are at their worst, famine has led to political unrest, rioting, disease, and death.

• Political Unrest: Fighting occurs amongst groups in these areas plagued with famine to determine how to best solve the problem
• Rioting: In some cases in areas of Africa, rioting has become the norm. Those in desperate need of food or with more power than others steal food before it can even get to those who need it most using force if necessary
• Disease and Death: The lack of food has caused many to become weak and ill. In these poor countries where access to food is lacking, the access to proper medical care to treat illnesses is even more so. Disease, as a result of famine and malnutrition, ultimately results in death.

Knowing how the food crisis began in Africa and the effects that it has is important to understanding the problem, but what is really necessary is concrete steps to be taken to solve the issues. Unfortunately, there's no clear-cut solution on the horizon.