Core Causes of a Pervasive Killer in Africa: Hunger

Hana Brett

Ms. Tompkins

WLH 2

13 March 2015   

Core Causes of a Pervasive Killer in Africa: Hunger

One in every three Sub-Saharan Africans suffers from hunger, stated Martha Van Der Wolf in an article about ending hunger in Africa (Van Der Wolf). Whether the word used to describe the situation is malnourished, starving, or hungry, Africa’s persistent problem of hunger continues today by taking the lives of millions.

Many organizations have tried to improve the statistics involving the hungry population of Africa; however, using the “band-aid approach” of sending food to the impoverished countries will not permanently solve this world issue (Bahnson).  We have over half a century of proof, considering many foreign countries that have aided Africa, and yet a third of the population is still hungry.  A new perspective is needed to uncover the roots of this problem and help mend the primary ramifications of hunger.  The widespread issue of hunger in Africa is commonly believed to be caused by two primary factors: poverty and climate change.

A principal cause of hunger in Africa is its continent-wide poverty.  Poverty expands throughout the African countries, affecting millions of families, including their children.  Martha Van Der Wolf states that “hundreds of millions of Africans are living on or below the poverty line of 1.25 dollars a day, a principal factor in causing widespread hunger” (Van Der Wolf). Due to the continent’s extensive impoverishment and weak economy, a nominal number of Africans are able to earn enough money to support the basic needs of their families (Bailey).  While the majority of people earn incomes that support their families, a large portion of the population still remains, unable to obtain enough food.  Consequently, hunger is epidemic throughout Africa, affecting millions, from students to farmers.

In addition to poverty, the global climate change has had drastic effects on the population of Africa.  Thierry Tanoh discussed the repercussions the climate has on African farmers and voiced that “Africa is endowed with 60% of the world’s unused arable land and millions of dedicated farmers.” The recent scarce rainfall and droughts in Africa have malnourished the land, limiting the year’s harvest for the continent (Tahon).  The number of people that the food is able to feed decreases each year while the population increases.  Therefore, effort must be put into increasing innovation in agricultural practices and improving productivity and efficiency in crop yields.  As a result of the climate changes, small-scale farmers are more severely affected. They are not only unable to support themselves, but also their growing nation (Van Der Wolf).  Future efforts will need to focus on counteracting the devastating effects of climate change on hunger in Africa.

Throughout Africa, as problems in the land conditions and poverty remain, so does hunger.  Despite the generous donations of hundreds of organizations, hunger cannot be solved by outside food sources alone.  While poverty controls millions of Africans, buying adequate food is not a possibility.  And, due to the climate changes and decreased crop production, growing one’s own food is not easily done.  For the foreseeable future, Africa’s hunger problem will remain a life-threatening concern.  

Works Cited

Bahnson, Fred, and Danielle Nierenberg. "Could Acacia Trees Solve Africa's Hunger Problems?" Christian Science Monitor. N.p., 24 Dec. 2010. Web. 8 Mar. 2015.

Bailey, Rob. "Famine Threatens South Sudan [analysis]." Africa News Service 6 Aug. 2014: n. pag. Global Issues In Context. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.

Tanoh, Thierry. "The Continent's Last Famine [column]." Africa News Service 26 Aug. 2012: n. pag. Global Issues In Context. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.

Van Der Wolf, Martha. "Ending Hunger in Africa." Africa News Service 2 Feb. 2015: n. pag. Global Issues In Context. Web. 9 Mar. 2015.