One of the deadliest problems in today's world is famine, a prolonged food shortage which causes starvation and many times ends tragically in death. Throughout history, famine has struck different areas of the world including nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America primarily.
Causes of Famine can be both natural and man made
1) Too much rainfall destroys farmland and causes crops to rot in the water covered fields in which they lie.
2) Plant diseases and insect infestations are also a common cause.
3) Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, early frosts, and tidal waves also contribute to causing famine.
4) War can also cause famine. This is justified when military action destroys stored food supplies or prevents any import of food to a country.
5) Drought is the primary cause of famine. Areas near deserts often fall victim to severely dry climates which do not provide the rainfall needed to sustain life.
Effects
1) Destruction of livestock and seed lowers the production level which only prolongs the disaster.
2) Crime level is increased due to the sudden demand for unavailable food; theft steadily rises during a time of crisis.
3) Migration to areas where food may be available occurs during times of crisis which at times leads to the separation of families.
4) Death and disease are the major effects of famine. The lack of food and water causes people to become weak leaving the door open for diseases to quickly spread throughout the population.
Solutions
1) T.V.: By choosing to go to a country where famine is present, the network provides a chance for the entire world to view the pain and suffering of the people and will hopefully influence them to help by sending donations for relief.
2) Any airline which flies overseas should be required to transport donations to the countries which are in need.
3) Every political candidate should be required to have a famine relief program as a requirement to run for office. If elected, the program should be implemented.
4) End government subsidies in industrialized naions to provide enough food for those nations in need.
Bibliography
Rau, Bill, FROM FEAST TO FAMINE, Zed Books Limited, Copyright 1991
HC 800 .R38 1991
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