Facts About Hunger in Africa
Hunger in Africa is one of the greatest problems that the continent faces in the 21st century. A combination of a poor economy, damaged farmland and questionable leadership has resulted in a large swath of the nations throughout Africa to suffer from hunger. There are a number of organizations that attempt to address these issues, however, the need is greater than the available resources.
Features
According to a 2003 report from Bread for the World, one in three Africans were malnourished. Roughly 80 percent of the residents of the continent sustain themselves on less than $2 a day.
Geography
Stand with Africa, a campaign against hunger, stated in 2003 that while Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, only 430 million acres of land are suitable for farming. In perspective, this is less than one-fifth of the U.S.
Significance
Over six million children die each year from malnutrition according to the Cozay organization. It also states that the bulk of this figure represents deaths from children under five years old.
Considerations
Only eight percent of children who are hungry are victims of emergency situations or famine. The remaining 92 percent suffer from long-term malnourishment as well as general deficiency of nutrients.
Warning
One study cited by Cozay states that in order for the world community to achieve the level of assistance needed to help the Horn of Africa alone, 270,000 metric tons of food will be needed in 2009. However, it states that only 120,000 metric tons will be made available.
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