Factors of World Hunger

World hunger is an issue that has been pondered for many years. Why is the most basic human need such a problem for so much of the world’s population? With the considerable resources the modern free world has at its disposal, why does this problem continue to plague mankind across so much of the globe? The root of the problem is not the lack of food available to feed the world’s population. The core of the issue is rooted in complex political and economic policies. This issue is exacerbated by centuries-old cultural rivalries that are not easily addressed or erased. Some are even based in deep religious convictions and differences which can cause almost incomprehensible intolerance among otherwise similar peoples.

The global food supply is actually quite abundant. While it is true that not all population regions have a similar food production capacity, overall the world’s food production capabilities far exceed the current human need. Studies have shown that the vast majority of malnourished children live in countries with food surpluses; 78 percent in fact according to a 1997 study conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The problem is not the available food supply being insufficient. It is insufficient access to this food supply by those who need it most that plagues so many. Even as the world’s population continues to soar year after year, the resources remain available to fill the ever increasing need. The connection is with poverty. As the world’s population ever expands, the poverty experienced by so many expands and in fact increases almost exponentially.

Poverty is linked with hunger. That is a global surety. Those with economic means have a consistent and sufficient co...

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...at power at their resources. The legacy of great men throughout history is most often forged by their desire to change the world and make it a better place. What better way to establishing an everlasting legacy than coming together to ease the suffering of millions and assure the future of generations to be to have an opportunity at a full and productive life? I fear a lasting solution is many generations away. One look at the evening news is enough to affirm we have much work to do on an international scale in order to be in a position to really affect meaningful change. These daily challenges and continual setbacks, however, do not indicate that meaningful change is not possible. It is possible. The capacity of the human spirit for survival and good can never be underestimated. It is a vastly untapped resource at times, but a golden resource nonetheless.