Attacking the causes of famine WHY!
Every year the same old story.....What should we do ??? Is it time to change our strategy..
As famine sweeps through sub-Saharan Africa, many people in industrialized countries are asking why. Not why the rains don’t come. But why people hang on to a way of life that is punctuated with devastating drought and famine.
Some organizations in Africa including Christian Children’s Fund (CCF) are working to change agricultural practices that inevitably contribute to a cycle of drought, famine and death.
In addition to irregularities of rain, land degradation, caused by overgrazing of cattle and unsustainable farming practices, contributes significantly to drought and famine in Ethiopia and other drought-stricken African countries, according to Fikru Abebe, National CCF Director in Ethiopia.
To tackle these long-term issues, CCF has launched community-based agricultural development projects in 6 districts of Ethiopia. CCF community based projects in cooperation with the Ethiopia agriculture office in the Shashemene district are training farmers to diversify their cropping system and raise drought resistant perennial crops like Pigeon pea and the starchy root crops, Cassava and Enset. These crops provide a staple food for the farmer and his family. In addition, they are crops that come back year after year once planted, making them ideal for areas that face recurrent shortages of rain and drought.
Source : Christian Children's Fund
Gypsy your knowledge of meterology, chemistry and physics is poor if you believe that is to be the case. Africa has many problems none of which can be relayed back to US industrialization.
The PC bandwagon you seem to be constantly riding is not the answer or solution to the worlds minorities problems. Some times it is down to the individuals or the socities themselves to stand up and progress. Blaming others is just an easy get out for their leaders while they rape the countries for their wealth.....
hehehe or Qatar?
The only solution is to invade Luxembourg.
This was done becaus the orginal attempt to reduce the European Food Mountains went horriby wrong. The Corrupt leaders, stole the shipments, and sold them before they got to the needy.
Though I agree with your coments about the UN, there is no other Government, or Orgainization that can even attempt such a large project.
Governments cannot keep their own turf clean.There is enough poverty un the US, or Europe (just no one talks about it, and it is not as NewsWorthy).
You are right.. i have seen items "clearly marked" as relirf for sale in local markets..
Man's inhumnity to man :(
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Not only local "leaders" steal the food and medicine for their own use.
Disasters bring out the best and worst in people, requiring wise discernment on the part of those
who direct relief efforts.
Compassionate people respond quickly, giving generously to those in need, and volunteering to serve on relief teams.
Selfish people also respond quickly, and are among the first to volunteer as relief workers.
Wise relief coordinators learn quickly to discern these two types of volunteers.
This discernment requires vigilance and close cooperation with trusted local leaders.
Without this precaution greed will soon become the greatest impediment to distributing relief supplies to those who need it most.
Greedy people devise ingenious ways to get control of goods meant for those in need.
Cases are innumerable of truck drivers, warehouse
workers and other helpers who have pilfered huge
quantities of relief supplies during disasters.
No relief effort is immune to this abuse.
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We can't do anything if the local "leaders" steal the food and medicine for their own use.
Yesterday, I read an article that said that nearly a QUARTER OF A BILLION people are facing famine in the sub Sahara and related regions.
We all need to work together to alleviate their suffering and provide long term solutions. However, the local governments and leaders must first change their attitudes.
The UN also doesn't have a military, so it can't take over anything.
The UN is not neutral remember.. It tends to be "swayed" by its political masters..
I have to repeat the earlier words:
Misery = Corruption + Selfishness + Injustice
Excellent formula.
Only solution have UN take over the country and set patterns in place (but they have no money....). We all
know that this an impossible task.... look at Darfur?
I agree. the point is that this seems to be recurring cycle. The people need to stand up and help in the long term solution.
If it needs changing one's lifestyle , then that is a sacrifice worth making. Isn't it.
the FOG do not migrate.
but volcano ashes do! (karakatoa 1880s, polynesia 1452)
tchernobyl radioactive clouds 1986...
Google it drsam. There are world wide air currents. Hence why if a volcano errupts it can actually effect weather systems world wide.
A same amount of wealth and natural ressources, can give a lot to a few citizen, but a few to a lot citizen.
provided the wealth is evenly distributed (corruption)
smog do not reach long distances. to move to other place there must be air current. when there is air current, fog disappear. no the nocif smog always hangs above the area where it is produced.
the smoke on the other hand yes might migrate. but it's main harm is by making acid rain. and acid rain can case tremendous damage to the nature. here again however, over short to medium distance not from US to africa.
global warming is another topic.
Hi britex, I am from Ethiopia, and i closely watched these problems, the main cause is
- civil war, political issues which most of the world dont' know, there are more than 80 tribes in Ethiopia, none of them can live and work together, and this is caused by the government, inorder to rule for a long term....
- as u said over population is also the main problem
- literacy, only 15% is literate
and abt NGO, there are a lot of them there but not all NGO work agains poverty.. some work for health, education, environment etc.
Corruption + Selfishness + Injustice
It's not just over population, it's lack of education & pollution coming from the US & other nearby industrialized nations (if you look at how air currents work you'll see how smog and pollutants are directly causing drought in Africa, and why soon there will be drought in South East Asia because of pollution in India & China).
These people were also forcibly taken from a traditional way of living by collnialism and forced to grow food for profit, instead of for lively-hood. (Like bananas in Haitai & the Dominican).
We do owe these people our help, because like it or not, we caused this.
isn't clear how population growth is directly related to poverty? with few exeptions
Not discarding the subject and the intent, but it is very tiring that when we talk about hunger, we are back to the same countries.
Hunger exists in more countries than those listed. Infact many First World countries have many who go hungry.
We, as mankind, are not able to contain any of it. We play on guilt complex for the hard working people who are trying to get ahead, and those that can assist, do not even read this.
I am really sorry to say that we as Mankind are worse than animals in our behaviour to our brethren, be it driving a LandCruiser, or frrding the hungry.
Are you saying that the Rich should subsidize the poor ??
WHY ?
Surely, these countries , with the help of NGOs and international bodies should stand up for themselves.
Drac: One reason for high birth rate is that people expect high infant mortality, so try and have more kids to compensate..
ENTERTAINING!!
Top 10 richest countries of the world
Here is a top 10 list of worlds richest countries according to CIA World Factbook and Wikipedia measured by GDP per capita. For those in the dark - GDP or Gross Domestic Product - is the value of all the goods that a country produces. GDP per capita stands for the value an average person produces.
10. Switzerland - $39,800 (GDP per capita)
This cheese making country is considered to be one of the most neutral countries in the world. During World War 2, people from other European countries deposited their money in the banks of Switzerland, knowing that their money would be safer there than in their home countries. Some well known Swiss companies include Nestle, Logitech, Rolex and Credit Suisse.
9. Equatorial Guinea - $44,100
The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is a country in Central Africa. Most people have never heard of it. This country flew into stardom after 1996 when large oil reserves were found in the nation of only 0,5 million people. While being one of the largest producers of oil in Africa, little has been made to improve the living conditions of the people. Corruption is widespread and ordinary people are mostly living in poverty. The gap between rich and poor is probably the largest in the world.
8. Ireland - $45,600
This member of European Union has been often admired as one of the most modern knowledge economies in the world. Ireland is the largest maker of computer software in the world. A study done by The Economist ranked the Celtic Tiger to have the best quality of life in the world.
7. United States - $46,000
What sets the US apart from most other countries in this list is its size. While most other countries in this list are among the smallest in the world the US has a population of over 300 million and a total land area of 3,79 million square miles (9.83 million sq km). The US is also home to the largest amount of billionaires in the world. It is speculated that as many billionaires live in the US as in the rest of the world.
6. Singapore - $48,900
This country tiny country consist of 63 island and some mainland with a total area of only 270 square miles (704 sq km). With Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan it is considered one of the Four Asian Tigers. Singapore has the busiest port in the world and is the 4th largest foreign exchange trading center in the world. Singapore is widely believed to be the most business-friendly economy in the world.
5. United Arab Emirates - $55,200
This oil and natural gas rich country has a highly developed economy which makes it one of the most developed in the world. Having more money than they know what to do with, they have built numerous artificial islands and are currently building the worlds highest structure - Burj Dubai. When finished it will be 818 meters tall, being about 2 times as high as the Empire State Building in New York. It is estimated that about 1/4th of the total construction going on in the world is taking place in Dubai - the largest city in United Arab Emirates.
4. Kuwait - $55,300
In Arabic Kuwait translates to “Fortress built near water”. In addition to being on the coast of the Persian Gulf this country has well known neighbors like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Kuwait has the worlds fifth largest proven oil reserves - about 10% of the worlds total. Being a country without taxes, about 80% of the governments revenue comes from exporting oil. Having the the second-most free economy in the Middle East, Kuwait has one of the fastest growing economies in the region. (Thanks to Alsab3a from Stumbleupon for a little tip!)
3. Norway - $55,600
Norway is one of the few highly developed countries in Europe tthat are not part of the European Union. This oil and natural gas rich country has living costs more than 30% higher than in the United States. In 2006 only Russia and Saudi Arabia exported more oil than Norway.
2. Qatar - $75,900
This Arabic speaking country has less than million people and gained independence from Great Britain only in 1971. Qatar used to be a poor Islamic country but since the discovery of oil and natural gas in the 1940s, it is completely transformed. With no income tax it is one of the least taxed countries in the world, while still offering most of its services to the population for free. (Who needs tax when you have all this oil and gas money coming in).
In 2009 Qatar is also expected to be the fastest growing economy in the world!
1. Luxembourg - $80,800
This tiny country with a total population of less than 500 000 is a true European miracle. By tiny we mean the 8 smallest country in the world. From top to bottom it’s only about 50 miles and at its widest about 30 miles.
Where does the money come from? Well, there is over 250 banks crammed into the small country! It has the largest banking concentration in the European Union and probably in the world. In addition to being rich the people are smart as well. In elementary school everyone studies in German, starting from middle school they learn in French and in highchool the main language is English. Their own language - Lëtzebuergesch. When picking up a local newspaper be prepared to find articles in all languages.
http://www.financialjesus.com/how-to-get-rich/top-10-worlds-richest-countries/
so you think, youre simply LUCKY NOW, HUH?
top ten countries that should given BIGGER focus in solving poverty to minimize if not resolve famine and hungry :
10. Ethiopia (GDP - per capita: $700)
Ethiopia ranks 170 out of 177 the poorest countries on the Human Development Index (UNDP HDI 2006). Half of its GDP depends on agricultural activity. The agricultural sector suffers lowdown because of poor cultivation techniques and frequent drought. 50% of its population 74.7 million bears the burden of poverty and 80% lives on bread line. 47% of males and 31% of females are literate. Some parts of Ethiopia run a high risk of hepatitis A, hepatitis E, typhoid fever, malaria, rabies, meningococcal meningitis and schistosomiasis.
Niger with a population of 12.5 million is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Drought is a common natural calamity in Niger. It often undergoes a phase of severe food crisis. 63% of its total population lives on below $1 a day. Adult literacy rate is as low as 15%. Life expectancy spans up to 46 years. A number of people die of hepatitis A, diarrhea, malaria, meningococcal meningitis and typhoid fever.
09. Niger (GDP - per capita: $700)
Niger with a population of 12.5 million is one of the ten poorest countries in the world. Drought is a common natural calamity in Niger. It often undergoes a phase of severe food crisis. 63% of its total population lives on below $1 a day. Adult literacy rate is as low as 15%. Life expectancy spans up to 46 years. A number of people die of hepatitis A, diarrhea, malaria, meningococcal meningitis and typhoid fever.
08. Central African Republic (GDP - per capita: $700)
The Central African Republic ranks 171 as a poor country. Agriculture is the backbone of its unstable economy. Life expectancy of its meager population 4.3 ranges from 43.46 to 43.62 years. 13.5% of its population is at risk of AIDS.
07. Guinea-Bissau (GDP - per capita: $600)
The rank of Guinea Bissau as a poor country is 172. Farming and fishing are the only pillars of its economy. The level of income is not even in all parts of the country. About 10% of its adult population is at risk of HIV.
06. Union of the Comoros (GDP - per capita: $600)
Population growth and unemployment at a high rate are responsible for the poor economy of Union of the Comoros. Population density at a rate of 1000 per square km in agriculture zones may result in an environmental crisis. Agricultural contribution to its GDP is 40%. The low level of education has raised the level of labor force. Economy mainly depends on foreign grants.
05. Republic of Somalia (GDP - per capita: $600)
Agriculture is the base of the economy of Republic of Somalia in the Horn of Africa. Nomads and semi-nomads comprise a major part of the population. Rearing livestock is the primary source of livelihood for them. The small agricultural industry contributes 10% to its GDP.
04. The Solomon Islands (GDP - per capita: $600)
The Solomon Islands is a country in Melanesia. Fishing holds its domestic economy. Above 75% of the labor class, is involved in fishing. Timber was the main product for export until 1998. Palm oil and copra are important cash crops for export. The Solomon Islands are rich in mineral resources like zinc, lead, gold and nickel.
03. Republic of Zimbabwe (GDP - per capita: $500)
Republic of Zimbabwe is located between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers in the south of Africa. Its economy suffers a slowdown due to supply shortage, soaring inflation and foreign exchange shortage. Zimbabwe’s involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo left its economy fragile. The worst consequence of the knelt-down economy is unemployment that is as high as 80%.
02. Republic of Liberia (GDP - per capita: $500)
Republic of Liberia on the west coast of Africa is one of the ten poorest economies across the globe. A de
cline in the export of commodities, the flight of many investors from the country, the unjust exploitation of the country’s diamond resource, looting and war profiteering during the civil war in 1990 brought the economy of the country to its knees. External debt of the country is more than its GDP.
1. Republic of the Congo in Central Africa
is the last at the bottom of the economic heaps. Depreciation of Franc Zone currencies, incredibly high levels of inflation in 1994, eruption of the civil war, and continuation of armed conflict and slumping oil price in 1998 broke down the economy of the country.
http://www.hottnez.com/the-10-poorest-countries-of-the-world/
NOW DONT JUST THINK..BUT THINK HARDER
Drac said:
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By the year 2050, the Washington-based Population Reference Bureau says Ethiopia's population will grow by an astounding 120 percent.
That means in 44 years, the population of Ethiopia is expected to be around 169 million people.
Today, Ethiopia has, in a good rain year, not a bad year, but a good rain year, a structural food deficit of somewhere between four and six million people.
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During the 24-year period between 1980 to 2004, Ethiopia tragically suffered 15 years of poor rainfall. Drought resulted in low crop production and brought on the infamous famine in the mid 1980s that left more than one million people dead.
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http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-03/Ethiopian-Population-Expected-To-Grow-by-More-than-100-Percent.cfm
Wise words indeed..
Over population and the inability to change is destroying them..
There has to be a long term solution..
over population is partly to blame.
And some words of wisdom from God (Alice Cooper)....
We're not happy 'til we're choking
So we eat some more
Throw up on the floor
Go back to the store
We're so hungry
So pathetic