Why are there still famines?
The United Nations has declared a famine in parts of South Sudan, the first to be announced anywhere in the world in six years. There have also been warnings of famine in north-east Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen. Why are there still famines and what can be done about it?
What is happening in South Sudan?
UN agencies say 100,000 people are facing starvation in South Sudan and a further 1 million there are classified as being on the brink of famine. This is the most acute of the present food emergencies. It is also the most widespread nationally. Overall, says the UN, 4.9 million people - or 40% of South Sudan's population - are "in need of urgent food, agriculture and nutrition assistance".
"Many families have exhausted every means they have to survive," says the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization representative in South Sudan, Serge Tissot.
Tags
Who is online
529 visitors
The basic cause of the famine is conflict. The country has now been at war since 2013 and more than 3 million people have been forced to flee their homes.
Another cause and effect situation.
Yet, it's one war after another. Some intra country some regional, and some covering huge areas of the world. Will we ever learn.
I wonder what we could learn from Nature concerning this senseless tragedy. We should do some comparison studies with other mammals that go to war with each other, causing starvation and misery. Oh ,,, wait ... are we are the only animals on the planet that do this?!
"...are we are the only animals on the planet that do this?!"
It sounds nice, but no. Chimpanzee groups attack each other and seize terrority. I'm sure there are other examples, as well, although they may be undocumented thus far.
I'll bet Bear Grylls could help them find food.