Extreme hunger, another consequence of the new coronavirus

Extreme hunger, another consequence of the new coronavirus

My list

Author | Tania Alonso The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines three phases of food insecurity when measuring hunger in the world: mild, moderate and severe The first is experienced by people who are facing uncertainties regarding their ability to obtain food. The second, by those without sufficient resources to follow a healthy diet and who sometimes go without food.The third is experienced by those that spend entire days without eating numerous times throughout the year. At the end of 2019, 135 million people fell within this group. And the UN warns: the coronavirus crisis could double the number to 265 million people by the end of 2020, if measures are not taken to prevent it.

The impact of Coronavirus on hunger

According to the 2020 Global Report on Food Crises, drawn up by the FAO, around 135 million people in 55 countries experienced acute food insecurity at the end of last year. In total, 22 million more people than in 2018. The main causes were conflicts and extreme meteorological phenomena, and now, this year, the coronavirus pandemic.This new crisis is affecting food availability, jobs and means of survival and access to medical services. In addition, inequality and conflicts are increasing, above all in areas at war or with limited stability.In 2019, ten countries accounted for 65% of the population in an acute food insecurity situation. They were Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Syria the Republic of Sudan, Nigeria and Haiti. Countries that shall probably be most vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus crisis.

Cities, social inequalities and unemployment

The impact of the coronavirus can be felt with force in cities, where the closure of stores, supply chain stoppages and a possible increase in prices may reduce access to food. In Latin America, some cities have launched various plans to keep food supplies running despite mobility restrictions.Social inequalities may increase in cities, particularly in suburbs. In this regard, Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, indicates that women account for 60% of workers in the informal economy. This is concerning since it is estimated that this crisis could increase unemployment and lead to temporary or illegal contracts.

african woman grinding coffee in a mortar

Organization of cities and new forms of employment

Cities are also scenarios in which it is easier to establish a control and supply systems. The report by the FAO indicates four priorities: to increase remote systems to monitor food security; preserve critical humanitarian food and livelihood assistance; strengthen and improve social protection systems and increase the support for food preparation, transport and local food markets.Furthermore, cities are places in which it is possible to create more sustainable forms of employment and new labor markets. “In these times of unprecedented global challenges (…) we must double our efforts to end hunger and malnutrition”, indicated Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. “We have the tools and the knowledge. What we need is leaders and nations to show their willingness and a sustained commitment”. Images | v2osk, Taylor Wilcox

Related Content

Recommended profiles for you

RR
Rahul Raj
School of planning and architecture
Student
TS
Techeus Silva
Cyberhero
Marketing
PS
Paula Salazar
UEA
Junior Researcher
EP
Eduardo Peinado
Strategic Words
Director
EP
Evgeniya Petrachkova
State Budgetary Institution \Information Support Center\""
Manager
EM
Esther Martínez Saladié
IndeeLift, S.L.
Looking for IndeeLift Human Floor Lift distributors for the European Market
JT
James Thurston
G3ict
Vice President for Global Strategy and Development
MM
Meghana Mandadi
IIT Kharagpur
Research assistant
MM
michelle michelle0312
University
College student
FD
Fabio De Gaspari
REMallorca
Founder Proptech Advisory firm
FG
Federico Gigena Sobrero
Wedell Travel
CEO
PK
Panagiotis Karoumpalis
Municipality of Paleo Faliro
General Secretary
JP
jina park
Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement
National Strategic Smart City Program, Korea Agency for Infrastucture Technology Advancement
ML
Mateo Lopez
SAP ESPAÑA
Buen perfil
MA
Mahmoud Alfahmawi
NVS
Consultant
JJ
Juan Junca
New York University
Research Scholar and Consultant to the Urban Expansion Program at the New York University
MD
Maria de Lourdes da Silva Oliveira
Autonomous
Architect
MJ
Mónica Jasis
CENTR MUJERES AC
Co-Director
LT
Louise Tissot
Student at Strate, design school
3rd year Student in Design, 1st year in the SmartCity department.
TM
Tânia Mateus
CM Loures
Social Sciences Technician at the Planning Office of Loures Town Hall