Millions of people worldwide are affected by hunger & it is an global issue that has been affecting, since centuries.
Several measures have been taken until now to eradicate it, but unfortunately they failed.
While it is common for people to feel hungry at some point of their lives, there is one type of hunger which can be very damaging & persistent, known as “Chronic Hunger”.
Before we dive deep, let us first understand chronic hunger!
Chronic hunger meaning
(Source: World Health Organization)
Chronic hunger refers to a serious condition affecting millions of people worldwide, mentally and physically.
It is caused when people lack access to sufficient and nutritious food leading to prolonged and persistent hunger & sometimes resulting in malnutrition and starvation.
Chronic hunger can be damaging, especially to children causing stunted growth or cognitive development.
Where is chronic hunger mostly found?
It is prevalent in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, also known for high poverty and food insecurity.
These countries are also affected by political instability, natural disasters, and conflicts, making it difficult for people to reach out for food and other essential resources.
What causes chronic hunger?
Various factors can cause chronic hunger, but the prime suspects are poverty, lack of access to resources & last but not least, inadequate infrastructure such as road and transportation systems.
Poverty is the major contributor here, as it restricts the ability of people to reach out for food and other necessities.
One needs to be financially sound to buy food or other consumable items, but living in poverty means poor financial conditions, limiting people’s capacity to purchase food or access to fertile land to grow crops on.
Now these are not the only ones. Other factors come into play, like natural disasters, climate change & conflict, which can disrupt production and distribution of food, making the situation worse in the affected areas.
An example of chronic hunger
As mentioned above, chronic hunger can have long-term effects on the body and mind. It can cause malnourishment, stunted growth, and development, impair cognitive development & can even make people susceptible to infections and diseases by weakening the immune system, especially children.
Adults may feel Physical stamina reduction, Weakened muscles, Increased fatigue, Diabetes, Heart disease & hypertension.
These were body-related issues. Now coming to mind, chronic hunger can significantly impact our mental health by leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation, leaving a long-lasting impression on the overall well-being and health of a person.
How do you fix chronic hunger?
One can adapt various strategies to fix chronic hunger, the key one being, improving the access to food and other essential resources.
It is easily achievable with the help of various measures like increasing agricultural productivity, improving access to financial resources & improving infrastructure.
Further, various policies & programs can be introduced by Governmental or international organizations to ensure targeted assistance to majorly affected areas or regions.
For example, food aid & school feeding programs, cash transfers can improve food & nutrition accessibility for vulnerable populations.
Conclusion:
Every 1 in 3 people in Sub-Saharan Africa & around 418 million people in Asia were affected by chronic hunger in 2020-22.
Now that is a whopping number! Isn’t it?
It also signifies that chronic hunger is a big issue & needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
We must continuously raise awareness about chronic hunger & try implementing sustainable solutions to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable population.
By working together, we can create a world where people have access to adequate and nutritious food, no matter where they live & no matter what their socioeconomic status is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you define chronic hunger?
Chronic hunger is when people stay undernourished for a long period due to less food received than required & often gets associated with poverty. It is more widespread as compared to acute hunger.
Who suffers from chronic hunger?
Poor people, especially people below the poverty line (BPL), due to their lower income and inability to buy food for survival.
How does acute hunger differ from chronic hunger?
Acute hunger is generally short-term and is typically caused by emergencies, whereas chronic hunger is ongoing & can last for months and even years.
Tell another name for chronic hunger
It is also referred to as “Constant hunger”.
Also Read:
- Benefits of homemade food
- Why should we eat cooked food
- Difference between seasonal hunger and chronic hunger
