The word famine means the complete absence of food.
Famine and hunger are not new problems, nor are they
confined to the third word. Malnutrition, starvation, population
explosions and natural disasters all have there own part in famine.
Famine is caused by a great number of things such as:-
1) Natural disasters (floods, drought, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.)
2) Over populated areas that are unable to feed masses of people.
3) Poor quality of health facilities.
4) The aid from other countries is very low.
5) Governments that have poor management of resources.
The world's countries are divided into 2 groups: the rich and developed countries and the poor and developing countries. The richer countries like Great Britain, France, Australia, Japan and the USA are usually referred to as the first world countries. Those that are poorer such as Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Sudan in Africa are referred to as third world countries. A lot of the famine and starvation is in the third world countries because they don't have enough money and resources to keep their people well fed and healthy. Even though there are still people who are starving and homeless in the first world countries, they still receive some kind of aid from the country they live in.
Year | Death Tolls | Where it Occurred | Cause |
1815 | 82 000 people | Tambora, Sumbawa | Volcanic Eruption/Tsunami |
1845-50 | 500 000 people | Ireland | Plague of Fungi |
1991 | 250 000 people | Bangladesh | Cyclone and Flood |
1742-46 | Unknown Death Toll | East India | Drought |
1991 | 50 000 people | Southern Sudan (Africa) | Epidemic of Meningitis |
In most of the Third world countries one of the major causes of famine is over population. The reason for some of these people having so many babies is because of their culture and religion. They believe that if they have more children they will be well off. Some have lots of children merely so that when the children grow up they will help them work on farms or on the family's business so that there is more income for the family.
Because the people who are starving are unable to get food and nutrients, their bodies are more prone to catching diseases such as meningitis, malariaand cholera. Over seas countries help with only a few aids like medical supplies, food supplements and clothing. When people from other countries see these pictures they can say that the children don't need much food, because the children have round little bellies. The reason for their stomachs being so big is because of worms. These poor little children are suffering from worms and because they have worms means that any food that they eat is quickly digested by the worms. It is digested so quickly that the children's bodies are unable to absorb any nutrients from the food. Therefore, there bodies are more prone to the diseases. So if you hear or see malnourished children it means that they aren't able to have enough food to nourish their little bodies.
Seven years of great abundance are coming throughout
the land of Egypt but seven years of famine will follow
them. Then all the abundance in Egypt will be forgotten
and the famine will ravage the land.