How
hunger can be solved: Government involvement
The problem of chronic persistent hunger lies mainly within the
developing world, in particular India, Indonesia, Bangladesh,
Pakistan, Nigeria where over half of the problem lies. The only way
these countries can solve the problem of hunger in their countries
is by getting support from the developed world.
Governments have played a major role helping to end the problem
of hunger, and will continue to in the future. There are many areas
in which government and state involvement can make a difference,
and many governments have done so.
The main area in which governments can help is by providing aid
to the countries that are in greatest need of it. However,
corruption and mismanagement is a major problem in these countries.
Often aid schemes end up not helping to solve the problem at all -
either due to corrupt officials extracting funds to support their
affluent life styles or by the funds being spent on schemes that
are obvious failures.
The US State Government has played a major part in the
development of a scheme to help prevent these issues whereby aid is
given in a food-for-work agreement.
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"Beyond the provision of emergency food aid, WFP targets
people in poor countries at the most vulnerable times of their
lives: in childhood, during maternity, and in old age. In addition,
WFP promotes self-reliance through food-for-work projects, paying
workers with food to build roads, replant forests, and replace worn
out infrastructure. The U.S. is WFP's largest supporter ($642
million in 1995, mainly in food commodities), followed by the
European Commission ($221 million) and the Netherlands ($154
million)."
- US Bureau of International Organization Affairs, July 15,
1997
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Schemes like these help countries, not only with their short
term requirement of food, but also to help them develop and provide
for their future. Improving the country's transport system and
national resources help their economy develop, which in turn helps
to solve their long-term food supply problems. Often, these people
are rebuilding their country after a civil war that started due to
food supply problems has destroyed it. Sometimes, the people who
are trying to help these people solve their hunger problems are
targeted themselves.
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"Their violence could not and did not make America shrink
from the world. Instead of giving in to those who wish us harm, we
have stayed engaged - to promote freedom and opportunity, fight
hunger and disease, build peace and stability, and, thereby,
protect our national interests. " -The White House, Office of the
Press Secretary. (Little Rock, Arkansas)
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Governments, particularly the US State government, are
dedicated to bring peace in countries, not only to stop the
needless loss of life, but also to help them to solve their hunger
problems.
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"For the United States, improving global food security is
an essential element of promoting peace and raising living
standards in many regions" - Bill Clinton, World Food Summit,
November 13-17, 1996
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Diplomacy is an essential part of solving the hunger problem.
Fighting, particularly civil unrest is often started over food
shortages - with everyone trying to get enough food to support
their social groups. However, the very act of war is a major
restraint on solving the actual problem. It diverts much need funds
from developing the economy, technology and food supplies to
purchasing arms. Often, it also prevents aid entering a country,
making the problem even worse. The help of international community
is essential to stopping the violence, and starting to solve the
problem of chronic persistent hunger.
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