Ending global hunger, to many, seems like an impossible goal. The thought of every human on earth going to bed with a full stomach is preposterous. But why should it be? For every child that goes to bed hungry, there is some food being thrown away in another part of the world. We live in a world of excess, yet 1.4 billion people live under the poverty line. It is entirely possible to address the issue of global hunger.

One organization that is bringing awareness to the causes and the solutions to global hunger is Millennium Villages co-founded by the Earth Institute at Columbia University. They focus on helping individual villages increase the production of food; this would not only help feed all the villagers, but would also stimulate the economy. They also provide villagers with essentials that will maximize crop yield: seeds, fertilizers, wells, and other essentials. While they seem like small additions, such things can significantly affect villages in the long term.

Seeds and fertilizers will help ensure the crops that have the most potential are the ones that are planted. The importance of wells cannot be stressed enough. Especially in extremely hot areas, wells can provide access to water to help take care of crops. A good crop yield will feed not only the populations of the villages, but would also decrease the rates of infant mortality, if pregnant women and children receive appropriate care. Also, allowing schools access to safe meals will ensure that students stay healthy and in school.

With more educated children, families have the opportunity to rise out of poverty, as well. In addition to helping villages with crop production to deal with global hunger, Millennium Villages also provides health care for pregnant women and children, makes sure that education and gender equality receive great importance, and creates access to technology and funds for small businesses. All of these measures will invigorate the environment, helping those living in poverty rise from it, while simultaneously addressing global hunger.

– Aalekhya Malladi

Sources: Earth Institute, Millennium Villages, The Borgen Project
Photo: Women Thrive