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Kauai Food Bank: Island-based organization combats hunger

Kauai Food BankKauai, known as Hawaii’s “Garden Isle” for its breathtaking landscapes and lush greenery, faces a challenge not immediately apparent to its visitors–food insecurity. Despite the island’s beauty, residents of the island struggle with a food insecurity rate of 20% as of 2020, higher compared to other hunger data sources. Additionally, the state of Hawaii struggles with hunger as well, with a food insecurity rate of 22%, according to 2018 BRFSS data. To address this critical issue, the Kauai Food Bank has emerged as a vital organization dedicated to fighting hunger and providing essential resources to those in need.

How It Helps

The Kauai Food Bank plays a crucial role in the community by offering various programs to alleviate hunger. One of the primary services the organization provides is food assistance through its distribution centers. These centers are strategically located across the island to ensure food is accessible to all residents, including those living in remote areas. The organization also hosts distribution events from their Lihue warehouse every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.

Pop-Up Events

In response to the heightened food insecurity that the COVID-19 pandemic caused, the Kauai Food Bank introduced “pop-up” food distribution events. The organization designed these events to meet the urgent needs of those disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The pop-up events provide essential items such as fresh produce, pantry staples, and other groceries. By bringing food directly to the communities that need it most, the food bank has reached more people and provided immediate relief to families struggling during these difficult times. The success of these events highlights the food bank’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and continue its mission under challenging conditions.

Partnerships

The Kauai Food Bank’s efforts are further amplified through its partnerships with other local organizations and corporations. By collaborating with corporations, schools, shelters and nonprofit organizations, the food bank has created a network of support that allows it to extend its reach and impact. An example of a contribution that resulted from a partnership with the Kauai Food Bank would be Project Keiki, a community-giving program dedicated to providing food for children when they don’t have access to school lunches. Foodland Super Market, a local Hawaii grocery store chain, helped launch this project with the state food bank, which branched out to all island-local food banks.

Achievements

A study published in 2024 revealed that Kauai has the lowest household food insecurity rate in Hawaii, at just 23%. This achievement directly results from the concerted efforts of the Kauai Food Bank and its partners. The study’s findings underscore the importance of the food bank’s work and its positive impact on the community. Continued efforts are necessary to maintain and further reduce food insecurity, ensuring all residents have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Kauai Food Bank: Even More Success

The Kauai Food Bank also focuses on serving special populations within the community, including children and families. During a recent food distribution event, the Kauai Food Bank and the Hawaii Foodbank provided enough food to support more than 500 individuals and families. This event is just one example of how the food bank’s targeted initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of Kauai’s residents. The ability to reach such a large number of people in a single event demonstrates the food bank’s capacity to mobilize resources quickly and efficiently, a critical factor in the fight against hunger.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, the Kauai Food Bank remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate hunger on the island. As the island’s economy continues to recover from the pandemic’s effects, the food bank’s role will be more important than ever. By providing not only food but also hope and support, the Kauai Food Bank is a lifeline for many residents, ensuring that the island’s beauty is reflected not just in its landscape, but in the well-being of its people.

– Christian Core

Christian is based in Princeville, HI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Can Bamboo Restore Africa’s Soil Health?

The Bamboo Magic: Can Bamboo Restore Soil Health in Africa? As of May 30, 2024 unprecedentedly severe flash floods caused by heavy rainfall swept Eastern Africa claiming 528 lives. Additionally, more than 480,000 people have been displaced from their homes. In Southern Africa, the severe drought caused widespread crop failure and livestock death. This has lead to immediate food insecurity and the destruction of agricultural assets damaging future prospects and livelihoods.

As with many large-scale disasters, the poorest demographic received the most fatal damage. The back-to-back sequence of drought and flash floods hint at a degrading land. The lack of forested and organic bindings present in healthy soil is known to diminish the land’s capability to capture and retain water. Additionally, it can slow the pace of water, leading to increased runoff. This increases the likelihood of floods in the event of rainfall.

Impacts of Land Degradation in Africa

Land degradation is a major threat to poverty alleviation in Africa. Since the majority of Africa’s economy relies on agriculture, the economic progress of African nations and the food and income security of individual households rely heavily on agricultural success and productivity. Here are some of the impacts of soil degradation:

  • Effects of soil degradation at a local scale. Soil degradation leads to reduced crop yields, increased vulnerability to meteorological shocks such as droughts and floods, reduced water security and reduced natural resources (access to vegetation and timber) that underpin income generation for certain demographics.
  • Effects of soil degradation at a national scale. Economic development has historically been shown to improve the livelihood of its residents. Therefore, hurdles to Africa’s economic development are a hurdle to improving poverty levels in Africa.  Soil degradation also encompasses the decrease in the total nutrient content of agricultural land. This is significant as the nutrient content of agricultural land has a direct effect on the resulting crop yield. The United Nations (U.N.) Environment Program’s research reports that the cost of inaction toward soil degradation stands at 12.3% of the average annual GDP of 42 African countries. Africa’s economy relies heavily on its agricultural sector’s performance. Tackling Africa’s soil health crisis is critical for the healthy development of Africa’s economy.

Comprehensive assessments of Africa’s soil health reveal that more than 65 % of arable land is degraded and desertification is widespread. Furthermore, 45% of Africa’s landmass is affected. This signals a need for soil restoration efforts throughout Africa to secure a future where food and income security continue to improve.

Deforestation in Africa

Deforestation is one of the leading causes of land degradation in Africa. More than 4 million hectares of forest are lost annually. This intense deforestation is primarily due to the critical role wood plays in African society. Wood serves as a major energy source for households and it is a primary material in product manufacturing and construction. Additionally, forests are cleared to make way for arable land used in mining coal and establishing farms for profitable cash crops. Forests, therefore, rank as one of Africa’s top resources and their rapid depletion continues at an alarming rate.

The Role of Bamboo in Restoring Soil Health

While many strategies exist to secure the health of Africa’s land simultaneously with Africa’s economic needs, one rather simple solution has been gaining attention from governments, governmental organizations and academics—to have a magical crop resistant to deforestation replace the role of wood within Africa’s economy. Bamboo is the crop in question– a woody grass plant that has superior biological properties from the perspective of a sustainable development goal. The benefits of bamboo can be categorized into the following categories: 

  • Bamboo Restores Africa’s Soil Health. Bamboo is a perennial crop that is sustained with a complex root structure that remains alive even if the woody body is harvested. Bamboo regrows for more than 40 years without the need for replantation. This property ensures the soil structure remains supported by a healthy root structure preventing natural erosion to degrade the soil while generating profitable resources. The bamboo plant also has an extremely fast growth rate,  fully maturing in four to eight years.  The bamboo plant is also capable of growing in poor soils being drought and flood-resistant. Compared to common types of trees that expose soil to threats of erosion and require decades to grow, the bamboo plant has clear benefits from the perspective of land restoration.  
  • Bamboo as a Sustainable Alternative to Wood. The bamboo plant produces a woody body that has almost identical properties to wood. In Ethiopia, the bamboo industry produces a variety of furniture, toothpicks, doors, floorings, paper and construction materials. The bamboo biomass makes a great alternative source of energy. Bamboo biomass can be converted into charcoal and firewood, liquid fuels and biogas for electricity generation. From a utilitarian viewpoint, the bamboo plant is a more adaptive, fast-growing, deforestation-resilient, soil-restoring alternative to wood.  

The Potential of Bamboo to Transform Africa’s Economy

The bamboo economy is still at an infant stage in Africa. The primary reason for this underdevelopment is to an extent a cultural matter. Historically, wood has provided Africa with certain resources and there is a lack of awareness of Bamboo’s potential value. This is especially the case when considering the threat of soil degradation. Due to this, there is no sufficient value chain for Bamboo in Africa yet. For bamboo to successfully replace the role of wood, governmental investment into bamboo technology, training in bamboo manufacturing and careful plans for developing bamboo value chains could be implemented. 

Future Prospects for Bamboo in Africa

The bamboo plant shows promise for a brighter future for Africa. Several African countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Ghana have identified this opportunity and have begun to construct policies to develop the use of bamboo. With careful planning and investment, the continental transition from wood to a more sustainable resource like bamboo can potentially restore Africa’s soil health degradation crisis. 

– Siwon Kim

Siwon is based in Boston, MA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Food Insecurity in Laos: Agriculture for Nutrition

Food Insecurity in LaosPregnant with her third child in 2018, Ms. Sengphet, a farmer from the Long Peau village in Northern Laos, attended the Agriculture for Nutrition (AFN) program’s Farmer Nutrition School. Here, she learned about the essentials of nutrition for her children. Additionally, she heard of more opportunities from the $38.8 million initiative jointly undertaken by the World Food Program (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Lao Government.

With a $120 “Garden Grant” from the AFN, Sengphet purchased 10 chickens, feed and seeds for an at-home garden. From the initial investment, she has expanded her farm’s capacities from chicken to garlic, fish and frogs. This expansion helped her to earn up to $420 monthly since 2021. With AFN, Sengphet has grown her farm to fight food insecurity in Laos, which is faced by one in seven population members.

Malnutrition and Food Insecurity in Laos

Despite falling poverty levels, food insecurity in Laos remains a significant concern, particularly in rural areas where food shortages are twice as high as in urban regions. Three-quarters of households produce subsistence food and two-thirds of farmers grow rice exclusively. The lack of diversity contributes to malnutrition in addition to food shortage.

Limited access to nutritious food has resulted in high stunting rates among children, with 32.8% of those younger than 5 years of age affected. In some of the more impoverished provinces, this rate rises to 54%. The Lao government has prioritized tackling malnutrition by enacting the National Nutrition Strategy for 2025 and the National Nutrition Action Plan for 2021-2025. However, addressing food insecurity remains challenging due to high inflation and strong debt pressure in the past two years.

How APN Is Targeting Food Insecurity

The AFN program implements targeted initiatives to ensure sustainable food access. In 2016, the WFP, IFAD and the government launched the first phase in 400 villages across four provinces in Northern Laos. The program takes a holistic, community-based approach, emphasizing long-term self-sufficiency and various aspects of production. AFN collaborates with villages to develop road infrastructure, irrigation and market access, both with enterprises and through local market facilitation.

A significant part of AFN’s programming is its training initiatives and grants. AFN helps form and funds Agricultural Production Groups to farm selected products such as fish, poultry and vegetables. Furthermore, the program provides training for production techniques and opportunities for learning exchange via its Farmer-to-Farmer Extension Activities. These services are in addition to the Farmer Nutrition School and Garden Grant from which Sengphet benefitted.

Program Success

The first phase, which ended in 2022, has successfully met its targets to reduce food insecurity in Laos. It has reached 210,684 people, representing 92.5% of its goal. Around 57% of the people reached were women. Furthermore, it has helped bring 17,850 households out of poverty out of its targeted 21,000, defined by an income per capita of $270.

AFN’s impacts compound over time. In Nam Lee village, residents participating in a Village Development Planning session expressed a need for better road access to farmland and more profitable crops. With an AFN grant, the villagers constructed a 4km road to support their farming activities. By January 2021, this road access had increased productivity, with families generating $36,000 annually.

Sengpeut also highlights what the added income has provided for her family: “With my additional income,” she says, “I have been able to pay for my children’s education and build a new house. I have learned how to give medicine and vaccines to my animals and I am now part of making decisions in my house with my husband.”

With the success of Phase I, the three cosponsors are launching Phase II of the program. This phase expands to three additional provinces, targeting an extra 168,000 people. As Laos grapples with macroeconomic challenges, the AFN continues to offer sustainable solutions and combat food insecurity across small and medium scales, reaching the nation’s most vulnerable communities.

Final Remark

With the success of Phase I, the three co-sponsors are rolling out Phase II of the program. They have added 3 more provinces to the program, targeting an additional 168,000 people. As Laos continues to face macroeconomic challenges, the AFN provides sustainable solutions and fights food insecurity in Laos across small and medium-scales to the nation’s most vulnerable communities.

– Imme Koolenbrander

Imme is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Security in India: The Role of Cooperatives

Food Security in IndiaAround 65% of India’s population is engaged in “agricultural and allied activities” including agriculture, dairy farming, animal husbandry and fisheries. About 86% of the farming population in India consists of small and marginal farmers holding less than one hectare of land. Due to the high percentage of people with low incomes, food security in India poses a significant risk for a large portion of the country’s population.

Cooperatives in India

Cooperative societies are organizations where groups of people voluntarily come together to accomplish “common economic interest.” Cooperative societies that focus on the well-being of farmers and consumers play an important role in ensuring food security in India. They buy farm produce from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and sell it to consumers at affordable prices.

Cooperatives in India, like Amul Dairy and the Horticultural Producers’ Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS), have ensured food security for people experiencing poverty. The cooperatives have provided milk, milk-based products, fruits and vegetables at subsidized prices.

Amul

Amul Dairy is the largest milk-producing entity in India. It was founded in 1946 by a group of farmers in Gujarat, India. The farmers sought to eliminate the presence of middlemen in dairy farming. The Amul Model, a three-tier model with the federation of members’ unions at the state level, the milk union at the district level and the dairy cooperative societies at the village level. This model was replicated all over the country under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the founder chairman of Amul. He was given the role of running Amul from 1950.

Expansion of the model began in 1946 with only two dairy cooperative societies. Today there are 185,903 dairy cooperative societies nationwide, receiving milk from more than 16 million milk producers in the country. For more than 70 years, Amul has been determined to ensure food security in India by ensuring that millions of people across the country have easy access to milk and milk products. India is currently the largest producer of milk in the world, responsible for 24.64% of the world’s milk production, of which Amul has been the harbinger.

HOPCOMS

Horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and the like. HOPCOMS was established in 1959 in the south Indian state of Karnataka, initiated by the vision of Dr. M. H. Mari Gowda, the father of horticulture in Karnataka. With a population of around 64 million, 68% of Karnataka’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Of these, nearly 2.3 million households are employed in the horticultural sector at present.

HOPCOMS, run with state support, receives farm produce from farmers all over Karnataka. It intends to ensure a proper and convenient system for marketing fruits and vegetables within the state. HOPCOMS’s main objectives are to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce and consumers are sold farm products at reasonable prices. It does this by eliminating middlemen and providing farmers with adequate agricultural training and advice.

Conclusion

Cooperative societies like Amul Dairy and HOPCOMS have proved to be major contributors to food security in India. They ensure that both farmers and consumers can rely on government support for reasonable prices on farm produce. Eliminating the presence of middlemen has helped farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers at a predetermined price. It has also benefited consumers by saving them the extra costs incurred through middlemen. This has led to increased farmer incomes and the availability of subsidized milk, milk products, fruits and vegetables, all under the administration of the farmers of the country.

– Adya Umesh

Adya is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project

Photo: Unsplash

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Sweet Potato Flour as a Solution to Food Insecurity

Solution to Food InsecurityPoverty and especially rural poverty, is becoming an increasing problem in South Africa, as well as in the whole of Africa. This is leading to urbanization, food insecurity and joblessness. An estimated 20% of the African population is undernourished. In 2022, around 868 million people in Africa experienced moderate to severe food insecurity, while the total population of Africa was approximately 1.42 billion in the same year. Food insecurity can be attributed to poverty, extreme weather and conflict.

One Solution to Food Insecurity

Root and tuber crops, such as sweet potatoes, are important for food security. As a drought-tolerant crop, sweet potatoes are resilient in warm climates like those in sub-Saharan Africa. They are a staple food globally, especially in developing countries, providing affordable and accessible nutrition. Sweet potatoes hold great economic value in South Africa. However, after harvest, there is a limited time to determine when they are good to eat. They are harvested once a year and are ripe for a limited period.

InnoFoodAfrica

InnoFoodAfrica is a cross-continental project that aims to enhance food and nutrition security in Africa. As part of this project, researchers at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, have found a way to make orange-fleshed sweet potato last longer by making flour out of it. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Food Science candidate, Daddy Kgonothi, has been central in the development of this flour. The goal of the invention was to address micronutrient deficiencies among young children and pregnant women.

Sweet potato has a short shelf life of only two to three weeks. The flour, which is made from the same crop, has a shelf life of a whole year. Sweet potato contains beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the leading causes of micronutrient deficiencies in children younger than 6 and among pregnant women. Sweet potato also contains a high level of fiber and antioxidants. This protects the body from free radical damage and promotes a healthy gut and brain.

Flour is also a good source of iron, zinc and phosphorus. When sweet potato is made into flour, it lasts longer, which can lead to more people getting their hands on the product. It is also versatile and can be used in many recipes, such as bread. This way, the flour can be a solution to deficiencies.

The Impacts of the Sweet Potato Flour

The flour is one solution to food insecurity in not only South Africa but also large parts of Africa. The development of the flour was finalized in 2022. It allows people to enjoy the nutrients and benefits of the crop all year long. Not only is the flour helping enhance general food insecurity in South Africa and the rest of Africa, but it is especially helping pregnant women and children eat more nutritious food.

– Sigrid Nyhammer

Sigrid is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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AI Is Helping Address Food Security in India With Agriculture

Food Security in IndiaIn Telangana, South India, artificial intelligence (AI) helps address food security by helping farmers. The country is a prime example of how emerging AI technology is applied to global issues. The Indian government, in collaboration with agricultural aid organizations, has launched an AI program called Saalu Baagu. This program aims to use AI-based tools to solve agricultural challenges. AI programs and emerging technologies are experiencing ongoing growth and expansion in the country.

AI and Farming

The Telangana government divided its AI implementation process into distinct phases. Phase one focused on introducing a variety of AI-based agritech services to thousands of farmers. Phase two reached more than 20,000 chili and groundnut farmers in three districts. The project began in 2022 and has received the support of various AI tech companies and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Saagu Baagu program has had major success with farmers and crop yields, specifically chili crops. The program has enabled AI-focused startup companies like AgNext, a company helping farmers assess the quality and physical attributes of their chiles. Over 18 months, Indian farmers have experienced a 21% increase in plant growth per acre and a 9% decrease in pesticide usage. More than 500,000 farmers are now engaged in the program and have utilized AI tools in their farming.

The success of the Saagu Baagu signifies the potential for AI to help not just agriculture in India but also crop health on a global scale. AI has helped to address food security in India through revolutionary and adaptable technology that could work in a variety of agricultural environments. The program’s impact in Telangana has exemplified the ability of emerging AI technologies to assist modern farming techniques and strategies. Planting schedules, crop health and yield predictions are all challenges faced by farmers that AI has been able to leviate and make more efficient.

The Future of AI and Food Security

AI could help feed the world and prevent global hunger now and in the foreseeable future. “AI is going to transform the way we produce, store, distribute and market food in ways that will improve food safety, efficiency, resilience and sustainability,” said Gbola Adesogan, associate vice president and director of the Global Food Systems Institute. Efficient and sustainable farming will be the key to global food security.

AI is playing a pivotal role in addressing food security in India. Additionally, it holds promise for farmers worldwide in the future:

  1. It facilitates the analysis of vast data sets, enabling the development of resilient crops capable of withstanding various environmental challenges.
  2. AI offers valuable insights to farmers regarding soil conditions, optimal planting times and harvest periods, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.
  3. AI technology aids in the early detection of diseases and pests, enabling proactive measures to safeguard crops and maximize yields.

AI has proven to be an incredibly useful tool in empowering farmers to face modern economic and environmental challenges. Technology will be essential to combating global food security and poverty through agriculture.

– Jacob Buckner

Jacob is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Irrigation Farming in Nepal

Irrigation Farming in NepalThe ability to produce food for oneself and others is a cornerstone of human survival. It is the most crucial factor in maintaining a healthy population. The food production industry operates worldwide. Different countries have varying amounts of arable land and resources, leading to differences in their ability to feed growing populations well. Food needs are significant, but it is hard to raise enough. Farmers are experimenting with new techniques, such as irrigation farming in Nepal.

Nepal and the Land

Nestled in the heart of South Asia, Nepal boasts a population of more than 30 million people. Within its borders, the vibrant capital city of Kathmandu accommodates 1.5 million residents, representing a significant portion of the 21.9% of the population dwelling in urban settings.

Nepal boasts a diverse geographical landscape, encompassing the towering heights of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Despite its stunning natural features, Nepal is landlocked, without direct access to water bodies. Instead, the country relies on its intricate river system for water access, yet this reliance has translated into only 28.8% of its land being arable.

Despite the limited arable land available, agriculture is a cornerstone of Nepal’s economy, occupying a prominent position within the nation’s economic framework. Approximately two-thirds of Nepal’s workforce is engaged in agricultural activities, with maize, rice and wheat emerging as the primary crops cultivated. However, with the country’s population on the rise and urbanization expanding, the pressure on arable land intensifies, necessitating the adoption of farming practices that can adapt to these evolving conditions.

Irrigation Farming

Given these considerations, irrigation farming has emerged as a viable solution to Nepal’s challenges. Irrigation farming involves the artificial delivery of water to the soil using various methods such as pipes, sprays and tubes. This technique is invaluable in areas with insufficient rainfall or constrained water access. Typically, water is sourced from alternative reservoirs like groundwater, rivers or wells. It is then meticulously distributed across the land, ensuring uniform coverage.

Nepal tailors its approach to irrigation farming to fit its unique environmental conditions. It results in diverse methods across its varied geography. Among the prevalent techniques is using Farmer Managed Irrigation Systems (FMIS), where farmers independently construct, operate and maintain the irrigation infrastructure with minimal external intervention. Although Nepalese farmers have passed down this practice through generations, the government formally acknowledged its immense value in expanding irrigation farming nationwide in 1980. The system operates through a surface irrigation system, recognized globally as the most prevalent irrigation method. In this system, water is evenly dispersed across the land, relying on gravity to permeate the soil as it flows downhill.

The irrigation system has proven to be remarkably effective in bolstering food production in Nepal. Farmers manage approximately 70% of all irrigated farmland in the country through the FMIS. Furthermore, a substantial 40% of the domestically cultivated food in Nepal stems from the multitude of operational FMIS. Notably, the Terai region, renowned for its extensive arable land, hosts 1,700 irrigation systems managed by the organization’s farmers. Meanwhile, the hill regions boast a staggering 15,000 in operation.

Conclusion

While it serves as a remedy for the escalating food demand, Nepal faces mounting challenges amid population growth and dwindling natural water reservoirs due to rising temperatures and the changing climate. Nevertheless, irrigation farming in Nepal stands poised to mitigate food insecurity by introducing innovative cultivation methods. As farmers contend for water resources, it becomes imperative to sustainably manage FMIS systems, thereby facilitating the establishment of irrigation systems without depleting land resources.

– Alexandra Straumann
Photo: Flickr

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The Future of Food Systems in Colombia

Food Systems in ColombiaA food system is a complex network of activities involved in getting food from the field to the plate. This includes the production, processing, transport and consumption of food. To ensure a streamlined and successful food system, the governance, economics and sustainability of food production all require attention, as well as food waste — all with the goal of ensuring the maintenance of individual, population and environmental health throughout the process.

Food systems have historically been intertwined with wider economic and social issues. Inequalities in the food systems of a country or region often reflect the inequalities found in society. This article will delve into the current and future food systems in Colombia, focusing on the Medellin and Valle del Cauca regions.

Current Food Systems in Colombia

Colombia is Latin America’s fourth largest economy with various fertile zones that allow it to grow a large range of products, including its major agricultural export, coffee. Find below two case studies portraying the struggles faced in local Colombian food systems, and the programs working towards a brighter future.

Case Study: Medellin

Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city, lies within a fertile agricultural zone and has been proactive in implementing sustainable urban practices in recent years. However, it still faces challenges. Medellin’s municipalities are extremely fragmented, with a significant disconnect between rural and urban areas, as well as a distinct inequality amongst internal territories. All of which accumulate in food system inefficiencies.

In order to solve these issues, urban areas must have the tools for greater self-sufficiency while also building closer connections to rural areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when food shortages were choke holding the country, a municipal program of urban and peri-urban gardens called Huertas para el Abastecimiento, generated alternative food supplies and facilitated the production of secure distribution channels. This initiative mobilized 20 tons of food within the first two weeks of quarantine, when many were fearful of dwindling food supplies. 

The influence of the City Council and organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has also been critical in the shift towards food security in Medellin. They have been instrumental in supporting farmers with transportation services, consolidating relationships between local producers and private companies, and redistributing food supplies to popular canteens where the most vulnerable populations find food. There are even digital Farmer’s Markets where networks of farmers and local citizens are communicating to establish a local supply of produce in Medellin neighborhoods. A combination of all these efforts has been beneficial in integrating territories and establishing a secure food system for Medellin communities.

Case Study: Valle del Cauca

Valle del Cauca is a region along the southwest of Colombia, hugging the Pacific coastline. An assessment by The New Economy for Food and Land Use (FOLU) in March 2022 found that only 58% of the area’s food needs were being met with malnutrition in the department’s capital, Cali, being particularly high. With a large proportion of the population relying on a diet of cheap, ultra-processed foods, Valle del Cauca has seen a rise in health issues such as obesity. Furthermore, the overexploitation of the region’s forest and wetlands for agricultural uses has led to land degradation and soil erosion, threatening future crop growth.

FOLU Colombia is an organization working to transform Valle del Cauca’s food system through sustainable growth and a regenerative agricultural economy. FOLU connects a coalition of unions, academics, private investors and government bodies to determine better land-use and food policies that take the growing environmental challenges into account. FOLU’s roadmap states that “the productivity of workers in the agricultural and forestry sector is one of the lowest in the Colombian economy and this sector has the highest rates of informal employment in the country,” stating that “a new economy of food and soil use would reverse this situation.”

The Future of Food Systems

Changing weather patterns are only going to enhance the challenges faced for food growers across the world. Coffee farmers in Colombia are already seeing temperature rises and drought take a toll on their crops — it is thought that these extreme weather events could reduce Colombia’s coffee production by up to 50%.

Building community-led, inclusive programs like those outlined above is crucial to breaking down barriers between different areas and forming cohesive, sustainable and resilient food systems in Colombia that supply sufficient food to all, even in the face of a changing climate.

– Rachael Cooper
Photo: Flickr

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How Tobacco Production Impacts Food Security

Tobacco Production Impacts Food SecurityThe same land that provides life also causes death: The same soil that produces energy resources, fruits, vegetables and minerals also yields a product that kills 8 million people each year: tobacco. Here is how tobacco production impacts food security.

How Tobacco Production Affects Farmers

Unfortunately, tobacco not only causes death and diseases to those who are smokers or breathe secondhand smoke. Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, points out that tobacco production causes illnesses to farmers, as they are “exposed to chemical pesticides, tobacco smoke and as much nicotine as found in 50 cigarettes.” Furthermore, it is estimated that more than 1 million children work in tobacco farms, being deprived of education.

The countries with more need to produce food are paradoxically those that produce the most tobacco. Nine of the 10 nations with the highest tobacco cultivation rates are low- and middle-income nations, according to WHO. 

How Tobacco Production Impacts Food Security

Also, because tobacco production takes up fertile land, it exacerbates the food security issues in these countries. As a result of the crop’s growth-induced deforestation, water source contamination and soil deterioration, the environment and the populations that depend on it also suffer.

A record 349 million people experience extreme food insecurity across 79 countries. Many of them are in more than 30 African nations where tobacco growing has expanded by 15% over the past 10 years, according to the agency’s new report “Grow food, not tobacco.”

Transitioning Tobacco Farming to Food Crops

More than 124 countries cultivate tobacco, occupying 3.2 million hectares of arable land that farmers could use for food production. In order to shift this situation, WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have partnered to back the Tobacco Free Farms initiative. Through this plan, more than 5,000 farmers in Kenya and Zambia will receive assistance in switching from tobacco to sustainable food crops. 

There are other examples of countries that have found a new way to end global hunger by switching from tobacco farming to food crops. In Bulgaria, despite European Union subsidies for tobacco production, many farmers have effectively transitioned to cultivating nuts, berries or engaging in animal husbandry. This shift has marginalized the role of tobacco in Bulgarian agriculture, leading to significant economic growth and improved living standards in major villages within established tobacco regions.

Similarly, Indonesia has seen success in transitioning tobacco farmers to alternative crops like cashews, sweet potatoes, corn and green vegetables, resulting in increased profits.

Progress in China and Malaysia

In regions like China’s Yunnan province, there has been a notable reduction in tobacco cultivation since 2012. Thousands of farmers have embraced the shift toward growing vegetables and fruits, experiencing higher net incomes due to initiatives promoting tobacco crop substitution.

Malaysia’s government has supported tobacco farmers in transitioning to cultivating kenaf, a plant used for high-quality paper, biocomposites and bioplastics. This transition has shown promising returns on investment with minimal expenditure of time, money and labor. 

Transition to Food Crops in New Zealand and Sri Lanka

Similarly, in New Zealand’s Motueka region, government incentives for tobacco farming have been removed, allowing farmers to successfully transition to cultivating hops, kiwis and apples. These examples illustrate that viable alternatives to tobacco farming are not only possible but are already underway in various regions around the world.

In 2021, the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol in Sri Lanka launched a pilot project in the Anuradhapura and Monaragala districts aimed at encouraging the cultivation of alternative crops instead of tobacco. This initiative yielded significant results, with a remarkable 91% reduction in tobacco cultivation observed in Anuradhapura and a 57% reduction in Monaragala. 

In Anuradhapura, 30% of farmers transitioned to cultivating vegetables while 16% turned to paddy cultivation. Conversely, in Monaragala, the majority of farmers opted to grow crops like peanuts, sesame and cowpeas. The success of this pilot project underscores the potential of sustainable agricultural practices in fostering economically viable alternatives to tobacco farming and addressing how tobacco production impacts food security.

Looking Ahead

It is important and at the same time gratifying that in the face of a situation such as that presented by tobacco cultivation and its negative influences on farmers and consumers alternatives are established throughout the world. These not only imply tobacco’s progressive disappearance but also reverse the situation, finding a new way to end global hunger by making the means and efforts to serve food production and helping those most in need.

– Christian Teruel
Photo: Flickr

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How Ramen Noodles Can Fight Global Hunger

Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles, the humble staple of college students and budget-conscious individuals, emerge as powerful tools for addressing poverty, fostering entrepreneurship and providing emergency relief. Beyond their affordability and widespread popularity, ramen noodles possess unique qualities that make them well-suited for tackling various socioeconomic challenges.

Ramen for Emergency Relief

A key advantage of ramen noodles in the fight against poverty is their extended shelf life. When stored properly, these dried or instant noodles can last for months or even up to a year. This longevity makes them invaluable resources in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies. When disaster strikes, access to food becomes a pressing concern. With their long shelf life, ramen noodles can be stockpiled and distributed efficiently to affected communities. Their simplicity in preparation — just boiling water is required — ensures that even in dire circumstances, people can access a hot meal. 

Initiatives like the World Instant Noodles Association’s (WINA) “Donation of Noodles” program highlight the global reach of ramen as a tool for poverty alleviation. WINA’s efforts involve providing substantial quantities of instant noodles to regions affected by disasters or economic challenges, helping secure access to food for millions of people. In February 2023, WINA donated 100,000 servings of instant noodles to the regions affected by the Turkey-Syria earthquake.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Beyond emergency relief, the income-generating potential of ramen noodles can catalyze entrepreneurship, particularly in low-income communities. Many small entrepreneurs around the world have harnessed the appeal of ramen noodles to create thriving businesses. One particular noodle-related success story comes from Hualong County in Qinghai Province, China. Residents of Hualong have used lamian (hand-pulled noodles) to lift themselves out of poverty. A decade ago, nearly half of Hualong’s 300,000-plus residents lived in poverty. Through the development of the lamian industry, Hualong County successfully eradicated poverty in the region. Currently, around 17,000 hand-pulled noodle restaurants, run by Hualong natives, operate across China, with an annual output value of 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) and involving 110,000 local people. The country’s government has also introduced initiatives to support poverty-stricken individuals in the lamian industry, leading to thousands emerging from poverty. 

A Path to Food Security

Ramen noodles offer a cost-effective solution for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. Their affordability allows people on limited budgets to access filling and nourishing meals. This accessibility is vital in the fight against poverty, as inadequate nutrition can perpetuate a cycle of poor health and limited economic opportunities. By providing a source of convenient and satisfying sustenance, these organizations support vulnerable populations in maintaining their well-being. 

Challenges and Considerations

While ramen noodles offer a range of benefits in poverty alleviation, it’s important to acknowledge potential challenges. One concern is the nutritional quality of instant ramen, which can be high in sodium and lack essential nutrients. Organizations and individuals working with ramen for poverty alleviation must consider the need for a balanced diet and explore ways to supplement ramen with fresh and nutritious ingredients. Furthermore, the environmental impact of single-use packaging associated with instant ramen is a concern. Sustainable packaging options and responsible consumption practices are essential to mitigate this issue. 

Conclusion

Ramen noodles, often seen as simple and convenient meals, possess remarkable potential to alleviate poverty, foster entrepreneurship and provide emergency relief. Their long shelf life makes them invaluable in crises, their affordability makes them accessible to those on tight budgets and their popularity has fueled entrepreneurial ventures worldwide. By recognizing the diverse ways ramen is a tool for positive change, individuals, organizations and governments can work together to unlock the potential of this humble noodle to create a more equitable and nourished world.

– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Flickr