The End of Starvation in Africa

The problems associated with poor agriculture and economy in Africa have been recognized for generations. However, a new study regarding a more intensive focus on modernized agriculture suggests that Africa could feed itself in one generation. This isn't the only boon that would come from modernized agriculture. Increased exportation, a more stabilized economy, and lessened environmental degradation are all potential benefits should Africa make the switch.

For many years, the problem of starvation in Africa has been at the height of concern around the globe. Not only is the problem deplorable, but it is getting worse. As stated in an article released by US Aid, "It is estimated that one in three people in Africa are currently undernourished and that a third of all the world's undernourished people reside in sub-Saharan Africa." Not only this, but Africa has been dealing with poverty cycling for hundreds of years.

To make poverty cycling worse, Africa is a net food importer, which leaves them at the mercy of market prices set by other countries. This leaves them at an economical disadvantage. Africa exports raw materials at the moment, but according to a proposal outlined in CNN's article, Study: Africa can feed itself in one generation, enhancing agriculture will have a more profound effect on the economy as a whole. By utilizing "a combination of modern technology, improved infrastructure and better technical education" Africa could rise up and eventually become a net exporter of produce (CNN). Since Africa is largely rural and thus has an emphasis on agriculture already, it would not be difficult to begin a more intensive focus on modernized agriculture.

Modernized agriculture doesn't only mean more food, it also means less environmental degradation. In past years there has been a huge problem with storage of obsolete pesticides in Africa and overuse of pesticides in agriculture. Improper disposal of pesticides means that these hazardous chemicals could leak out of their containers and contaminate water sources, which would only exacerbate the health problems in Africa. Overuse of pesticides is a problem because of the continuous need for a stronger pesticide year after year. An article released by the World Bank Org states:

FAO estimates that developing countries are holding stocks of more than 100,000 tons of obsolete pesticides, 20,000 of which are in Africa. Many of these chemicals are so toxic that a few grams could poison thousands of people or contaminate a large area. Among the highly toxic and persistent substances are DDT, Dieldrin and HCH (Hexachlorocyclohexane). Most of these pesticides are left over from pesticide donations provided by foreign aid programmes. In the absence of environmentally sound disposal facilities, stocks are constantly increasing. FAO is calling for a concerted global effort to dispose of this hazardous waste and to avoid further accumulations.

Clearly this is a serious problem, but with the new plan to increase modernized agriculture, farmers could be using genetically-modified seeds which require little to no pesticide and are also drought-tolerant. This could substantially increase the viability of the crop and allow Africa to feed itself in one generation while eliminating environmental concerns posed by pesticide use. This plan will be relayed to presidents in various African countries and if a consensus is reached, the next step would be implementation (CNN).

Works Cited

"Agriculture." USAid. 22 Aug. 2007. 4 Feb. 2011. http://www.usaid.gov/locations/sub-saharan_africa/sectors/ag/index.html

Tutton, Mark . "Study: Africa can feed itself in a generation." CNN. 9 Dec. 2010. 4 Feb. 2011. http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/12/02/africa.food.study/index.html?iref=allsearch

"Unsafe Application of Pesticides and Dangerous Old Stocks ." World Bank. 4 Feb. 2011. http://www.worldbank.org/html/cgiar/newsletter/Sept97/10fao.html