Global Food and Water Crises
Food Security in Lesotho Threatened by Extreme Weather
- Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Lesotho is in the midst of a food security crisis, as people continue to feel the effects of the severe flooding that occurred in early 2011. The heavy rain and flooding affected much of the country, destroying crops and livestock, and bringing food insecurity to large areas of the country. Agricultural production has been reduced, farmers have experienced a loss of income, and food prices are rising sharply.
Reduced Rainfall to Affect Zimbabwe Food Security
- Wednesday, 07 March 2012
Irregular rainfall patterns across Zimbabwe last year have led to failed and substandard harvests in 2012. The resultant loss of income and agricultural output will worsen Zimbabwe’s already tenuous food security status. Government policies and corruption are further hindering progress, in a country showing some signs of recovery from its recent economic collapse. Food support will likely be required for millions of food-insecure Zimbabweans this year.
Perth Hosts One Just World Food and Water Security Forum
- Wednesday, 07 March 2012
Global food and water security was the focus of a forum recently held at the University of Western Australia. The speakers spoke of the need for greater co-operation between NGOs and government in ensuring food is distributed to areas where it is needed. The speakers agreed that future food security is not so much about having enough food for everyone, as it is in ensuring the distribution system is improved.
The Politics of Water Security between Afghanistan and Iran
- Thursday, 01 March 2012
- Increasing development and water consumption in upstream Afghanistan negatively affects water supply to Iran, thereby exacerbating latent tensions between the two countries.
- Iran perceives the construction of hydroelectric dams on the Afghan side of the basins as a direct security threat.
- There is no active agreement between Iran and Afghanistan over the management of shared water resources in the Helmand and Harirod-Murghab river basins.
- It is unlikely these points of friction will be resolved without concerted and proactive collaboration between the two countries.
- In addition to political tensions, climactic changes alter patterns of water flow and availability in the shared basins, leading some farmers to claim that insufficient water supply encourages them to plant poppy, a hardy crop.
- Increasing human strain on the Sistan wetlands due to mass migrations is unsustainable and may lead to a major environmental disaster.
India’s Government Works with NGOs in the Fight Against Insurgency
- Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Maoist insurgents in India are harming the livelihoods of rural communities. Access to food is being lost in areas under Maoist control, as a result of violence and coercion. In an effort to reach vulnerable sections of the population, the government is employing new strategies, with the assistance of NGOs.
East Africa Struck by Famine
- Wednesday, 29 February 2012
On 20 July 2011 the United Nations formally declared a famine in the East African countries of Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti. These countries experienced the worst famine in two decades.
African Drought Causing Food Shortages and Early Migration
- Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Persistent drought has reduced the harvest yield in the Sahel belt of Africa, which will lead to a severe shortage of food. Worried farmers in the worst affected areas are migrating with their families to ensure they have access to food. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns of an impending humanitarian crisis if urgent action is not taken.
India Records Bumper Crop, Though Problems Remain
- Wednesday, 22 February 2012
India is expected to pull in a record crop this year, following favourable rains. Estimates suggest that foodgrain output could reach more than 250 million tonnes, with rice reaching 100 million tonnes for the first time. The wheat output will top the government forecast, with a record 88 million tonnes expected. Yet, food insecurity remains.
“How-to” Flood Management Guide for Cities
- Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Around the world, urban flooding is a growing development challenge, as Australia experienced first-hand in Brisbane last year. This month saw the release of a report from the World Bank and the Global Faculty for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, titled ‘Cities and Flooding: A Guide to Integrated Urban Flood Risk Management for the 21st Century’.
The Challenge of Global Degradation and Scarcity
- Thursday, 16 February 2012
Key points
- Degradation and scarcity of land and water are a growing threat to sustainable food security.
- Agricultural systems are at risk throughout the world.
- There will be significant limitations on land and water resources by 2050.
- 25 per cent of global land is already highly degraded.
- The intensification of agriculture, alongside improved efficiency in irrigation, is the optimum path toward mitigating this threat and any future damage.