Global Food and Water Crises SWA Articles
Outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the Gaza Strip
- Wednesday, 16 May 2012
A strain of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), known as SAT2, has been detected in the Gaza Strip. The highly contagious virus, which originated in Egypt and Libya, has caused the destruction of thousands of livestock in the region, resulting in heavy financial losses for farmers. The outbreak will potentially exacerbate the current food crisis in Gaza, which is caused, in part, by the on-going Israeli blockade. Failure to contain the SAT2 strain would have dangerous implications for regional food security.
Pakistan Projects Bumper 2012 Harvest, Concerns Remain on Regional Food Insecurity
- Wednesday, 16 May 2012
The Global Information and Early Warning System on Food and Agriculture (GIEWS) has released a new country brief on Pakistan, which assesses the current situation on food security. Although the overall food supply situation over the last two years has been favourable, there is considerable regional variation, due to severe flooding in both 2010 and 2011. This has led to claims that regional food insecurity is inflaming social and political unrest.
Food Insecurity in Nepal’s Mountain Regions
- Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Surveys reveal that Nepal’s mountain dwellers are suffering from food poverty. Unequal economic development has created divisions in Nepali society, so that access to food, water and services is uneven. Growing urban populations and uneven government oversight are contributing to the deterioration of food and water security in mountain communities.
Inaugural Global Food Report Warns of Rising Food Prices and Volatility
- Wednesday, 09 May 2012
A multitude of factors have led to sharp global food price rises over the last five years. This has significant implications for the food security of millions of people in developing countries. In response to this, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) released its inaugural ‘Annual Global Food Policy Report’ on 23 April; analysing recent developments in global food policy and developing future strategies to deal with current problems.
Australia to Join ‘Sanitation and Water for All’ Partnership
- Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Ministers from developed and under-developed countries recently held a meeting in Washington, as part of the Sanitation and Water for All Partnership. The talks focussed on delivering improved access to clean water and sanitation for the world’s poor. Australia has announced its intention to become a member of the Partnership, as well as providing additional aid for its water, sanitation and hygiene programme.
“Landgrab” Report Highlights Failings
- Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Earlier this year, the International Land Coalition released the report, Land Rights and the Rush for Land. It was the culmination of three years of research into the “landgrab” practice and highlights the outcomes and responses that are required by governments. It argues that the poor are bearing disproportionate costs, but reaping few benefits because of poor governance.
China’s Groundbreaking $608 billion Drought-Proof Plan
- Thursday, 26 April 2012
Following China’s record-breaking water-related natural disasters in 2010, its government is developing a $608 billon, 10-year water conservation and watershed management plan. It is described as the most comprehensive attempt in more than 60 years, to deal with a worsening crisis. Coinciding with China’s focus, the Asian Development Bank this month published a report, Drying Up: What to do About Droughts in the People’s Republic of China. The report offers new ways of dealing with droughts and other natural disasters, which could give China lasting solutions.
United Nations Hosts Debate on Food Price Volatility
- Thursday, 26 April 2012
Leading figures from around the world met at the UN General Assembly to debate the causes for, and solutions to, damaging food price volatility. Varying viewpoints were presented, reflecting the role of both the financial system and demand and supply factors, in setting food prices globally. A new and immediate approach is required to address large fluctuations in food prices, which are detrimental to millions of the world’s poor, and are causing ongoing food crises.
Drought and Famine in Zimbabwe Expected Again This Year
- Thursday, 26 April 2012
Zimbabwe is facing yet another drought this year.A deficit of approximately 45 per cent in the nation’s staple food source, maize, is the likely outcome for 2012. Over the decade, droughts have crippled the nation and have contributed to the already low life-expectancy levels and high levels of emigration. About 1.4 million Zimbabweans will face famine.
Syria Struggles with a Critical Resource: Water
- Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Since January 2011, Syria has been facing violent civil unrest as elements of the population seek the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad. However serious the political struggle may be, according to a new report Syria faces an even more severe crisis relating to water security, which could threaten the long-term future of the country.