Political Factors & Environmental Factors of poverty

Political Factors

War is a primary cause of hunger. By following a map of recent wars in developing countries, one can accurately map famine and malnutrition. Conflict destroys crops and takes labor and other resources out of food production; in addition, food may be used as a political weapon during times of conflict.


The primacy many governments place on military spending is connected to hunger. A disproportionate amount of government money goes to military purposes as opposed to agriculture, education, fishing and preservation of natural resources. Many countries make decisions based upon political considerations, often at the behest of more powerful nations. For instance, more than half of U.S. foreign assistance is "security aid" going to military and political allies.


Environmental Factors

Land degradation and the deforestation of lands, often by big businesses, are a cause of hunger. As lands are clear-cut for cattle ranching or farms, they are left unprotected from wind and water erosion. In addition, economic pressures force many farmers to adopt farming practices which meet short-term needs but cause long-term damage to the environment.


This results in unsustainable farming techniques that often ruin land for future use. This results is land that produces fewer or no crops and is more vulnerable to erosion in the event of drought, floods, or heavy winds.
We have the resources and knowledge to end world hunger. There is plenty of food produced across the world each day to feed every woman, man, and child; however, the aforementioned factors lead to skewed access and distribution, leaving millions in desperation.