Food Insecurity in Canada vs. Democratic Republic of Congo.

Transcription

1 Food Insecurity in Canada vs. Democratic Republic of Congo. Kevin Wu and Tino Spiliotopoulos Ms. Carlisle Environmental Sustainability

2 Food Insecurity The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. Commonly, the concept of food security is defined as including both physical and economic access to food that meets people's dietary needs as well as their food preferences. In many countries, health problems related to dietary excess are an ever increasing threat, In fact, malnutrition and food borne diarrhea are become double burden. Food security is built on three pillars: Food availability: sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis. Food access: having sufficient resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet. Food use: appropriate use based on knowledge of basic nutrition and care, as well as adequate water and sanitation.

3 Food Insecurity Continued Food security is a complex sustainable development issue, linked to health through malnutrition, but also to sustainable economic development, environment, and trade. There is a great deal of debate around food security with some arguing that: There is enough food in the world to feed everyone adequately; the problem is distribution. Future food needs can - or cannot - be met by current levels of production. National food security is paramount - or no longer necessary because of global trade. Globalization may - or may not - lead to the persistence of food insecurity and poverty in rural communities.

4 Food Insecurity Continued Issues such as whether households get enough food, how it is distributed within the household and whether that food fulfils the nutrition needs of all members of the household show that food security is clearly linked to health.

5 Food Situation in General According to the results of the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey, eight percent of children under the age of five, nearly one million children, suffer from acute malnutrition and 43 percent, or about six million children, suffer from chronic malnutrition. Child mortality rates are among the highest in the world.

6 Food Insecurity in Congo A nationwide study carried out in December 2014 found that there are more than 6.5 million people, 10 percent of the population, in a situation of acute food insecurity. Most of these food-insecure people live in the conflict-affected provinces of the country. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is rich in natural resources and is endowed with the world's second largest rainforest. However, decades of war and mismanagement have resulted in economic stagnation and a deterioration of its infrastructure. Food insecurity affects an 6.5 million people throughout the country.

7 An Average Congo Diet Throughout Africa, the main meal of the day is lunch, which usually consists of a mixture of vegetables, legumes, and sometimes meat. However, though different meats are considered staples in many areas, many Africans are not able to eat meat often, due to economic constraints. Beef, goat, and sheep (mutton) are quite expensive in Africa, so these foods are reserved for special days. However, fish is abundant in coastal regions and in many lakes.

8 Food Condition in Canada Canadians represent about 0.5% of the global population, produce about 1.5% of the food in the world, and consume about 0.6% of world food production. In 2004, Canada ranked 8th in the world for production of cereals, including wheat, barley and oats; 10th in meat production; and 19th in fisheries and aquaculture production. As the global population increases, the interdependency of food, energy, water, land and biological resources becomes more apparent.

9 Food Conditions in Canada As a commodity, food is an important component of Canada's national economy. In 2007, $92 billion was spent on food and beverages in stores for household use, and an additional $50 billion in restaurants and bars. More than 70% of the food bought in Canadian stores in 2007 was produced domestically. The United States is the source of more than half (57%) of imported food, and similarly 55% of domestic food exports from Canada are directed to the United States. In 1961 Canadians dedicated 28% of their personal expenditures to food, whereas by 2007 this amount had decreased to 17%.

10 Narrative: The Story of Gordon Gordon is a 12 year old boy living in Vancouver, Canada. Canada has the world s 8th biggest wheat and cereal production, 10th in meat production, and 19th in fisheries and aquaculture production. Needless to say, Gordon is living in a paradise of food. In the morning Gordon has a balanced breakfast of eggs, cereal, and of course CANADIAN BACON. For lunch he eats a healthy school lunch consisting of mac and cheese, broccoli and string beans, and chicken. For dinner Gordon s mom cooks him a delicious hamburger.

11 Narrative: The Story of Trevor Trevor is a 10 year old who suffers from starvation. He lives in a dilapidated village that suffers from major food shortages. Every morning Trevor travels far away to the market to get water for his family. He passes by beef, goat, and sheep but does not have any money to buy it. Trevor has to feed his two brothers and three sisters buy traveling to the local farm during lunchtime and picking vegetables from the farmer and paying him a couple of francs(currency). By the time he gets home it s nightfall and his family, including his parents and grandparents are desperate for food.

12 Citations "Definitions of Food Security." N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan "City Harvest." - Rescuing Food for New York's Hungry. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan "The Impact of Hunger." Feeding America. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan //