Causes and Ramifications of Hunger in Africa

Political instability, lack of democratic institutions and rise of military and dictatorial form of rule (not government) coupled with low level of economic and social development (primarily a legacy of colonial rule) can be said to be the major causes of hunger in Africa. Independence from the colonial rule in the second half of 20th century saw the rise of individual dictators and consequent civil wars in most part of Africa. The divisions of boundaries according to the convenience of colonial powers led to power struggle among major tribal and ethnic groups in most of the African nations. Power was grabbed by a few using undemocratic means which was to be held by force.

In the process, the common people were left unattended and lack of democratic rights made them vulnerable to poverty, unemployment, malnutrition illiteracy — all of which led to the creation of vicious circle where hunger was the cause as well as effect of the political instability and lack of good governance. Examples can be seen in Ethiopia, Somalia, Congo, Sudan, and Rwanda – just to name a few.

The ramifications of the hunger can be seen in the following ways.

1. It has led to mass migration of the people from draught and strife hit areas to neighboring countries.
2. More tribal clashes have occurred over garnering of resources to end hunger.
3. International intervention, though belated in some areas has led to mitigating the hunger problems to some extent.
4. Hunger has also become a political weapon where western countries are projecting their agendas in affected countries of Africa. China and India are the latest entry of this club; both of these countries are striving hard to influence more and more countries. In this process, they even ignore the human rights problems like in Darfur region of Sudan.
5. Hunger has aggravated AIDS problems in Africa which needs to be tackled immediately.

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