Choose A Specific Place Where Food Security Is Problem. Examine The

Choose A Specific Place Where Food Security Is Problem. Examine The Choose A Specific Place Where Food Security Is Problem. Examine The Factors That Have Influenced â€" Essay Example > Food Security Problems in West AfricaFood insecurity is a problem that is known to affect many countries around the world especially developing countries. Among the West African countries affected by food shortages include Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and some sections of Chad. The food security problems being experienced are related with the staple foods in the region. Many people in the region are suffering from lack of access to nutritional food since many food stores have been cleared. Nigeria has its Northern part affected. This region relies on fish, livestock and crops for its food supply (Pinstrup-Aderesen, 92). SituationThe current situation is West Africa has been described by USAID as a ‘hunger gap’ which needs to be checked or else a crisis will develop. The situation is turning into a serious problem of concern since there are no food reserves and the next season of harvest is expected in October. Food imports have increased from the normal capacity. The farm holdings in the region are dominated by small holder farms which constitute over 75%. Due to rising populations the food demand remains high (Rosegrant et al. 25). In countries like Nigeria there has been increased domestic production of food but it is still not sufficient. There is an obvious instability in food supply. This is because the losses incurred after harvest have gone up from 20 to 40%. The techniques employed in harvesting, storage and processing are not efficient. This results in unstable supply. Since nutritious food substances are always expensive poverty and low income limits access to such foods. The wellbeing of most of the populations and their food intake is said to be have a low quality. The low status of the economy among most of the people in this region contributes a lot to this. Those whose economic status is poor are most affected and vulnerable. Other categories of affected people include the elderly, pregnant women, children, lactating mothers and small holder farmers. Over half of the population in this region is malnourished (Inter Academy Council, 120). Deficiency diseases common in this are include lack of iron which is known to affect physical activity. It can also result in death if allowed to continue to extreme conditions. It also causes people to become susceptible to infections. Another problem is protein energy malnutrition which makes children not to grow and adults to lose weight. Protein energy malnutrition is also associated with malaria, T.B, whooping cough, diarrhea and measles. There is deficiency in vitamin A which causes lowered resistance to diseases. Imbalance nutrition causes obesity in people especially those living in urban areas. Obesity comes with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Those who are vulnerable and poor can have their problems solved by reduced poverty. Households should also be assisted to have accessible nutritious food in adequate amounts at all times (Pin strup-Aderesen, 72). ProblemThe Sahel region of West Africa is known to have a history of food scarcity. This is brought about mainly because of the lack of rainfall in that region. Rains came late, insufficiently or too erratic. Erratic rains resulted in drought, delayed planting and cause a lack of water in the water sources many populations rely on. This has increased the already growing difficult food condition of the area.