My Reflection on World Hunger 1

My Reflections on the News article, “Fight to End World Hunger Could Still be Lost, says FAO” by Joe DeCapua

With the improved medical care conditions and the cutting-edge technological development, I have expected that the actual number of starving people worldwide should have decreased to some extent. Contrary to my optimistic expectation, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization reveals that the number of malnourished people has increased to 1 billion people. This is largely due to current economic downturn compounded with more expensive current food prices.

The author further discusses how the actual number of donators can be considerably lower than the number of future donators who pledged to contribute to the funds for fighting for hunger issues. I could understand how well-intentioned people who had originally wanted to help out the poor turned out to fail to keep their own promises. I believe that these people might have felt burdened at their own economic situations in this economic downturn, resulting in breaking promises without intending to do it. As an undergraduate student, I can very relate to this situation because I had once pledged to send a black goat to North Korea by sincerely promising to donate approximately $250 and ended up breaking my promise. That black goat was supposed to save one household in North Korea to survive. I can’t describe how frustrated I am. This pledge was made in 2000 and I am still feeling very bad about my broken promise until now. I hope that I could find a good way to keep this promise as soon as I graduate and get a decent job in the future. As an article discusses, the vicious circle of poverty keeps happening and it is very hard to break this pattern of vicious circle. It is because that the poor people with high population would naturally have limited spaces of land, which would hinder them from investing more into the land. This lack of resources will only feed the few. The dismal reality will cruelly snatch a brighter future away from the unfortunate. Indeed, these dying people desperately need us, who are more fortunate than they are. Don’t you believe that it is our responsibility to share at least some portions of our resources to save these dying people? Maybe we possess more resources so that we could share our privilege together… and to be able to reach out for these global neighbors….

What if we were there… , crying for hunger and crying for survival every day, and they were in our positions, instead?
…… Shouldn’t we do something about it?

Miracle Food Called “Plumpynut”

A Life Saver Called “Plumpynut”

Anderson Cooper Reports On A Nutritional Breakthrough

June 22, 2008

Anderson Cooper, a reporter for CBS news, reported a great news about miraculous breakthrough food innovation called “Plumpynut” invented by the Doctors Without Borders. By using peanut butter, powdered milk and sugar with fortificaiton, this food is contributed to a decrease in infant’s mortality rate.

How has this product transformed the miserable living conditions in Niger?
In 2006, Niger has been known as the highest malnutrition area, but currently, thanks to an improved distribution of Plumpynut, Niger has become a region with the lowest rate of infant death. Also, it is convenient to use and store because this food does not need to be stored in the refrigerator or to be mixed with water. With regard to nutritional values, each serving delivers nutrition, which is approximately equivalent to a glass of milk. When distributing Plumpynut, volunteer doctors closely monitored weight and height to watch closely for malnutrition of children as malnutrition could make children more vulnerable to diseases. Plumpynut has strengthened children’s previously weak immune system.

Based on the article, in Niger, one in five children would die before the age of five due to malnutrition and 50 % of survived children would experience stunted growths compared to healthy children in affluent countries. However, Doctors Without Borders transformed the sad statistics by making poverty and malnutrition a history.

I was very delighted to know the success stories of compassionate and devoted doctors. Doctors say that a huge amount of capital is not required to save them. Rather, with a little more of budget directed towards a mass production of fortified products, they say that we can make a huge difference. I think that we, as more privileged individuals with abundant resources in hand, do owe duty to the unfortunate who much rely on our help to survive for only a certain period of time.

I hope that influential and leader entities including governments or commercial giants in developed countries would open their eyes to see desperate needs and stand up for their basic rights to food and shelter.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/10/19/60minutes/main3386661.shtml

The Philanthropic Alliances

“The Philanthropic Allainces of Different Sectors of Business”

To jointly offer assistance to the poor countries, we may consider to establish the philanthropic alliances consisting of many subgroups of industries organized separately for each specialized sector. For example, all pharmaceutical companies could gather together to set up a non-profit organization focusing on pharmacology, which can donate medicines to the poor for free. Or, groups of water purifier companies could collectively volunteer to come up with innovative solutions and to install more affodable water purifier to provide clean water in poor regions with a lack of clean water.

I believe that every sector has something valuable to contribute to the philanthropic alliances. For instance, photographers could demonstrate their willingness to help by using their unique artistic talents. Vivid pictures could be used to report desperate realities in poor countries. Book publication companies may set aside its energy to publicize appealing articles for true stories of destitute people in order to raise the awareness of the poor. More practically, an agricultural industry could donate good seeds or fruit pips resistant to diseases and natural disaster. They can also develop agricultural techniques including irrigation, farming, or sustainable agriculture practices. Fashion industries could donate clothings, bags, shoes to the poor. For education sector, Africa could find well-educated local volunteers/teachers who would work for free community night schools. Poor students should be educated without any cost; however, they are obligated to work as teachers after they graduate. Teachers in poor countries would receive intensive, free trainings from the Ministries of Education from developed countries. Furthermore, African universities could actively encourage to exchange local instructors with those of developed countries’ universities to learn more advanced knowledge.

By offering to donate its own products or services, an each sector could fight against world hunger in an efficient and effective way. For incentive system, governments may consider reducing corporate tax rates for socially responsible companies that participated in philanthropic alliances. Each year,governmentS would reward the best performer(s) in every sector with the lasting public recognition and awards. This philanthropic alliances would work closely with the UN World Food Program to organize, coordinate, and monitor the harmonious functions of each sector.

Limitation of this approach could be a lack of willingness of company to join in alliances. That is why more education about third world realities become more critical to get people continuously motivated and committed to the hunger cause.

Please see the attachment below for a visual poster that I have created for promotion purposes.

Philanthropic Alliance

My Novel Solution to World Hunger 1

My Novel Solution to World Hunger – Business Side of Solutions

* Form Competitive Business Partnerships with the Tourist Companies in the Developed Countries.*

“Develop Tourism Industry with Africa’s Blessed Abundant Natural Resources”

Africa’s competitive advantage lies in its abundant natural resources. Thus, by taking advantage of unique tourist attractions such as wild life habitat, tropical fruits and vegetables, exotic jungle, and the remains of the past, Africa’s revenues could increase. Currently, despite the existing natural resources, African countries are still struggling for decent living standards, which is probably because of a lack of good business skills of African companies.

To overcome this weakness, I suggest that African tourism market form innovative strategic partnerships with well-respected tourism companies worldwide. Business know-how such as business management skills, planning, marketing, sales, administration, and financing would complement Africa’s deficient areas in Tourism. In exchange for the business expertise, African companies may provide foreign tourists from partner companies with a discount or special package options.

* Specific Action Plan *

# Enrich the Educational Experiences for Visitors: Improve the quality of existing Museum, Art Gallery, Biological Garden, and Aquarium for visitors. For instance, Egypt might construct educational museums called National Anthropological museum, using its rich resources of ancient remains.

# Africa could invite International students majoring in Anthopology, Sociology, Communication, or Humanities, etc. by working closely with many good universities from the world through the programs including Field trips, exchange programs, or visiting student.

# Focus on unique artworks. Superior quality of National Art Gallery could be built to pursue a unique African identity, which is demonstrated in the art works including craftwork, knitting, fine needlework, or wood sculpture and so on. Handmade products would appeal more to tourists who are accustomed to mass production.

* Limitation: Higher Ethical Standards and Political Stability

The paramount riots and protests plague Africa with political instabilities and corrupted practice from political leaders. To ensure profits generated by tourists, a more equitable allocation for the poor is critical. Active involvements with humanitarian organizations, public movements, and the grass roots lobbyist can pressure the government to do the right things.
In other words, a more transparent and righteous African government practices is the most basic prerequisite to ensure fair distribution of income in Africa.

Please see the attached powerpoint slides for visual illustration.

presentation-for-african-tourism2

Unethical Diet?

Have you ever considered that what you are eating for your daily consumptions could significantly contribute to the killing of the poor people?

This question sounds like a far stretch of the facts. However, this video is exactly trying to tell us how our Western lifestyle such as eating more of meat and dairy products and using cars that are run on biofuels is unethical and therefore, warrants our cautious attentions.

In my post called “My Reflection on the World Hunger 1″ in the News Related Category, I have specified how the soaring food prices become more pressing issues especially for the poorest countries. This video shows how a shortage of food in poor countries compounded with a surge food price causes severe tension and riots. Based on their frustrated statements, getting bread becomes a “daily ordeal.”

Then, how does our eating meat aggravate global hunger for the poor?

Inefficient usase of grain. Video tells us that more grain is consumed to feed the livestock than to feed the hungry. It goes on to say that more of grazing land could have been used to produce grain for human consumption. Thus, an animal business becomes not only an unsustainable agribusiness but also an unethical and inconsiderate business for struggling people in poor countries.

UN’s food and agriculture organization expresses its concern about riots and protest against the soaring food prices. Higher food price hurts the poorest in the cruelist way. People are dying in the developing countries due to a lack of grain; whereas, people in developed countries struggle with illnesses associated with affluence. Now, I could imagine why the poor would view this situation as frustrating and unfair.

If my consumption of meat could be used instead to save people, I believe that saving people should come first than my luxury diet. But I think it is sometimes too hard to make people including myself realize what we take for granted is actually causing severe hardship to the other, powerless people. More education and knowledge training is needed to make us realize how our actions could lead to more satisfaction and peace to our global neighbor.

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

From Website at A Bread for the Wrold Institute Newsletter at http://www.bread.org/BFW-Institute/trade-matters/Trade-Matters-November-2005.pdf

In the Categories 7 Video Clips, I have posted a video clip called “Unfair Trade” to indicate how big corporations from developed countries could unfairly take advantage of poverty by practicing the exploitation of cheap labor in poor countries. The unfair conditions of trade are no longer tolerated by socially conscious citizens nowadays as they believe that this unfair global trade perpetuates severe deprivation status. With more humanitarian voices against inequitable global trade, government and business in affluent countries are now pressured to make right actions and to rectify any injustice in global market contexts.

Following this trend, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) had been passed by the U.S. congress in 2000. The purpose of AGOA was to stimulate trade and investment between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa by allowing eligible countries/territories to be able to export its items without facing significant barrier of tariffs or restricted quotas. Thanks to the successful implementation of AGOA, the items such as “footwear, luggage, watches, and flatware” become qualified for duty-free export into U.S. market. Developed countries’ protectionism comes to be eroded with lower entry barriers and as a result, numerous occupations dealing with textile and apparel were generated in Africa. AGOA Forum was also established to encourage Africa government to be able to assert its positions.

Despite the U.S.’s increased investment in trade-related initiatives to Africa such as more favorable customs procedures, technical and financial supports, the trading position of Africa is still limited because AGOA is not yet sufficient enough to completely eradicate the existing absolute poverty in Africa. Better coordination with strategic planning and systematic technical assistance are needed to address poverty. That is why U.S. government’s critical roles in relation to the dismal realities of Africa is again emphasized. With fairer or hospitable trade negotiations towards Africa, the U.S. could fulfill its moral responsibility.

For ensure sustainable environment in Africa, U.S. assists for such activities as “soil and water investments, accessible and affordable rural finance, and better transportation and communication infrastructure.”

I think fairer trade agreement between U.S. and Africa can be effectual to the economic strength of Africa. However, a more transparent, responsible, and ethical government leadership should be in place. Without these, increased accesses to financial wellfare could simply remain at the top corrupted officials, hindering the poor from reaping the economic benefits.

Thailand’s Success Story

Synergy Effects Created by Thailand’s Government

From the Book, “World Hunger Series 2006: Hunger and Learning” published by the World Food Programme and Standford University Press. Page 100-101.

Having endured a long period of trials and errors in pursuing hunger fight, the government of Thailand eventually achieved success in mobilizing multiple sectors in the country to be fully committed to the hunger cause after 1985. Thailand government reduced the rampant number of undernourished children by half from 1986 to 1995. However, its impressive outcome is not the result of overnight work. As we can see, the government’s initial attempt in addressing malnutrition issue actually started in 1960s when government first launched “National Economic Development Plan (NEDP)” aimed to inform the public about the necessity of well balanced and nutritious diet to maintain good health.

After the release of Government’s findings and recommendations on the Plan, media attentions and non-governmental organizations’ interests in eradicating hunger were escalated, and as a result, “the first National Food and Nutrition Plan (NFNP)” was established in 1976. According to NFNP, the issue of nutrition is “a multi-sectoral” problem that cannot be handled by the health division alone. Unfortunately, the outcome did not turn out to be successful although the failure stimulated awareness about malnutrition problems, particularly to politicians and policymakers.

After that, revised “multi-sectoral strategy” consisting of “a bottom-up approach” and “top-down” approaches was adopted. The whole communities were authorized to evaluate community hunger situations, create workable solutions, execute the action plan, and monitor its progresses. Many dedicated local volunteers were rewarded with community recognition; while the government distributed resources to the most needy.

In addition to community and government contribution, local universities were also invited to train community and government officials, ensure proper implementation procedures are in place, provide technical support, and offer insights to nutrition project. Volunteers were closely matched with the right programs in which volunteers feel most confident or qualified to work.

What impressed me most is the actions of government of Thailand optimizing its competitive advantages of internal sources. Empowering communities with support from Universities seems to me a fresh approach. Also, the approach was cost-effective thanks to nonmonetary rewards given to the community. I think this is a unique illustration of the power of synergy carefully planned and managed by clever government.

Obama’s First Inaugural Address

“OBAMA’S FIRST INAUGURAL ADDRESS”

Sources from http://www.one.org/c/us/pastcampaign/107/ November 2008 – January 2009

A grassroots organization, “ONE,” is founded by Bono and many committed campaigners to exercise its collective power for the social and political movements of fighting against hunger and disease in Africa.

Over 100,000 U.S. ONE members started a petition to the president elect, Barack Obama, in order to request him to demonstrate a stronger commitment to global poverty issues in his presidential inaugural in 2008. One of the pledges ONE desired to secure was the president’s promise to increase its annual foreign aid to US$50 billion by 2012. The president elect was also being asked to support its promise with “FY 2010 budget request.”

On January 20th, President Barack Obama spoke the following words in front of millions of people:

“To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.”

In February, the president publicized the blueprint for the budget dedicated to eradicating hunger and initiating disease control in Africa. Volunteers of ONE are persistently working towards the realization of their philanthropic goals.

I believe that the leaders in developed countries are the most influential and powerful people, who clearly possess great authority to correct the wrong, rampant injustice, and corruption in the world. With authority comes great responsibility. That is, the global hunger is definitely a significant issue to which affluent countries cannot turn a blind eye. By combining our collective voices together, the grassroots movement was able to exercise its democratic power, and this power truly enables our voices to be loud enough to be heard for everybody in the world. We therefore should not give up strengthening our voices even in the midst of seemingly hopeless realities.

Micronutrient- Hidden Hunger

During their trips accross West Africa, Nicholas D. Kristof, columnist for the New York Times and Paul Bowers recorded many children suffering from malnutrition. This video is especially helpful in understanding why micronutrient is essential for children’s healthy development. In North America, we do not pay too much attention to the sufficient intake of micronutrients because many existing foods in North America are already fortified with micronutrients.

However, in some parts of the world, this is not the case. The hungry children lose their lives or are afflicted with blindness or an impaired mental capacity due to a lack of micronutrients we all take for granted.

In my post called “Sprinkles: Micronutrients Innovation” (under the Categories 8. Actions against Hunger- 8.3. Non-profit, NGO, Charity), I have illustrated how essential micronutrients are for children’s well being and how new innovative product, “Sprinkles,” would work.

By watching this video clip, I believe we can get a better understanding of how we can help children to consume more fortified foods in Africa. This hidden hunger that we fail to pay special attention today is also killing children as often as the death caused by macronutrient deficiencies.

Sprinkles-Micronutrients Innovation

“Sprinkles – An Innovative, Cost-Effective Approach to Providing Micronutrients to Children.”

From the Book “World Hunger Series 2007- Hunger and Health” published by Earthscan in the UK and USA in 2007, Page 101-102

In the Page section, I have included a “Definition” of hunger that illustrates 2 types of malnutrition: Macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies. In this post, I am going to focus more on micronutrient deficiencies.

The article, “Sprinkles-An Innovate, Cost-Effective Approach to Providing Micronutrients to Children,” discusses some detrimental impacts of micronutrient deficiency, which is as fatal as macronutrient deficiency. According to the article, approximately 750 million children worldwide are reported to be afflicted with anaemia, and 100 million children became victims of partial or total blindness due to a lack of consumption of vitamin A. 43 million people are not capable of learning to the fullest of their potential owing to the mental retardation caused by Iodine deficiency disorders. Confronting micronutrient deficiency, World Health Organization (WHO) advises people to ingest sufficient amounts of micronutrients, especially in times of emergencies. It is because a lack of micronutrients would further make people become less immune to diseases.

To overcome the detrimental impacts associated with micronutrient deficiencies, the innovative products called Sprinkles are developed. This is “multiple-micronutrient” powder that could be sprinkled to any semi-solid food, and this provides plenty of vitamins, folic acid, zinc, and minerals by fortifying food with additional vitamins and minerals.

Interested in the effectiveness of Sprinkles? The efficacy of Sprinkles has been proven in countries like Asia, Africa, and America. For examples, over 15,000 Mongolian children consumed food with Sprinkles mixed in it under Integrated Nutritional Program, and as a result, children affected by anaemia were decreased from 55% to 33%. In China, Haiti, and Pakistan, mothers testify that their children’s health has been dramatically improved as a result of consuming Sprinkles. Specifically, it improved children’s appetite, concentration, and an ability to understand academic matters.

However, one of my concerns is that first time recipients might be resistant to intaking this product due to unfamiliarity. This concern could be overcome if more of adequate educational programs and media campaigns clearly communicate benefits of Sprinkles usage. Once the effectiveness of Sprinkles is well demonstrated, I believe people would be willing to consume Sprinkles.

Microfinance

Microfinance

The poor can earn financial support and resources to build economically healthy future through an aid of microfinance. Microfinance is a novel strategy aimed to fight against poverty by granting small loans to the poor, especially women, to help them set up small productive and sustainable business. In addition to monetary funding, MFIs supply business advices and consultations to clients along with trainings. Each client is encouraged to join in the support group to help other peer clients overcome emotional and financial difficulties.

The highlight in the microfinance system is that it would spread a positive impact beyond the initial client supported by microfinance. As financial prospect becomes brighter, the whole family members would be in a financially good condition. And the emergence of many small businesses would create job opportunities in communities. Thus, clients are helping their families and working towards betterment of their communities.

The pros of microfinance system is that we can directly measure tangible impacts as to how microfinance has actually improved destitute economic circumstances and the life quality of the poor. The impact is measured by “Progress Out of Poverty Index,” which shows how much time it took for clients to escape poverty and which programs were most useful in leaving poverty.

Given that the poor cannot escape vicious spiral of poverty due to a lack of resources to invest in the future, I believe that this project successfully tackles the problem of limited resources. Microfinancing is one of the most practical and intelligent way to alleviate the problem of poverty in that microfinancing focuses on how we can help the poverty-stricken lives of people in the long run. Indeed, microfinancing allows people to cultivate their own future by providing the exact tools to better their lives, rather than by making them permanently rely on other people’s help.

From http://www.grameenfoundation.org/what_we_do/microfinance_in_action/