Food Security and Population-Sahel and Ethiopia

Which regions are highlighted for food insecurity in this case study?

The Sahel Region in West Africa and Ethiopia in the Horn of Africa.

What are the main factors contributing to food insecurity in these regions?

Recurring droughts, poor agricultural output, and political instability.

As of 2023, how many people are facing acute food insecurity in the Sahel and Ethiopia?

25 million in the Sahel and 14 million in Ethiopia (FAO, 2023).

How has climate change impacted the Sahel's food security?

Rainfall has decreased by 20–30% over the last 50 years, causing desertification.

What major drought event heavily impacted Ethiopia's food supply?

The 2011 East African drought, affecting 13 million people.

What is the population growth rate in Ethiopia, and how does it affect food security?

2.5% per year, increasing the strain on food resources due to higher dependency ratios.

What is the expected population growth in the Sahel by 2050?

The population is expected to double.

How do poor agricultural practices contribute to food insecurity?

Slash-and-burn farming, overgrazing, and reliance on rain-fed agriculture degrade soil quality.

How have conflict and political instability contributed to food insecurity in the Sahel and Ethiopia?

Insurgencies like Boko Haram in the Sahel and the Tigray Conflict (2020–2023) in Ethiopia have disrupted farming and food distribution.

What percentage of Ethiopians live below the international poverty line?

Over 40%, surviving on less than $1.90 per day.

What is the rate of child malnutrition in Ethiopia?

38% of children under five are stunted due to chronic malnutrition (UNICEF, 2023).

How many children are affected by acute malnutrition annually in the Sahel?

Approximately 5.4 million children.

How does food insecurity impact mortality rates in the Sahel?

An estimated 200,000 people die annually from hunger-related diseases.

What impact does food insecurity have on migration?

It leads to the rise of climate refugees, with mass migrations to urban centers and neighboring countries.

What percentage of Ethiopia's economy is agriculture-based?

42%, making it highly vulnerable to climate shocks and food shortages.

What major organizations provide food aid in Ethiopia and the Sahel?

The World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF.

How much food did the WFP distribute in the Sahel in 2022?

1.2 million metric tons.

What agricultural innovations have been introduced to improve resilience?

Drought-resistant maize and sorghum, along with micro-irrigation projects.

What environmental restoration projects are in place?

The Great Green Wall Initiative plans to plant 8,000 km of trees across 11 countries in the Sahel.

How does the Great Green Wall Initiative aim to combat desertification?

By planting trees to restore degraded land and reduce soil erosion.

What are local community initiatives doing to combat food insecurity?

Farmers cooperatives, Food-for-Work programs, and land restoration projects.

What political strategies have been implemented to stabilize food security?

Efforts include peace negotiations in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and local ceasefires.

How effective has food aid been in preventing famine?

It has averted mass starvation but remains a short-term solution dependent on international donors.

What percentage of Ethiopia's food aid comes from international donors?

80%, reflecting high dependency.

Have micro-irrigation and drought-resistant crops significantly improved food security?

They have improved resilience for some communities but are limited in scope.

What environmental initiatives have shown promise in the Sahel?

The Great Green Wall has restored 18 million hectares of land, though progress is slow.

What remains a significant barrier to food security despite environmental efforts?

Conflict and political instability continue to disrupt farming and food distribution.

What are the primary causes of food insecurity in Ethiopia and the Sahel?

Climate change, conflict, poor farming practices, and population growth.

What sustainable strategies are crucial for long-term food security?

Resilience building, environmental restoration, and community empowerment.

What are the key steps to achieving long-term food security?

Establishing political stability, modernizing agriculture, and improving infrastructure investment.