FAO: 370 Million Face Famine by 2050

The Food and Agriculture Organization has informed the public that 370 million people could be facing famine by 2050 if food production doesn’t increase 70% over the next 40 years. It is expected that the world’s population will grow from 6.7 billion to 9.1 billion by mid-century, and that uncertain weather patterns such as floods and drought will affect food production. Also, increased development of biofuels compete with land used for food production, as the new fuel is expected to increase in production by 90% over the next 10 years.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8303434.stm

Famine in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is facing the worst famine in 24 years due to a critical water shortage and lack of contributions. Typically the country is given enough food and aid to feed 12 million annually. Eight months into the current year, that number has already been surpassed. With many countries seeking to bolster their own economies, contributions have run short this year and the food harvest in the country is expected to be less than adequate with little or late rain reaching the region due to El Nino.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/millions-facing-famine-in-ethiopia-as-rains-fail-1779376.html

Uganda Suffers Drought, Famine

(h/t:  @RapturReadyNews).  In the Nakasongola District of Uganda, farmers are having difficulty feeding their livestock because of a lack of rain for the last six months.  Milk from cows has been reduced by a third due to lack of pastures.  What water is available exists behind a one area dam, but contains dirty stagnant water and is the only source of household water, which increases risk for disease.

[Link:allafrica.com]

One Billion Hungry Worldwide

According to the U.N. World Food Program, one billion people on the planet are now undernourished, compared with 963 million in 2008. Four million people per week are expected to be added to the list this year. The worsening financial crisis and stubbornly high food prices in developing countries has only made matters worse.

[Link:www.alertnet.org]

Famine in South Asia at 40-Year High

The number of people going hungry in South Asia is at a 40-year high. With combined higher food and fuel prices, coupled with the economic downturn, 100 million people are affected.

[Link:network.nationalpost.com]