Moving Forward: Potential Solutions for World Hunger The issues of hunger, famine, and food deserts/crises are incredibly complex; therefore they require creativity when looking for solutions.The only way to truly eradicate world hunger is to eliminate poverty and narrow the gap between the richest and poorest citizens. Closing tax shelters, reversing regressive forms of taxation, eliminating slavery, boosting wages, and investing in social welfare services, would all make huge strides toward closing the inequality gap and increasing food security. [1][2]Until that time, everything is just a band-aid. However, there are numerous organizations working in relief programs and creating new potential solutions, even in the face of frustratingly backwards national policies and worsening global poverty. The World Health Organization, World Bank[3], The Food and Agriculture Organization[4] of the United Nations, and more[5] are all working diligently toward the goal of global food security. From loans to struggling countries and supplemental agriculture funding, to food bank and donor programs, these peaceful international organizations are all making strides in the fight against hunger. Perhaps most importantly, these organizations are conducting research on how to best address the issues of food insecurity; including: best agricultural practices, water preservation and effective irrigation techniques, and supplemental nutrition. Two of the most creative ideas include ways to increase the consumption of essential nutrients through less traditional means: goats and crickets. Goats are one of the cheapest animals to raise and maintain, and they provide nutrient-dense meat and milk. There are several organizations promoting the distribution of goats in poverty stricken areas, particularly in Africa. The concept of insect protein is not a new one; they are a normal part of the diet of many different cultures. However, this latest idea takes typical bug-consumption to the next level by milling them into flour. The Clinton Global Initiative offered a $1 million prize for the best idea to promote food security worldwide, and the winner was a Brooklyn-based startup company[6] which created protein bars using roasted and milled crickets. Now it is being hailed as the “first viable solution to the global food crisis” It is that kind of out-of-the-box thinking which will end up making the difference in ending the tragic epidemic of world hunger. |
