HungerU visits Tech, talks about world hunger
Summary
HungerU, an organization known for traveling, visited Texas Tech in efforts
to converse and educate the campus about the growing epidemic of world hunger.
A lead member of the HungerU staff, Ms. Mollie Dykes, stated that the purpose
of the event is to increase awareness about global hunger and the numerous ways
in which we all can diminish the widespread tragedy. She continued on to say
that despite everybody’s different educational backgrounds and abilities, we
can all join together to help eliminate hunger in the future. HungerU’s effort
is to connect with the students by sharing the story of today’s agricultural
role in putting an end to worldwide starvation. The organization reports that
approximately one in seven people are currently fighting hunger. According to
HungerU, lack of food is not just something that is affecting foreign and far
countries, but also affects our very own society. Starvation and food desserts
are extremely prevalent in the United States. Even though the U.S. is one of
the richest and most abundant countries when it comes to food, there are still
roughly one in six Americans that suffer from hunger every day. In an effort to
help combat this growing issue HungerU has collaborated with The Farm Journal
Foundation, a nonprofit organization that commits itself to maintaining
agricultural growth in the United States. Ms. Dykes has hopes that knowing
about the Farm Journal Foundation will be the extra push the Texas Tech students
need to help make a change and reverse the statistics on global food
deprivation.
Analysis
Hunger is an important issue not only because it can affect one person or
family who happens to be homeless or in a third-world country, but it can affect
entire nations. Hunger is actually the perfect example of how a situation can
be looked at on both a micro and a macro level. If one family or even one child
goes hungry it is not the fault of that person or group. As a society, nation,
and world, everyone should strive to provide life necessities to one another,
one of the most important ones being food and clean water. Through
socialization and group discussions, like the ones that HungerU provides to
universities around the country, we as a nation are able to help fundraise and
provide whatever is required in order to help decrease the rate of hunger in,
around, and beyond our personal boundaries.
http://www.dailytoreador.com/news/article_69c2faf0-ca97-11e3-b985-001a4bcf6878.html?mode=story
Showing posts with label Deantrai Hartsfield. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deantrai Hartsfield. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
Blog 9: KC Concepcion's Fight against Hunger
KC Concepcion's Fight against Hunger
Summary
The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that hunger and malnutrition are now the world's greatest health ricks, triumphing AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. The Philippines in particular, is one of the world's countries that accounts for ninety percent of global malnutrition. According to the Global Hunger Index, the Philippines ranks at twenty eighth in the world in regards to hunger. Last year, the country racked up a Global Hunger Index score of 13.2, which is lower than the 1990's 19.9. However the countries hunger status is still characterized as "serious." There has been numerous attempts to attack the hunger issue, school feeding programs being a main contribution, but even still, hunger still heavily remains. In hopes to reduce world hunger, celebrity Kristina Cassandra, founder of the "KC Conception" has been in partnership with with WFP for six years severing as their National Ambassador Against Hunger. Cassandra has made it her mission to help the World Food Programme increase the awareness of hunger so it's seen as serious as AIDS and poverty. She has also addressed methods in which hunger can be prevented, stating that it not only needs to be discussed in government, but also amongst our people,with a big emphasis on the youth.
Analysis
I found it quite interesting that I finally found an article that doesn't relate to hunger in Africa, but hunger elsewhere in the world, such as the Philippines. I was also surprised to read that hunger has surpassed what used to be some of the world's leading health risks. But, what surprises me the most is that society has allowed this increase to occur. It is clear that the majority of our population resides in the poor and working classes, and that the minority obtains the most amount of wealth. It is also clear to me that world hunger will always remain this way if our richest countries and our richest people do not support this global epidemic. I believe that Kristina Cassandra being a celebrity and being the National Ambassador for the World Food Programme could lead to something big. Considering that she's famous, she's a great target to reach a mass amount of people, including those who are similar to her in terms of socioeconomic status. Targeting the youth is a great idea in efforts to reduce world hunger because if they are aware of what's going on at an early age, they can help prevent it now and over time.
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/55063-kc-concepcion-fight-hunger
Summary
The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that hunger and malnutrition are now the world's greatest health ricks, triumphing AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. The Philippines in particular, is one of the world's countries that accounts for ninety percent of global malnutrition. According to the Global Hunger Index, the Philippines ranks at twenty eighth in the world in regards to hunger. Last year, the country racked up a Global Hunger Index score of 13.2, which is lower than the 1990's 19.9. However the countries hunger status is still characterized as "serious." There has been numerous attempts to attack the hunger issue, school feeding programs being a main contribution, but even still, hunger still heavily remains. In hopes to reduce world hunger, celebrity Kristina Cassandra, founder of the "KC Conception" has been in partnership with with WFP for six years severing as their National Ambassador Against Hunger. Cassandra has made it her mission to help the World Food Programme increase the awareness of hunger so it's seen as serious as AIDS and poverty. She has also addressed methods in which hunger can be prevented, stating that it not only needs to be discussed in government, but also amongst our people,with a big emphasis on the youth.
Analysis
I found it quite interesting that I finally found an article that doesn't relate to hunger in Africa, but hunger elsewhere in the world, such as the Philippines. I was also surprised to read that hunger has surpassed what used to be some of the world's leading health risks. But, what surprises me the most is that society has allowed this increase to occur. It is clear that the majority of our population resides in the poor and working classes, and that the minority obtains the most amount of wealth. It is also clear to me that world hunger will always remain this way if our richest countries and our richest people do not support this global epidemic. I believe that Kristina Cassandra being a celebrity and being the National Ambassador for the World Food Programme could lead to something big. Considering that she's famous, she's a great target to reach a mass amount of people, including those who are similar to her in terms of socioeconomic status. Targeting the youth is a great idea in efforts to reduce world hunger because if they are aware of what's going on at an early age, they can help prevent it now and over time.
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/hunger/55063-kc-concepcion-fight-hunger
Friday, April 4, 2014
Blog 8: Monsanto is Making a Killing off World Hunger and its Bug-Eviscerating Seeds
Summary
A recent article conveys that Monsanto, the largest seed-seller in the world has made an immense profit off of seed selling in the past year. Earnings have increased from $ 1.5 billion to $1.7 billion in that duration of time. In order for this growth to continue, Monsanto has to consistently keep up productivity in current markets and open new markets as well. The opening of new markets could be a catastrophe considering that multiple countries have prohibited the utilization of genetically modified crops. The two segments that Monsanto focuses on the most are agricultural productivity, and seeds and genomics. With this, Monsanto’s plan is to eliminate the usage of agricultural products and focus on what they call the more promising margins possible in the seed business. They started by ending the patent for their smash-hit herbicide Roundup which was a huge historical growth driver. The Roundup seed business did prosper, but in order for it to have done so, farmers and gardeners needed Roundup-resistant seeds for crops such as corn, soy, and cotton. So far this shift has been a success due to the fact that Monsanto’s seeds and genomics segment comprised almost 80% of its sales versus 70% the year before. While virulent insects are a disaster for farmers, they happen to be beneficial for Monsanto. For example, a caterpillar whose origin is Asia is causing harm to Brazilian soy and cotton farmers. This has convinced Monsanto’s management to consider this their “biggest milestone.” The caterpillar epidemic has influenced the Brazilian government to put its country on “red alert” and port inspections are increasing. To Monsanto’s benefit, they have an expensive soybean that this laced with a protein from a virus that immediately kills the caterpillar. This is considered the biggest launch in Monsanto’s history and they are now selling the genetically tweaked cotton seeds in Brazil!
Analysis
The is one of the most interesting articles I've read yet. The good aspects of this article is that Monsanto is making lots of money off of seeds that feed those suffering from global hunger. This means that our people around the world are getting fed.
On the other hand, opening up more markets in other countries could be the downfall considering that their against genetically grown crops. This could be detrimental for Monsanto and could cause a deficit in their earnings which could possibly lead to them failing overall.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Blog 7: Climate Change Could Delay The Fight Against World Hunger For Decades
Climate Change Could Delay The Fight Against World Hunger For Decades
Summary:
The article is about how the food supply is in extreme danger due to how vastly climate is going to change over the course of the coming years. It is said that this climate change will impact the global food supply in a detrimental way. Oxfam, an organization designed to fight the war against poverty and hunger, released a report earlier this week stating that climate change is threatening the delay to fight against world hunger for decades. Oxfam also determined that climate change on food is far more sever than what The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projected it would be. Being comprised of seventeen countries globally, Oxfam went on a mission to see if the world is in good standing to meet the demand of food in this changing climate. They found out that a growing food insecurity is the cause for climate change which happens to be one of the biggest threats to battling world hunger. Climate change poses a threat on both production and prices. California and Brazil are already being influenced, experiencing serious droughts. Sadly to say, California produces almost half of our fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Oxfam says that by the year 2030, the prices of global food will double due to climate change and over 25 million kids will be at risk of being malnourished.
Analysis
When I read articles such as this one, it makes me wonder as to whether the most wealthy countries are doing their part. I believe there is nothing we can't do as a people. On a global perspective, we have enough resources to discontinue this epidemic. An article I read prior to this class stated that we have enough food to support the world.With that being said, why is the world still suffering from hunger for such a long period of time. From what I am exposed to, America is doing their part, but where are the other countries who are more wealthy than us? I understand that man has no control over climate and that it has the ability to alter food production drastically, but why not get this hunger epidemic under control before climate has the ability to alter the food supply. With the cost of food being where it's at right now, it would definitely be unaffordable when it doubles in years to come. The lower class will be in so much trouble that needs to be avoided before it even gets here.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/25/climate-change-world-hunger_n_5021535.html
Summary:
The article is about how the food supply is in extreme danger due to how vastly climate is going to change over the course of the coming years. It is said that this climate change will impact the global food supply in a detrimental way. Oxfam, an organization designed to fight the war against poverty and hunger, released a report earlier this week stating that climate change is threatening the delay to fight against world hunger for decades. Oxfam also determined that climate change on food is far more sever than what The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projected it would be. Being comprised of seventeen countries globally, Oxfam went on a mission to see if the world is in good standing to meet the demand of food in this changing climate. They found out that a growing food insecurity is the cause for climate change which happens to be one of the biggest threats to battling world hunger. Climate change poses a threat on both production and prices. California and Brazil are already being influenced, experiencing serious droughts. Sadly to say, California produces almost half of our fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Oxfam says that by the year 2030, the prices of global food will double due to climate change and over 25 million kids will be at risk of being malnourished.
Analysis
When I read articles such as this one, it makes me wonder as to whether the most wealthy countries are doing their part. I believe there is nothing we can't do as a people. On a global perspective, we have enough resources to discontinue this epidemic. An article I read prior to this class stated that we have enough food to support the world.With that being said, why is the world still suffering from hunger for such a long period of time. From what I am exposed to, America is doing their part, but where are the other countries who are more wealthy than us? I understand that man has no control over climate and that it has the ability to alter food production drastically, but why not get this hunger epidemic under control before climate has the ability to alter the food supply. With the cost of food being where it's at right now, it would definitely be unaffordable when it doubles in years to come. The lower class will be in so much trouble that needs to be avoided before it even gets here.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/25/climate-change-world-hunger_n_5021535.html
Friday, March 21, 2014
Blog 6: Using Big Data to Prevent World Hunger
Using Big Data to Prevent World Hunger
The article entitled "Using Big Data to Prevent
World Hunger" discusses how hunger is one of the two main factors of
extreme poverty; the other being famine. Just months ago, the Global Hunger
Index reported that nineteen countries experience hunger to severe levels, in
which they refer to it as "alarming" or "extremely
alarming". Of these people, one out of every eight had experienced a
chronic level of undernourishment between the years of 2010-2012. In order for
farmers to get a big lead on lessening world hunger and increasing their food
supply, are by giving not only farmers, but also scientists and entrepreneurs’
unlimited access to agricultural big data. Big data's contributions has the
potential to increase crop yields by informing farmers when it's best to plant,
manage, and harvest crops. Big data also covers rainfall levels, pest and
disease control, projected prices at local markets, and plant genomics and
weather conditions. The Climate Corporation is a branch from big data which
could ensure farmers the best time to spray fields for pests. One of the major
goals of this project is to aid Africa, who is listed as the world’s worst
performing agricultural producer, to better productivity. France is making
contributions as well, hoping to release an app granting African farmers with
the ability to discover their soil type, give directions as to how each field is to be planted and
harvested, and provide a place where they’re able to purchase planting seeds
locally.
As it has been made completely obvious, hunger is clearly a vital contributor to extreme poverty all over the world. There is no town, city, state, or country that suffers from poverty without hunger being a key issue. We often time hear about hunger in Africa. Sometimes it seems as if Africa is the only country/continent that has such a huge epidemic. That's because of the nineteen countries who have extreme levels of hunger, Africa ranks at number one. It's good to see that countries other than the United States are trying to lessen this problem. It is also good to see that this agricultural big data has the potential to increase the food supply in so many countries across the world. This would be great for countries with failing economies. Maybe sharing this data would possibly increase wealth across the world. Eventually, it would lessen the billions of dollars we spend yearly providing food to underdeveloped countries. Being that third world countries suffer from social stratification, I do believe this could be a turning point and there won't be such a huge divide between the rich and poor countries if that data is used correctly. This could produce more stable economies due to the buying, selling, and trading of goods that would all come overtime.
http://cloudtweaks.com/2014/03/using-big-data-prevent-world-hunger/
As it has been made completely obvious, hunger is clearly a vital contributor to extreme poverty all over the world. There is no town, city, state, or country that suffers from poverty without hunger being a key issue. We often time hear about hunger in Africa. Sometimes it seems as if Africa is the only country/continent that has such a huge epidemic. That's because of the nineteen countries who have extreme levels of hunger, Africa ranks at number one. It's good to see that countries other than the United States are trying to lessen this problem. It is also good to see that this agricultural big data has the potential to increase the food supply in so many countries across the world. This would be great for countries with failing economies. Maybe sharing this data would possibly increase wealth across the world. Eventually, it would lessen the billions of dollars we spend yearly providing food to underdeveloped countries. Being that third world countries suffer from social stratification, I do believe this could be a turning point and there won't be such a huge divide between the rich and poor countries if that data is used correctly. This could produce more stable economies due to the buying, selling, and trading of goods that would all come overtime.
http://cloudtweaks.com/2014/03/using-big-data-prevent-world-hunger/
Friday, March 7, 2014
Blog 5: Soylent revolution: Could this grey smoothie end World hunger?
Summary
The next big food innovation may be here. Rob Rhinehart creator of the new smoothie drink could possibly be the solution to World hunger. It was designed to replace solid foods which is very beneficial to impoverished countries. The drink is comprised of rice protein, soy, and numerous other ingredients that the body desires. Another beneficial factor is that the drink only costs three dollars per serving, amounting to to sixty-three dollars a week. Rhinehart has incorporated the essentials of the human diet into his mixture, consisting of oat flour for carbohydrates, ascorbic acid for vitamin C, a rice based powder for protein, and water of course which is also great for those who suffer from malnutrition. The final product revolves around a 2,000 calorie diet satisfying what the human body calls for. Each portion contains around thirty three percent of the humans daily potassium, fibre, and vitamins A, C, D, K, E, and B12. The smoothie has also garnered the attention of an immense amount of the public as well as DIY imitations.
Analysis
This smoothie recipe was a great invention in efforts to reduce global hunger. It is by far one of the cheapest and most effective methods that can be globally transported to other countries. Because it contains all of the nutrients that the body desires, it has the full potential to save the lives of many hungry people. The creator of this drink had stopped eating solid foods for months, only consuming the smoothie. He conveyed that in that period of time, he felt and was the healthiest that he had ever been. There are so many individuals, here and all over the world who live daily on an empty stomach due to factors beyond their control. This lower class suffers tremendously when it comes to ensuring that they will get a sustaining meal. With efforts from the dominant culture, we can diminish this ever growing epidemic and end this world where people are starving and dying every day. An excerpt I found intriguing in the article is when Rhinehart stated that we have an extreme amount of advanced technology, yet food is still lingering in the past. This is sad and very true. Hopefully his new smoothie drink will be the cure.
http://www.thestar.com/life/food_wine/2014/03/07/soylent_revolution_could_this_grey_smoothie_end_world_hunger.html
The next big food innovation may be here. Rob Rhinehart creator of the new smoothie drink could possibly be the solution to World hunger. It was designed to replace solid foods which is very beneficial to impoverished countries. The drink is comprised of rice protein, soy, and numerous other ingredients that the body desires. Another beneficial factor is that the drink only costs three dollars per serving, amounting to to sixty-three dollars a week. Rhinehart has incorporated the essentials of the human diet into his mixture, consisting of oat flour for carbohydrates, ascorbic acid for vitamin C, a rice based powder for protein, and water of course which is also great for those who suffer from malnutrition. The final product revolves around a 2,000 calorie diet satisfying what the human body calls for. Each portion contains around thirty three percent of the humans daily potassium, fibre, and vitamins A, C, D, K, E, and B12. The smoothie has also garnered the attention of an immense amount of the public as well as DIY imitations.
Analysis
This smoothie recipe was a great invention in efforts to reduce global hunger. It is by far one of the cheapest and most effective methods that can be globally transported to other countries. Because it contains all of the nutrients that the body desires, it has the full potential to save the lives of many hungry people. The creator of this drink had stopped eating solid foods for months, only consuming the smoothie. He conveyed that in that period of time, he felt and was the healthiest that he had ever been. There are so many individuals, here and all over the world who live daily on an empty stomach due to factors beyond their control. This lower class suffers tremendously when it comes to ensuring that they will get a sustaining meal. With efforts from the dominant culture, we can diminish this ever growing epidemic and end this world where people are starving and dying every day. An excerpt I found intriguing in the article is when Rhinehart stated that we have an extreme amount of advanced technology, yet food is still lingering in the past. This is sad and very true. Hopefully his new smoothie drink will be the cure.
http://www.thestar.com/life/food_wine/2014/03/07/soylent_revolution_could_this_grey_smoothie_end_world_hunger.html
Friday, February 28, 2014
WFP short on resources to feed Central African Republic
Summary
This article discussed how violence plays a vital role in
World Hunger. This is a major problem in the Central African Republic. With the
United Nations World Food Programme providing twenty- seven percent of necessary
supplies to nourish the hungry, it leaves millions of people still in a
detrimental need for food. The World Food Programme stated that the timing of
providing Food aid is just as critical as the cost for funding. Weather, being
a key factor, floods roads which makes food distribution extremely difficult in
the summer months. Another factor is that food stocks experience a dramatic
decrease around this same time. The battling and wars occurring in the Central
African Republic results in food having to be airlifted to its desired
location. Because of this, funding is dramatically increased. Even with this
being a tremendous issue, the WFP’s workers are still dedicated and devoted to
their works, stating that the food has the ability to save adolescents from the
devastating effects of malnutrition.
Analysis
As obvious, world hunger is a global issue. The only way to
diminish it is through globalization; the interaction of people or nations
through a communication means. The world is doing a pretty good job of
connecting with nations of poverty to supply food by any means. Due to low
socioeconomic statuses and failing economics, regions like the Central African Republic
are unable to satisfy their own country’s hunger. I couldn’t imagine living in
absolute poverty because I have always had everything handed to me. Living in
the United States has made me realize how fortunate I am, opposed to countries
where fighting can mean that I won’t be able to eat.
http://www.examiner.com/
http://www.examiner.com/
Friday, February 21, 2014
Blog 3: Dispatch From Botswana: Witnessing Hunger Firsthand
Summary
In a recent article, Katie Modly, who is a past member of the United Nations World Food Programme (WPF) took a trip to some of the poorest parts of Africa. This visit consisted of Modly participating in teaching orientation which is sponsored by the U.S Embassy's American Reading Room Program. During her travels, she observed the degree in which food insecurity impacts the African nation. Here, she was enlightened that the majority of the children have to survive off of one meal a day. Modly stated, "I did not realize that the kids were following us not just because we were new faces in the road, but at the prospect of us having food to share." Through the United Nations World Food Programme, school meals are provided for those who lack food. As we all know, a healthy meal produces a powerful mind, especially during adolescence.
Analysis
I believe the United Nations World Food Programme (WPF) is a magnificent organization. Through globalization efforts, a United States based program is reaching out to underdeveloped countries to provide food and nutrition to kids who are less fortunate. Going to school and throughout your day without food can impact your mind and body tremendously in a negative way. It has been proven that eating a healthy and balanced meal enhances the brain. This would allow the children, who are poor, to obtain a higher social status in terms of obtaining an education and becoming and becoming a successful being in life. For all we know, the next Bill Gates or the Next Nelson Mandela could be right before our eyes, ready to be fed and to conquer the world.
http://wfpusa.org/blog/dispatch-botswana-witnessing-hunger-firsthand
In a recent article, Katie Modly, who is a past member of the United Nations World Food Programme (WPF) took a trip to some of the poorest parts of Africa. This visit consisted of Modly participating in teaching orientation which is sponsored by the U.S Embassy's American Reading Room Program. During her travels, she observed the degree in which food insecurity impacts the African nation. Here, she was enlightened that the majority of the children have to survive off of one meal a day. Modly stated, "I did not realize that the kids were following us not just because we were new faces in the road, but at the prospect of us having food to share." Through the United Nations World Food Programme, school meals are provided for those who lack food. As we all know, a healthy meal produces a powerful mind, especially during adolescence.
Analysis
I believe the United Nations World Food Programme (WPF) is a magnificent organization. Through globalization efforts, a United States based program is reaching out to underdeveloped countries to provide food and nutrition to kids who are less fortunate. Going to school and throughout your day without food can impact your mind and body tremendously in a negative way. It has been proven that eating a healthy and balanced meal enhances the brain. This would allow the children, who are poor, to obtain a higher social status in terms of obtaining an education and becoming and becoming a successful being in life. For all we know, the next Bill Gates or the Next Nelson Mandela could be right before our eyes, ready to be fed and to conquer the world.
http://wfpusa.org/blog/dispatch-botswana-witnessing-hunger-firsthand
Monday, February 17, 2014
Blog #2 Could Chicken Genetics Study Solve World Hunger?
Summary
This past week, Iowa State University Faculty (ISU) has been studying chicken genetics to fight hunger and poverty in Africa. Animal science faculty members are studying the genetic makeup of chickens in Africa in an effort improve nutrition and alleviate food scarcity across the continent. Susan Lamont, a leader on the project, visited Africa on a two week trip to lay the groundwork for a project aimed at identifying the genetic mechanism that strengthen the resistance of chickens to heat a potentially devastating disease. The five year project is being funded by a grant from the US Agency for International Development. Two Universtites in Africa will also contribute to the project. Professor Lamont has stated that the research team will explore the local genetic diversity of chickens in Africa and eventually breed birds that are more resistant to heat stress and Newcastle disease, which is an acute respiratory illness that can kill half the birds in a flock in a matter of days. Newcastle disease is the number one health limit to poultry production in these countries. Addressing Newcastle disease through genetic resistance holds extreme importance because most vaccines available to combat the disease require refrigeration, which isn't an option in these areas of Africa with limited access to electricity.In terms of health, eggs are an important source of protein, especially for children. Boosting the stress resistance of chickens means African families can meet their nutritional needs and have more birds left for selling purposes.
Analysis
This article touches on how world hunger can be minimized through chicken genetics in some of the poorest countries, like Africa. The United States joining forces with Africa on this project creates a social family due to our ability of giving them aid. Starting this program here in Africa could open doors for other underdeveloped nations if it is shown to be effective. One of the benefits of this project is that after boosting the stress resistance of the chickens, the African families nutritional needs will be satisfied and they'll also have a surplus of birds that can be used for selling. This will generate some income directly into the pockets of the families which could also be the start of enhancing the economy.This work also has the potential take on nutritional needs and lessen poverty.
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/31440/could-chicken-genetics-study-solve-world-hunger
This past week, Iowa State University Faculty (ISU) has been studying chicken genetics to fight hunger and poverty in Africa. Animal science faculty members are studying the genetic makeup of chickens in Africa in an effort improve nutrition and alleviate food scarcity across the continent. Susan Lamont, a leader on the project, visited Africa on a two week trip to lay the groundwork for a project aimed at identifying the genetic mechanism that strengthen the resistance of chickens to heat a potentially devastating disease. The five year project is being funded by a grant from the US Agency for International Development. Two Universtites in Africa will also contribute to the project. Professor Lamont has stated that the research team will explore the local genetic diversity of chickens in Africa and eventually breed birds that are more resistant to heat stress and Newcastle disease, which is an acute respiratory illness that can kill half the birds in a flock in a matter of days. Newcastle disease is the number one health limit to poultry production in these countries. Addressing Newcastle disease through genetic resistance holds extreme importance because most vaccines available to combat the disease require refrigeration, which isn't an option in these areas of Africa with limited access to electricity.In terms of health, eggs are an important source of protein, especially for children. Boosting the stress resistance of chickens means African families can meet their nutritional needs and have more birds left for selling purposes.
Analysis
This article touches on how world hunger can be minimized through chicken genetics in some of the poorest countries, like Africa. The United States joining forces with Africa on this project creates a social family due to our ability of giving them aid. Starting this program here in Africa could open doors for other underdeveloped nations if it is shown to be effective. One of the benefits of this project is that after boosting the stress resistance of the chickens, the African families nutritional needs will be satisfied and they'll also have a surplus of birds that can be used for selling. This will generate some income directly into the pockets of the families which could also be the start of enhancing the economy.This work also has the potential take on nutritional needs and lessen poverty.
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/31440/could-chicken-genetics-study-solve-world-hunger
Mix of farm innovations could take a bite out of world hunger
Summary
According to a study published this past week, a tailored mix of farming technologies could greatly improve global food security by mid-century as the world's population is projected to increase to 9 billion, and the risk of adverse weather from climate change poses a threat on crops and also disrupts trade. Global corn yields could increase by as much as 67 percent by the year 2050, while wheat and rice yields may rise around 20 percent if certain innovations are paired, stated the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in a study referred to as "Food Security in a World of Natural Resource Scarcity." The IFPRI also reported that a widespread adoption of technologies, including biotech seeds, irrigation and no-till farming could decrease world food prices by nearly half and cut food insecurity by as much as 36 percent. The study targeted the impacts of eleven different technologies on corn, rice and wheat yields, crop prices, trade and world hunger and found that certain combinations worked more efficiently than others. The findings could possibly help identify practices that cash-strapped developing nations should target to combat hunger. Farmers in the developing world would see the biggest overall yield gains. Drought-tolerant grain should be targeted by producers in the Middle East and parts of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, while heat-tolerant varieties offer promising yield results in North America and South Asia, stated the IFPRI. Yield gains from specific technologies were higher when combined with irrigation. Positive yield findings were then plugged into an economic model that projected their impact on commodity prices, trade and food security. Drought-tolerant corn could possibly increase yields by 13 percent here in the United States as well as China. These are the top two corn consumers. Nutrient-efficient rice varieties could also produce 22 percent more grain.
Analysis
This report highlights how farming technologies can improve global food security by the turn of the mid-century. With a population that is continuously increasing, more food is going to be needed. Also, with global corn yields increasing, this would be an easier way to distribute food to developing countries due to an increased food supply. Two of the globes most populated countries are also the top two corn consumers. With this being said, the poorest countries still lack the necessities needed to improve global food security due to bad climates which poses a threat on growing the crops.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/12/food-hunger-ifpri-idUSL2N0LG21Z20140212
According to a study published this past week, a tailored mix of farming technologies could greatly improve global food security by mid-century as the world's population is projected to increase to 9 billion, and the risk of adverse weather from climate change poses a threat on crops and also disrupts trade. Global corn yields could increase by as much as 67 percent by the year 2050, while wheat and rice yields may rise around 20 percent if certain innovations are paired, stated the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in a study referred to as "Food Security in a World of Natural Resource Scarcity." The IFPRI also reported that a widespread adoption of technologies, including biotech seeds, irrigation and no-till farming could decrease world food prices by nearly half and cut food insecurity by as much as 36 percent. The study targeted the impacts of eleven different technologies on corn, rice and wheat yields, crop prices, trade and world hunger and found that certain combinations worked more efficiently than others. The findings could possibly help identify practices that cash-strapped developing nations should target to combat hunger. Farmers in the developing world would see the biggest overall yield gains. Drought-tolerant grain should be targeted by producers in the Middle East and parts of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, while heat-tolerant varieties offer promising yield results in North America and South Asia, stated the IFPRI. Yield gains from specific technologies were higher when combined with irrigation. Positive yield findings were then plugged into an economic model that projected their impact on commodity prices, trade and food security. Drought-tolerant corn could possibly increase yields by 13 percent here in the United States as well as China. These are the top two corn consumers. Nutrient-efficient rice varieties could also produce 22 percent more grain.
Analysis
This report highlights how farming technologies can improve global food security by the turn of the mid-century. With a population that is continuously increasing, more food is going to be needed. Also, with global corn yields increasing, this would be an easier way to distribute food to developing countries due to an increased food supply. Two of the globes most populated countries are also the top two corn consumers. With this being said, the poorest countries still lack the necessities needed to improve global food security due to bad climates which poses a threat on growing the crops.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/12/food-hunger-ifpri-idUSL2N0LG21Z20140212
Friday, February 7, 2014
Wold Hunger...
Hunger, or under-nutrition,
is the result from the insufficient intake of macro- and micro-nutrients. It
can lead to chronic malnutrition or the severe wasting associated with
acute malnutrition. Malnutrition is the disease in which someone doesn't get
the necessary amount of nutrients that the body calls for. It also pertains to
individuals who's intake of nutrients is higher than what the body desires.
There are three types of malnutrition; acute, moderate acute, and sever acute.
With severe acute being the most serious case, it has two branches that follow
under it. They are Marasmus and Kwashiorkor. Marasmus is characterized by a
significant loss of weight and muscle tissue. Children suffering from marasmus
look almost elderly, with their skeletal bones losing any equilibrium between
weight and height. Kwashiorkor, a Ghanaian word meaning "the sickness
the older child gets when a new child is born," is characterized by
bilateral edemas (swollen tissue) on a child's arms, legs, and face-
and these children often appear full-faced despite being so malnourished. World Hunger is a global issue that needs proper and adequate attention in order for it to diminish. What is shocking is that we actually have enough food to feed everyone, but due to distribution purposes and other reasons, we still continue to have world hunger. I couldn't imagine what it's like to live under any circumstances where I don't know when my next meal will be, or if the porportion I'm given will satisfy my hunger.
World Hunger
The topic of my project is World Hunger. I decided to research this topic because I am interested in how hunger impacts our world not only in the U.S., but also everywhere else.
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