Food Lines: A Response to “Hunger and the Hungry”

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Having had time to reflect on a post by wisdaub entitled “Hunger and the Hungry,” a thoughtful contemplation of spiritual fasting, hunger, and food system shocks amidst the coronavirus pandemic, I will try to extend the conversation using a systems thinking approach. If we put “food insecurity” in the center of a systems map, the maze of feedback loops is dizzying, even without considering the effects of the current pandemic on the food supply network. Factor in the pandemic crisis and the triple inequalities multiply as those already least prepared for catastrophe are hit with another wave of hardship. There is no single cause or solution to global hunger, and many causes have complicated relationships among themselves.

Food System Map                                                                                     Image Source: thebigraise.fr

Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen, an expert in issues of famine, declares poverty and lack of democracy as primary drivers of hunger, and suggests increased trade, tariffs and democratization as solutions, and self-sufficiency as a less powerful solution other than in times of war. A different view from physicist and food sovereignty advocate Vandana Shiva sees globalization and lack of import regulations as some of the larger systems responsible for poverty and displacement in the first place. Both perspectives would be appropriate in a systems-thinking map – the 135 million currently facing food shortage are victims of systems that cause or perpetuate poverty.

Children wait in line for food                                                      Image Source: weforum.org

If food is a human right (which, of course it is), how can we prevent projected estimates that the number of hungry may double by the end of 2020? Part of the answer is that people can’t afford food, especially with the economic fallout from the pandemic. Another is that nations who rely on imports are feeling food supply shocks deep in their bellies without the resources to grow or secure food closer to home. Increasing food sovereignty can build nimble resilience as shock absorbers for current systems vulnerable to price fluctuation and supply bottlenecks.

Widaub’s post describes fasting as “a way in which we recognize our common human fragility.” This is both humbling and empowering. Humbling in that the fragilities within  the food system are wounds pulled wide open during Coronavirus. These wounds may heal not by applying bandages of food aid and imports alone, but by empowering the world’s hungry with land, the resources to feed the land, and their children. Poverty is a reason many will not eat today. The systems perpetuating poverty are reasons many may not eat tomorrow.

Farmers in Indonesia
Image Source: viacampesina.org

 

37 thoughts on “Food Lines: A Response to “Hunger and the Hungry””

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  3. Hunger and the hungry remind us of the deep need for nourishment, both physical and spiritual. Listen Manzil for Huffaz offers spiritual sustenance, guiding hearts through the Qurans recitation. Just as food feeds the body, the Manzil feeds the soul, empowering Huffaz to lead with compassion for the hungry and deprived.

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  21. In the face of the complexity of hunger and food system shocks, a systems thinking approach can reveal hidden feedback loops and system dynamics. Such discussions on Telegram can promote the development of collective wisdom and solutions to this complex problem. Through Telegram下载, researchers, policymakers and the public around the world can jointly discuss responses, enhance understanding of food insecurity and promote action.

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  22. The responses to wisdaub’s article demonstrate the importance of systems thinking in addressing global hunger. Using Telegram groups for discussion can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the root causes of food insecurity and drive global action. TG中文语言包 provides an ideal platform for sharing analysis and recommendations on shocks to food systems, thereby helping communities and organizations develop strategies to alleviate hunger.

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  23. The “Hunger and the Hungry” discussion revealed the complexity and multiple inequalities of the food system. Deeper discussions on this topic on Telegram will not only help us identify these complex feedback loops, but also promote knowledge sharing and action plans at a global level. Through the Telegram中文 platform, we can bring together experiences and perspectives from different regions to develop more effective responses.

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  24. In response to wisdaub’s post “Hunger and the Hungry”, the systems thinking approach does provide a powerful tool for a deeper understanding of food security issues. Discussing such complex systems through Telegram can help us better understand the multidimensional impacts of food insecurity and share countermeasures and solutions. Discussions in the Telegram中文版 group can focus on how to respond to the food crisis and promote interdisciplinary exchanges to address this global challenge.

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