Which of the following continents houses more than half of the chronically hungry population

which of the following continents houses more than half of the chronically hungry population

Which of the following continents houses more than half of the chronically hungry population?

Answer: The continent that houses more than half of the chronically hungry population is Asia.

Detailed Explanation:

  1. Global Hunger Statistics: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, a significant portion of the world’s chronically hungry population resides in Asia. The FAO’s reports indicate that more than half of the global undernourished population is found in Asia, primarily in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

  2. Factors Contributing to Hunger:

    • Population Density: Asia is the most populous continent, with countries like China and India having massive populations. High population density can strain resources and food supply.
    • Economic Disparities: Despite economic growth in many Asian countries, there are still vast disparities in wealth and access to food. Rural areas, in particular, may suffer from food insecurity.
    • Agricultural Challenges: Many parts of Asia are prone to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and typhoons, which can disrupt agricultural production and food supply chains.
    • Political Instability: In some regions, political instability and conflict can exacerbate food insecurity by displacing populations and disrupting normal economic activities.
  3. Efforts to Combat Hunger:

    • International Aid: Various international organizations, including the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), are actively involved in providing food aid and implementing programs to improve food security in Asia.
    • National Policies: Many Asian countries have adopted policies aimed at improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food distribution, and providing social safety nets to support vulnerable populations.

Conclusion: Asia’s large population, coupled with economic, agricultural, and political challenges, contributes to it housing more than half of the chronically hungry population globally. Efforts at both international and national levels are crucial to addressing and mitigating this issue.