An Evaluation of the Factors Causing Food Insecurity in Africa

Abstract

Food security is not only one of the most relevant fields of study for Africa but also one of the most pressing. Despite increasing levels of food production, famines such as the 2011 famine in the Horn of Africa continue to leave millions facing starvation. Furthermore, with the effects of climate change on the horizon, the challenges associated with food security are only expected to worsen. To know how best to attack a problem on a scale such as this, a firm understanding of the causes is required. The following research will evaluate three frequently cited causes of food insecurity: conflict, environmental hazards, and food aid. Variables tied to these hypothesized causes will be measured against two facets of food security: production and consumption. The results ultimately show that food aid decreases production by creating disincentives, while environmental hazards lower consumption. The following research will investigate these three areas, comparing the effect of each on food consumption and production to devise substantive policy solutions for improving food security in Africa.