Explain how political unrest contributes to global food insecurity

Answer 1

The availability of and access to food are often limited by civil strife, war, and political unrest. Political turmoil can displace millions of people from their homes and force them to relocate to crude facilities set up for refugees. In countries with large refugee populations (such as Turkey, Pakistan, and Lebanon), food insecurity and malnutrition are rampant. According to the United Nations (UN), those living in refugee camps have the highest rates of disease and malnutrition of any group worldwide. Because of the danger and logistical problems associated with political unrest, it can be difficult for relief agencies to provide much-needed aid to innocent civilians. Despite recent progress made by repatriation movements, the number of refugees is once again on the rise. Mainly attributable to violence taking place in the Middle East, the worldwide number of forcibly displaced persons is approaching 60 million. During 2014, an average of 42,500 individuals were forced to leave their homes and seek protection elsewhere, either within the borders of their own country or within other countries.