Hunger – www.zucchiniadvocacy.com

2018-11-142021-03-29

Aid, migration flows, communities

It seems a conversation is to be had on the correlation of foreign aid and immigration. Perhaps more research could be conducted on whether proactive or retrogressive techniques impact on migration flows. The recent movements from some countries towards the Mexico-US border is a case in point. Where support is readily available at conflict areas, or places of substantial discomfort, there would probably be less incentive to disconnect from ties in business, family, homes. It remains to be said the need to also balance protecting sovereignty and collective banding of ‘prospective nations to be affected’ for a somewhat political-economic surgery. The punitive approach to punish, restrict, or threaten to stop assistance may be a double whammy.

Structures that strengthen efforts would invariably curb the suffering till the disasters abate- therefore there is need to revisit collectively and magnanimously the efforts of home States and host communities in solving mainly hunger-prone migration. The perils of the journeys is mind-numbing to read. Nation-States pulling together to send grants after major displacements, or stopping aid for failure to forcefully restrain migrating families fleeing home-grown difficulties, may be avoiding the real conversation, of possible generational instabilities, failing desire and responsibilities to cater for needs. There is need for more research in this area. Neither is it conducive or conclusive that emigration flow is entirely dependent on this criterion of emergency aid support. However, it would seem plausible that communities can be reached where they are before situations escalate, making the enticing and difficult decision to take often unevaluated risks more unlikely and unattractive.

2017-08-022021-03-26

On Genetically modified food options?

‘GM’ or not? – on options

There are pertinent issues on GM foods to highlight- which first really seize my attention in conferences I attended in Shanghai and Ningbo-Hangzhou province China, on food security, some years ago. Where the world’s population is increasing significantly each decade, options for increased food production also has to be noted. The industry is estimated to have accounted for over $116 billion, between 2006 to 2012 globally.

Out of question- is allowing downsizing of numbers by deliberately prolonging conflicts through non-interventions or inactivity by responsible actors, or enacting restrictive and forceful child birth policies. The issues would include whether it’s a nutritive alternative to existing food crops? Does increased GM foods sold in commercial quantities maximise profits at the expense of local farmers? How do we ascertain if there are long-term side effects of consumption? Should we rather focus on redistribution and reducing wastage to tackle hunger epidemics? For MNCs acquiring lands to farm GM crops, are they extending a neo-colonial enterprise through acquiring vast lands or investing well-meaningly in developing value-adding mechanics at the sites of exploration? Is there a reciprocal policy in place- mutually benefiting plans for farmers and investors, researchers and regulating bodies? Shouldn’t we be looking at owning the challenge as a community and empowering grass root entrepreneurs rather than only consolidating major stakeholders- a bottom-up consideration?

And perhaps, not least, or inconsequential, how about investing in scientific research for developing preservation techniques so harvest could be stored for longer periods and for the ‘rainy day’? Chen Zhang, Robert Wohlhueter, Han Zhang in their recent article write- “Drawing from past experience it seems unlikely the technological momentum toward genetically modified foods can be stopped dead in its tracks. Or should be. The immediate advantages are too tangible to ignore or set aside out of fear of the unknown and unintended disadvantages”.
How we approach these areas of concern will vary, but strategic and meaningful thoughts I think can be raised, as the effects are far-reaching.

Source(s): Chen Zhang, Robert Wohlhueter, Han Zhang, “Genetically modified foods: A critical review of their promise and problems” (2016) 5(3) Food Science and Human Wellness 116-123; WHO, “Frequently asked questions on genetically modified foods” May 2014 <http://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/>; Marc Gunther, “Why NGOs can’t be trusted on GMOs” July 16, 2014 <https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/jul/16/ngos-nonprofits-gmos-genetically-modified-foods-biotech>