IssuesThe Persistence of Hunger in South Asia
Page 11 of 29
| Issues |
The Hunger Project Online Briefing
Program The Persistence of Hunger in South Asia Page 11 of 29 |
Population |
| Key Issue 1: Poverty |
Throughout South Asia, the persistence of hunger is directly associated with widespread and unrelenting poverty.
| Food self-sufficiency |
In both cities and rural areas, people go hungry in spite of the availability of food.
The land of both India and Bangladesh is inherently fertile, and is able to grow more than enough food to sustain the population.
By some estimates, India - with proper management of land and water resources - could feed three to four times its population.
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| Poverty and lack of opportunity |
Chronic hunger persists because people lack money and opportunity to buy or grow the food they need.
The poverty line is an official measure of poverty defined by national governments.
Roughly 35% of the population of India and Bangladesh live below this national poverty line.
The international poverty line looks at incomes on a worldwide scale.
In India, 44% of the population live below the international standard of $1 per day, and as many as 86% live below $2 per day.
In Bangladesh, 29% of the population live below $1 per day, and as many as 79% live below $2 per day.
| A rural issue |
Chronic hunger is overwhelmingly rural. 79 per cent of the poor live in rural areas, while only 21 per cent live in urban areas.
Although the rural poor lack sufficient income and purchasing power, they are among the world’s hardest workers.
Rural people are deeply involved in agricultural production. They most often work 16 hour days, without appropriate technology and adequate compensation.
This is especially true for women, who frequently work longer and harder than the men in their family. Their work in the fields and in the home is often undervalued and underpaid.
| Issues |
The Hunger Project Online Briefing
Program The Persistence of Hunger in South Asia Page 11 of 29 |
Population |