The reality of Food Crisis in our society

The southern part of Africa has been terribly hard hit by an unprecedented hunger situation. An estimated 6.2 million people are still in need of basic food and are threatened by death. Aid agencies have been busy trying to pump in food relief, but the immensity of the situation calls for more intervention. “The factors contributing to the food shortages are years of drought, and in some parts, floods, political instability, government mismanagement and civil war that has hindered food production.

The impact of the HIV pandemic is another significant contributor” and inadequate distribution, lack of resources to procure the necessary food when available. Zambia is trying hard to fight hunger by implementing new agricultural methods. But again, the efforts are somehow blocked by the power of nature in the form of droughts and floods.

The interesting part is that people are not discouraged, though frustrated; they try and keep trying to cultivate hoping that nature will cooperate. There has been a suggestion to implement crop diversification; but it is important to note that foods habits are deep in the blood and a change does not come overnight.

The majority of Zambian people feed on Nshima (from maize) and rice; but these are the most difficult crops to grow because they need a certain amount of rain and sunlight; too much water may have a negative impact; too much sun may destroy them.

There is an effort to introduce cassava, millet, sorghum and other crops that are more resistant to floods and droughts. The Catholic church is a big partner in this fight to reduce hunger.

Most of the dioceses are coordinating food relief and they make sure that the people in real need benefit from donations. The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are also playing an important role in assisting vulnerable people stricken by hunger.

In the Western Province of Zambia where the OMI work, we come face to face with real starved men, women and children. They may have heard of WFP or FAO but, these agencies are like phantoms to them. All they know is that the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are there to care for the poor and assist them in any way possible.

People stricken by hunger loose patience and hope if you try to tell them about procedures to get in touch with aid agencies or the Zambian social welfare department. All they need is something to satisfy their hunger for the day. With very little funds, the OMI are trying to provide meals for a few starved mouths; and in a few cases, OMI provide seeds to the most needy and give loans to those who are willing to undertake some small scale farming activities.

In this way OMI are reducing poverty; but if there was an availability of funds, the OMI could do a lot more through DMDC (Diocese of Mongu Development centre) and through Parishes’ St Vincent de Paul organizations.   ( story by Fr Cyril Keba, Omi )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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