Liberia faces a severe hunger crisis as per the Global Hunger Index, ranking 120th out of 127 countries. Nearly 40% of the population is reported as malnourished, with little improvement in child nutrition since 2016. The government disputes these findings but aims to boost local rice production. Community leaders are stepping up to address food needs, while experts stress the importance of systemic economic reforms to combat ongoing hunger.
Hunger in Liberia has reached alarming levels, as indicated by the latest Global Hunger Index, which identifies the situation as “serious.” Currently, nearly two out of every five Liberians are malnourished, a significant increase from 2016. The Index reveals stagnation in efforts to combat child stunting, wasting, and mortality, with no improvement over the past eight years.
Fatu Moore, a quarry worker and single mother of seven, illustrates the growing crisis. She struggles daily to earn enough to feed her children, sharing, “Sometimes when they buy one pickup load of rocks, it will take two to three weeks before another customer comes. What will we be eating?” Climate change and economic instability exacerbate food insecurity, especially among women and children.
The Global Hunger Index ranks Liberia 120th out of 127 countries, emphasizing little has improved since 2016. It raises concerns about meeting the UN’s Zero Hunger goal by 2030. The government denies the findings, with Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah asserting that while hunger exists, the severity is overstated. He attributes rising hunger to high global rice prices and vows to boost local production.
The government’s effort includes a $4 million budget allocation for agriculture, with a goal to reverse reliance on rice imports from 70% to 30% by 2030. However, experts worry that U.S. aid reductions may hinder these initiatives. The U.S. has previously invested heavily in agriculture, essential for food security and infrastructure in Liberia.
Madam Moore speaks for many facing dire choices: “I have seven children. Only three are going to school because there’s no money.” The community suffers as economic pressures push families into cycles of poverty, revealing that hunger impacts not just physical needs but undermines human capital, leading to reduced productivity and economic downturns.
Women like Moore and Garmai Bakarro report declining prices for labor due to climate impacts, leading to a feedback loop of poverty. Bakarro, caring for her grandchildren, voices despair: “Sometimes we can sleep with hunger.” This feeling is common across communities struggling to cope with insufficient income and rising costs.
Local leaders, such as Ne-Suah Beyan-Livingston, have mobilized to provide meals for children, reflecting community response amidst hardship. Her initiative began with a focus on children affected by the Ebola crisis but has expanded to serve over 400 children weekly. “I even want to stop, but every time I want to, the faces of these children remind me that we are looking up to you,” she stated.
Experts emphasize that solutions must address Liberia’s economic vulnerabilities, primarily its reliance on imports. Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh argues for diversifying the economy, emphasizing mechanization in agriculture, job creation through industries like tourism, and improving education and healthcare to uplift productivity for future generations.
Corruption remains a critical barrier, with governance issues weakening productivity and innovation. Until systemic changes are implemented, women like Moore and Bakarro will continue to face the immediate impacts of the hunger crisis. Moore encapsulates their struggle: “It’s only this rock business we can use to send our children to school. We don’t have anything else.”
The situation of hunger and malnutrition in Liberia is serious, with a substantial portion of the population facing food insecurity, especially vulnerable groups like women and children. Despite government commitments to increase food production, challenges like climate change, economic instability, and potential cuts in aid complicate recovery efforts. Local community initiatives provide some relief, but systemic issues including corruption and governance must be addressed to secure a sustainable solution. Long-term commitment to diversifying the economy, improving agricultural practices, and investing in education and health is essential for immediate and future alleviation of hunger in Liberia.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
