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V. Consumption, Nutrition, and Hunger
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Web Sites
Narration
Despite the dramatic increase in food supply and reduction in hunger in the world as a result of the diffusion of Green Revolution technology, numerous people have found reasons to criticize this innovation. The division between rich and poor in rural areas of developing countries was made wider by the Green Revolution. Some observers argue that the economic conditions resulting from the political power of the Green Revolution more than offset the gains made in the increase of food supply. Others argue that the crops produced with Green Revolution technology are less nutritious, less flavorful, and less palatable. They also point out that the fertilizers and chemicals used in the technology come from fossil fuel, a nonrenewable resource. In addition, critics feel that the Green Revolution might increase erosion and environmental contamination. The need for capital from the west to implement changes to infrastructure has put pressure on economies to grow more crops for export and fewer for local consumption. Another factor in the argument is the Green Revolution focus on rice, corn, and wheat -- crops of particular interest in Asia and Mexico, but with little impact in Africa. African agriculture is further impacted by low soil fertility, thus further decreasing its return on investment.
Despite what the critics say, it is clear the Green Revolution has been a success. Quite simply, countries with the technology have been able to feed their populations. While the technology may have problems, the alternative would be food shortages and hunger -- neither a viable option.
The latest revolution in agriculture is taking place through a variety of agencies. Organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the European Union (EU), and treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), promote the diffusion of technology, but also support developmental organizations.
Governments have for many years regulated the flow of food goods in and out of their countries to maintain production, consumption, and their own national corporate profits. In the form of either direct or indirect subsidies to agricultural producers, governments keep foodstuffs affordable. Farmers in the United States, for example, have historically produced tremendous grain surpluses. These surpluses are often purchased and stored by the government to sell at a time when prices increase. However, grain cannot be stored indefinitely, and is eventually donated or sold at very low cost to other nations. This has the effect of under valuing locally produced grain in the receiving countries, hurting local farmers. Agriculture can never be thought of in purely economic terms. Politics are the order of the day.
In addition to concern over their internal food production, core states have also engaged directly and indirectly in the agricultural sectors of other nations. The desire to provide aid in the form of food donations and agricultural development is widespread and popular around the world. When the receiving states ask for food aid, charitable organizations and donor states are happy to send it. Yet many large-scale agricultural development projects have not had much success. One lesson learned through these projects is that small-scale projects that are sensitive to local environmental and cultural situations often find more success over the long run.
Web Sites
To view the following Web sites, please go to "See also" below.
The Teachers' Corner contains links to suggested Web sites. The College Board neither endorses, controls the content of, nor reviews the external Web sites included here. Please note that following links to external Web sites will open a new browser window. If you discover a link that does not work, please let us know by sending an e-mail to apctechsupport@collegeboard.org.
HungerWeb: Data
A list with high-quality data related to hunger. Any student, teacher, journalist, or researcher can access important primary data on hunger, food, poverty, and population on the Internet from the lists on this site.
HungerWeb Index
An extensive, if not exhaustive, list of links related to world hunger. A good starting point for hunger research.
HungerWeb: Teachers and Trainers materials
Materials, activities, and sites for teachers involved in the issues surrounding world hunger.
Introduction to Hunger
Excellent introduction to world hunger with links to other sources.
Poverty and Food Security
A good site from a nonprofit organization in New Zealand. Deals with government/world policies, hunger, impact of agriculture on the ecosystem, etc.
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