Unpreparedness for food emergencies
Name(s):
Inadequacy of emergency food reserves
Inadequate emergency food supplies
Inadequate food stocks
Nature
Nutritional emergencies arise from situations of mass starvation caused by the interruption of food supplies to the population over a long period. Unusual food shortages may be caused by major crop failures, war and civil conflicts, or natural disasters. According to the World Health Organization, the emergency subsistence level is the level below which large-scale starvation and death should be expected if the people are is of normal body size and are required to perform some work. Measurement of nutritional status in emergencies relies mainly upon taking body measurements, monitoring clinic records, or measuring the prevalence of oedema (swelling).
Incidence
Food emergencies have generally been on the rise in recent years. WFP assistance approved for emergency projects increased from $ 91 million in 1978 to $ 92 million in 1980. In 1981, emergency assistance fell slightly to $ 178 million, but rose to $ 191.5 million in 1982. In 1987 the emergency resources of the WFP were not sufficient to cover the emergency needs for which assistance was requested. The increasing scale of food emergencies emphasizes the need for more resources to be devoted to emergency relief programmes.
Aggravated by
Strategy(ies)
Value(s)
Type
(D) Detailed problems