Famine as a Natural Calamity - Essay Example

This paper will analyze whether famine is a seasonal happening or if it has an annual cycle, its predictability, and the steps that can be taken to prevent it if there are any.
Famine can be described as the scarcity of food on a large scale. The functional description of famine needs to include the fact that it is a natural hazard that goes on to affect humans. Without it affecting humans, the otherwise natural disaster becomes a natural hazard. It is not a disaster when the human aspect is lacking.

Over time in history, incidences of famine have been experienced repeatedly, and in some regions more than others. This begs for one to view it as a seasonal happening. The seasonal nature of famines is attributed to there being certain human activities that augment the influence of drought. The likelihood of famine to be experienced in a region depends on a myriad of factors. These include the geographical location, policies governing food distribution, and human activities in a place. When these factors are all analyzed, the likelihood of a famine can be determined.

The effects of famine are felt by all spheres of nature, both living and non-living. Humans, plants, animals, and even property are affected by famine. Humans are by far the most affected by famine. In the event of a famine, humans are faced with starvation, malnutrition, and cases of death are reported. People waste due to lack of food and become emaciated. Stunted, and retarded growth are also experienced by the victims of famine. Cases of diseases are increased, as individuals grow weaker and weaker due to poor nutrition. In certain instances, people start fighting for the little food available, and war may result.

Plants during the famine, are usually the first to die. This, however, is true when the famine is due to harsh weather conditions such as drought. When the cause of the famine is other than this, plants are affected to a lesser extent. Wasting, emaciation, and growth retardation are all experienced. Domestic animals and plants are affected even when the famine is not due to weather conditions because humans are too weak to attend to them. Wild plants and animals are in contrast barely affected.

Property is affected due to the inability of human beings to cater to it. The land is the one property that is greatly affected by famine. When due to drought, famine causes the productivity of land to diminish. If the famine is a result of human activity, land, and other property become the source of tussles among groups of people. Property may be destroyed since no one is ready to lose property to the rival party.

The occurrence of famine can be predicted. This is made possible by assessing both natural and human trends. These include the channels of food distribution, stability of ruling regimes, and weather conditions. In cases of prolonged drought, above-average rainfall, and flooding, famine is deemed impending. When there is an outbreak of pests that devour crops, destroying them, there is a risk of famine. When the channels that are in place for food distribution are wanting, the risk of famine is introduced.

Since famine can be predicted, there are also ways in which it can be evaded. It is possible to avoid famine in a country by ensuring adequate food storage for emergency situations. Another move that can help in preparation for famine, is the creation of channels that ensure food distribution reaches every part of society. Improved farming practices such as irrigation, and using greenhouses can also be used to facilitate food availability during harsh weather conditions. Read More