10 Ways You Can Help Reduce the Impact of Natural Disasters on Global Food Security
Matthew Russell
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts can have a devastating impact on food security. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these events can damage crops, disrupt transportation systems, and displace communities, making it difficult for people to access the food they need to survive.
One of the most immediate effects of a natural disaster on food security is the destruction of crops. As The New York Times reports, a hurricane can wipe out entire fields of rice, corn, and other staple foods, leaving communities without a source of food. Droughts can also damage crops, as plants struggle to survive without enough water. In addition to destroying current crops, natural disasters can also prevent farmers from planting new ones, further exacerbating the food security crisis, according to the Farm Service Agency.
Photo: Adobe Stock / djoronimoOne of the most immediate effects of a natural disaster on food security is the destruction of crops.
Another way in which natural disasters can affect food security is by disrupting transportation systems. Floods can wash out roads and bridges, making it difficult for trucks to transport food to affected areas. Hurricanes can also damage ports and airports, which can make it hard to bring in food aid from other countries. This can leave communities isolated and without access to food.
Finally, natural disasters can displace communities, forcing people to leave their homes and farms in search of safety, Brookings reports. This can make it difficult for people to access their stored food and can also make it hard for them to return to their land and plant new crops. This displacement can also increase competition for food and resources in the places where people end up, further exacerbating the food security crisis.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Budimir JevticFloods can wash out roads and bridges, making it difficult for trucks to transport food to affected areas.
The impact of natural disasters on food security can be severe, and it is important for organizations that work to advocate for human rights and a reduction in global hunger to be aware of these issues. Like GreaterGood's non-profit partner Greater Good Charities, they can help by providing food aid and other forms of assistance to communities affected by natural disasters, working to improve the resilience of food systems, and advocating for policies that can help to mitigate the effects of natural disasters on food security.
However, it is important to note that addressing food security during and after a natural disaster is not a one-time solution, it requires a long-term approach. This includes investing in infrastructure and technology that can help to make food systems more resilient, supporting local communities and farmers, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. By taking these steps, we can work to reduce the impact of natural disasters on food security and help to ensure that communities have access to the food they need to survive.
Photo: Here are steps you can take to ensure that food systems around the world are more resilient to natural disasters.
10. Support local farmers and communities
Support local farmers and communities by purchasing food from local markets and investing in projects that help to improve food security and resilience in your area.
9. Promote sustainable agriculture practices
Promote sustainable agriculture practices by supporting farmers who use conservation tillage, crop rotation, and other practices that can help to reduce soil erosion and increase the resilience of crops to natural disasters.
Photo: Adobe Stock / MarkoAddressing food security during and after a natural disaster is not a one-time solution, it requires a long-term approach.
8. Invest in home food storage systems
Invest in home food storage systems such as a root cellar or pantry, to have a backup food supply in case of natural disasters.
7. Participate in community-based disaster risk reduction programs
Participate in community-based disaster risk reduction programs and volunteer to help prepare your community in case of natural disasters.
Photo: Adobe Stock / marinvNatural disasters can displace communities, forcing people to leave their homes and farms in search of safety.
6. Educate yourself on the effects of climate change on food security
Educate yourself on the effects of climate change on food security and advocate for policies that can help to mitigate these effects.
5. Plant a vegetable garden
Plant a vegetable garden or join a community garden to increase access to fresh food and reduce dependence on long-distance food transportation.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Biewer_JürgenIn addition to destroying current crops, natural disasters can also prevent farmers from planting new ones, further exacerbating the food security crisis
4. Store non-perishable food items
Store non-perishable food items and have a plan for how to access them in case of emergency.
3. Learn how to preserve food
Learn how to preserve food through methods such as canning, drying, or fermentation to ensure a supply of food during a disaster or when fresh food is not available.
Photo: 2. Support research and development of new technologies
Support research and development of new technologies that can help to make global food systems more resilient to natural disasters.
1. Support organizations that work on disaster relief and food security
Support organizations that work on disaster relief and food security, such as those that provide food aid and assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. GreaterGood's non-profit partner Greater Good Charities is committed to both emergency hunger relief as well as providing opportunities for communities in developing countries with the tools for long-term, sustainable feeding and potential economic opportunities.
Photo: By taking these steps, we can all play a role in reducing the impact of natural disasters on food security and ensuring that global food systems are more resilient.
Make a difference. Click below to take the pledge to protect global food systems from natural disasters.
