DES MOINES, Washington — In response to the catastrophic Ethiopian famine of 1985, which claimed 1.2 million lives, USAID took a momentous step by initiating the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS Net). Since its launch, FEWS Net has expanded into a formidable global network, establishing and maintaining 20 field offices. It is now actively monitoring and assessing the conditions of more than 35 of the world’s most food-insecure nations, spanning regions in Africa, Central America, Central Asia and the Caribbean. At its core, a resolute mission drives FEWS Net: to proactively tackle challenges within the intricate web of the food supply chain and anticipate potential crises through its predictive capabilities.
FEWS Net wields an array of advanced techniques, encompassing the thorough analysis of satellite data, the utilization of remote sensing technology, in-depth image analysis and adept hydrological forecasting. Employing these sophisticated tools empowers FEWS Net to gauge the health of crops and decipher complex weather patterns, thereby foreseeing possible threats to global food security. These data-driven insights give decision-makers the critical information necessary to stave off impending food shortages and resulting crises.
Furthermore, FEWS Net collaborates with partners, including USAID, NASA and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. Originating in Africa, FEWS Net’s impact has transcended its initial boundaries, expanding to regions including Afghanistan, Southeast Asia and Central America.
Case Study: FEWS Net Report in Ethiopia
Illustrating the tangible impact of FEWS Net, a closer look at one of its key reports provides a vivid understanding. The timeline of Food Security Outlook reports released by FEWS Net spans three crucial months: February, June and October. In the interim periods, the network supplements the reports with real-time updates and key messages that align with the overarching insights of the triennial reports. An instance in Ethiopia exemplifies FEWS Net’s practical implications.
In a May key message, FEWS Net illuminated Ethiopia’s journey into the high-demand food assistance period, stretching from June to September. Persistent historical trends of elevated food needs stemmed from livelihood degradation, which fostered gaping consumption gaps across the country. The geographical distribution of the crisis was evident, with both the northern and south/southeastern regions grappling with acute food insecurity. Ongoing conflict, enduring drought conditions and economic complexities compounded this dire situation.
The report underscored the importance of swiftly providing essential food aid to thwart the escalation of hunger and adversity. Specific regions, such as Tigray, were identified as in dire straits, with the looming lean season from June onwards expected to exacerbate food deficits due to dwindling purchasing power and restricted crop growth potential. At the same time, the southern/southeastern regions leaned heavily on humanitarian aid and government initiatives; conflicts and floods disrupted even favorable factors such as the belg rainfall.
Forecasts for the upcoming direct rains (June-September) weren’t optimistic, posing risks to crop yields and intensifying the crisis. The financial implications compounded the situation, as soaring fuel prices added to transportation costs and staple food prices. As Ethiopia grappled with heightened food needs during these months, the convergence of conflicts, persisting drought effects and economic struggles underscored the urgency of pivotal food assistance to avert the deepening spiral of hunger and adversity.
Looking Ahead
Zooming out to the global landscape, more than 700 million individuals worldwide grapple with the harsh reality of hunger. These challenges are especially pronounced in specific regions: 282 million people in Africa, 418 million in Asia and 60 million in Central America and the Caribbean. This grim reality propels the U.N.’s first Sustainable Development Goal, which aspires to comprehensively end poverty while directly addressing the intricate links between poverty, hunger and disparities in resource access.
The nexus between poverty and hunger is unmistakable, with millions in developing nations living on meager daily incomes of $1.90 or less. This dire economic situation perpetuates a vicious cycle of hunger and malnutrition. Unfortunately, these issues disproportionately affect rural communities, particularly limiting opportunities for education and development, especially among girls. This imbalance in education perpetuates gender inequality and contributes to issues like adolescent births, further entrenching the cycle of poverty and hunger.
FEWS Net’s role in this scenario is pivotal. The network empowers decision-makers to proactively address imminent food crises and emergencies by offering early alerts and vital insights. This data-driven approach is indispensable in breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger. As FEWS Net continues to provide actionable information, it endeavors to mitigate food insecurity globally, contributing to the broader efforts of addressing poverty and creating a more equitable future for all.
– Clara Swart
Photo: Flickr