SEATTLE — Guinea, a country located in West Africa, is home to nearly 11 million people. The country has significant deposits of gold and diamonds, as well as a large portion of the world’s bauxite (the main ore of aluminum) reserves.
Considering the natural resources available for export, the BBC estimates that Guinea could be one of the richest countries in West Africa. However, the political instability, a large number of refugees coming into the country and the mismanagement of the economy has made the population one of the poorest in Africa. For this reason, there is a problem with combatting hunger in Guinea.
In rural areas, the poverty and malnutrition rates are alarming. The World Food Programme reports that 17.5 percent of the population is food-insecure. Also, chronic malnutrition for the entire nation of Guinea is currently at 25.9 percent.
Countries suffering from political instability, like the neighboring Liberia and Sierra Leone, send Guinea thousands of refugees, weakening the economy and straining the country’s resources even further. Additionally, the 2014 Ebola outbreak that ravaged countries in West Africa is still taking its toll on Guinea and making vulnerable communities more insecure.
Another factor that contributes to hunger in Guinea is the flooding that occurs during the rainy season, which negatively affects nearly 100,000 people every year. The effects of flooding — and natural disasters in general — hurt the Guineans who rely on subsistence agriculture, which is a type of farming where farmers focus on growing enough to feed their families rather than cultivate for mass production.
Organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and Action Against Hunger have been in the country for a while, trying to stabilize it and help fight hunger in Guinea. The WFP has been in Guinea since 1964, aiding food-insecure communities and assisting with the health response to the Ebola virus outbreak. The WFP also makes it a point to educate others about the issues in Guinea and encourages volunteering and donations to ease the stress of providing food to such a large portion of the population.
Many people suffer from hunger in Guinea. The nation is one of Africa’s poorest countries, and those who are not suffering from hunger and malnutrition are struggling from a strained economy and lack of help from other nations.
It is important to stay educated about what is happening to millions of people in Guinea in order to provide assistance in whatever way possible. With help from non-profit organizations and wealthier countries, Guinea can substantially improve its state of hunger and create a healthier world for its population.
– Jacqueline Artz
Photo: Flickr