If you are interested in ending world hunger, you have probably heard of the efforts of large non-governmental organizations. You may have even heard of some of the big NGO’s lobbying Congress and influencing policymakers. But what about the impact of these organizations on communities and local economies?
Work of large NGO’s
Hunger is one of the major threats to global health, according to the World Health Organization. It prevents people from working and learning, and it traps them in poverty. Large NGO’s like Mercy Corps are working to end world hunger in a variety of ways. These organizations implement programs that address multiple drivers of food security, engage in policy debates, and engage local communities in their efforts.
Food First, an Oakland-based nonprofit, works to end world hunger by empowering communities to take back control of their own food systems. It does this through action, education, and research, and partners with existing organizations and movements that are working to eradicate hunger. The organization also campaigns for a more just food system, and supports programs that help children become more self-reliant.
In the 1960s, large NGOs such as CARE worked to bring the world’s hunger epidemic under control by increasing the supply of protein-rich food. Relief workers became weary of programs that merely dumped calories into the mouths of hungry people. They began working with the US Department of Agriculture and with private companies to develop new ways to combat world hunger.
Despite all this progress, the global hunger crisis still remains a pressing issue. Conflict and insecurity are the main drivers of this crisis, with the biggest impacts in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Meanwhile, a drought will impact the Sahel, Niger, and Mali.
Action Against Hunger is one of the largest global humanitarian nonprofits aiming to end world hunger. Founded in France in 1979, the organisation now has subsidiaries in Canada, Germany, Spain, the UK, and the US. With over 8,000 field staff in more than 45 countries, this group is one of the leading international NGO’s in the fight against hunger.
Impact on people’s lives
The world’s hunger crisis isn’t about one country or continent; it’s about a complex mix of causes and consequences, including conflict, climate change, economic shocks, and inequality. In 2017, one in nine people were hungry, and the situation is worsening. Food is often scarce, and in times of emergency, families can skip meals to meet their basic needs, such as sending their children to school.
Hunger is a major threat to development, especially in developing countries. It inhibits economic growth and contributes to social and economic instability. Insecurity and food shortages also increase inequality and conflict. Feeding the world is already a massive challenge, but the population is only expected to increase. In addition, climate change is affecting food production, so natural resources are being stretched.
Food security is a fundamental human right, and a pressing international issue. One in nine people are chronically hungry, and more than a billion people are undernourished. An estimated 3.1 million children die each year from hunger. Those most affected by hunger are the poorest, with food insecurity affecting their health and development in the short and long term. In addition, children and women are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of food insecurity. Malnutrition can lead to early pregnancy, child marriage, and other forms of exploitation.
One global organisation working to end world hunger is Rise Against Hunger. This non-profit organisation promotes empowerment, leadership, and self-reliance among vulnerable communities. The organisation focuses its efforts on tackling the root causes of hunger. Its vision is to see a world without hunger, where every person enjoys physical safety and access to resources that will enable them to thrive.
Impact on communities
Food security and world hunger are considered one of the greatest threats to humankind. The United Nations has set Goal 2 – Zero Hunger as one of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recently announced that the World Food Programme will receive the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. Despite these achievements, conflict continues to wreak havoc in impoverished communities and climate change is increasing the risk of natural disasters. In addition, the recent pandemic of the coronavirus is adding fuel to the fire.
A worldwide nonprofit organization, Action Against Hunger, has been working to eradicate hunger for almost 40 years. With affiliates in the US, Canada, Germany, and Spain, AAH works to improve the lives of millions of people. Its work focuses on prevention, treatment, and research to help communities build self-reliance. The impact of AAH’s work is felt in many ways, from the health of children to their education.
A global organization like Rise Against Hunger is a good example of how big NGOs can impact communities. These organisations promote self-reliance, leadership, and community-led approaches. As such, they rely on local branches to generate funds and promote awareness. In the UK, for example, The Hunger Project is mobilising communities and local leaders in the UK to create a stronger movement. To date, it has successfully activated more than 500,000 local leaders in thirteen countries.
Another important trend of big NGO’s working to end hunger is putting an emphasis on economic, social, and cultural rights. Many of these NGOs are also making efforts to address other issues related to food security, such as the demarcation of indigenous territories, guaranteed access to freshwater and fishing grounds, and the protection of biodiversity. These initiatives are becoming increasingly important to many groups and have a knock-on impact on other strategies to end world hunger.
Impact on local economies
The global fight against hunger has attracted a number of big NGO’s to the Third World. These organizations address the causes of poverty and connect donors to poor communities. They also implement the Feed Our World Program, which meets the immediate needs of hungry people around the world. This program has spread to more than 30 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Yemen, and Venezuela.
However, the success of development NGOs is not always a guarantee of economic success. The success of big NGOs is often dependent on their ability to build operational links with other actors and institutions. They can do this through fee-for-service activities, joint ventures, materials sales, and consulting with other actors. In some cases, they can also obtain financing from the foreign aid system or state.
Governments are often a large source of funding for these organizations. Many Third World governments implement and fund their programs through NGOs. Because these governments are more stable and larger than NGOs, they represent an important opportunity for NGO’s. However, the government may not be an ideal partner, as the government can be both adversarial and uncooperative.
Another example is the Alliance to End Hunger, a global organization that works to end world hunger. This organization focuses on empowering communities to alleviate hunger. It is a platform for faith-based and secular organizations and has over 90 members. Among its projects are the Hunger Free Communities Initiative, which brings together local stakeholders to fight global hunger. In addition, the National Alliance Partnership Program builds the capacity of local civil society organizations in developing countries.
Big NGO’s working to end world hunger can have a dramatic impact on local economies. Some work in partnership with local communities, businesses, governments, and foundations. They help farmers with financing, strengthen marketing links, and treat malnutrition in vulnerable populations. In addition, the World Central Kitchen provides meals in disaster zones. It was founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres in 2010 and has distributed meals in many countries.