From feast to famine: Unveiling the grim realities of the global food crisis
Many of us take our food for granted. Perhaps, our sense of entitlement tells us that we deserve to always eat at our heart’s content and partake in the tastiest meals possible.
We tend to turn blind when we hear or read about the worsening food crisis happening worldwide, especially in poor countries.
Hunger and hunger-related diseases tragically claim around 9 million lives annually, outpacing the combined death toll from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), malaria, and tuberculosis.
Every 10 seconds, a child succumbs to the devastating effects of starvation.
The statistics should be enough to move us into action about our careless and selfish attitudes about the bounties of God for the sustenance of the whole of mankind.
Leading causes of famine and the global food crisis
Despite technological and agricultural progress, the world's food crisis persists. Abundant food supplies were promised, but millions still suffer from hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity.
Technological advancements and agricultural innovations have not alleviated the worsening global food crisis, leaving many disheartened.
Climate change and extreme weather events
Renowned experts have unequivocally connected the food crisis to climate change.
They emphasize the alarming and severe effects of escalating temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and storms. These disruptions directly endanger agriculture, thereby risking global food production.
Moreover, small-scale farmers, who represent a significant portion of our population, bear the brunt of climate change, leaving them more vulnerable than ever before.
Prompt and resolute action is imperative to surmount this pressing challenge and secure an equitable and sustainable food future.
Conflict and political instability
Wars and political unrest intensify global food shortages.
For instance, extended conflicts in regions, such as Yemen, South Sudan, and Syria disrupt food supply chains, destroy vital infrastructures, displace communities, and limit farming resources.
It leads to a destructive cycle of poverty and hunger, increasing the complexity and challenge to solve the ongoing food crisis.
Inequality and poverty
Persistent poverty and income inequality are significant obstacles in overcoming the food crisis.
Poverty-stricken communities struggle to access resources, education, healthcare, and job opportunities, restricting their ability to secure nutritious food.
Increasing wealth disparity compounds this plight, amplifying the divide between the affluent and disadvantaged.
Unsustainable agricultural practices
Overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and single crop farming is causing significant harm to Earth.
It is traditional agricultural practice that depletes our soils, destroys biodiversity, and strains our water resources.
Additionally, continuous onslaught is threatening both our environment and future food security.
We must come together to urgently transition towards sustainable and regenerative farming methods, such as organic farming and agroforestry.
Such practices can serve as our best chance to secure food sources and maintain planetary health, providing a glimmer of hope in combating present environmental challenges.
The unleashing of famines: A Biblical perspective
A parched land. (Photo by Francesco Ungaro from Pexels)
"A third of your people will die of the plague or perish by famine inside you; a third will fall by the sword outside your walls; and a third I will scatter to the winds and pursue with drawn sword." - Ezekiel 5:12
In the Bible, famine is mentioned in several contexts and carries significant spiritual, social, and historical implications.
It is often presented as a consequence of various factors, including natural disasters, human choices, and divine judgment.
Here are some critical perspectives on famine from a biblical standpoint:
1. Divine judgment. The Old Testament reveals a divine sorrow that echoes through the ages. In times of rebellion and wickedness, God would unleash the harsh grip of famine upon nations and individuals, a righteous judgment for their turning away from Him.
Remember the famine that befell Egypt and its neighbors, a stern catalyst for the reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers, ultimately paving the way for the salvation of the Israelites.
It is a testament to God's justice and unwavering love for His people.
2. Testing and refining. Famine can also serve as a test of faith and character. In the Book of Job, Job endured a great famine as part of his trials, testing his trust in God and his perseverance (Job 5:20-22).
3. Warning and call to repentance. Famine often served as a warning and an opportunity for people to turn back to God.
The prophets in the Old Testament, such as Elijah, Elisha, and Amos, often proclaimed God's judgment and called for repentance in the face of impending famines (1 Kings 17:1; Amos 8:11-12).
4. God's provision. The Bible also highlights instances where God provided for His people during the famine.
In the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, God miraculously sustained them with a constant supply of flour and oil during a severe drought and famine (1 Kings 17:8-16).
5. Care for the vulnerable. The Bible emphasizes the obligation of individuals and communities to support the underprivileged, especially during famine periods.
The Book of Ruth showcases God's sustenance and rescue through Ruth and Boaz's tale.
They exemplified compassion by looking after the disadvantaged, confirming their welfare (Ruth 1-4). Their story underscores the importance of solidarity in ensuring collective survival and prosperity.
6. Prophetic significance. In certain biblical prophecies, there are scriptural passages where famine is referenced as either a harbinger of the end times or a consequential event ensuing an apocalypse.
One such reference to famine is found specified in the Book of Matthew 24:7. Here, Jesus Christ predicts famines as part of the series of cataclysmic events that would signal the end of the age.
In another instance, the Book of Revelation elucidates the use of apocalyptic symbolism, depicting four horsemen as embodiments of the apocalyptic scenarios.
Specifically, the third horseman, as described in Revelation 6:5-6, symbolizes famine. The emergence of famine is connected to the breaking of the third seal of the scroll in the prophecy.
It illustrates famine's profound implications within the religious texts, signifying either catastrophic change or the culmination of earthly existence.
Tilling the soil: Mankind's primary duty
A man tilling soil. (Photo by Binyamin Mellish from Pexels)
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." - Genesis 2:15
At the dawn of time, God handpicked Adam and Eve to reside in the lush Garden of Eden as their dwelling and environment.
God generously fashioned and bestowed upon them all the essential elements required to thrive and prosper. However, He charged Adam with cultivating the soil and nurturing the planet.
The broader concept of stewardship over the natural world can be witnessed in "tilling the soil."
It suggests that humans have a fundamental responsibility to actively participate in cultivating and preserving the environment.
The responsibility encompasses the wise use of nature's resources, promoting sustainable practices, and safeguarding the overall welfare of the planet.
Protecting the environment and doing our part to ensure its sustainability for generations to come goes beyond just farming. We can make a conscious effort to be mindful of the repercussions of our actions and strive towards safeguarding our planet.
It is also metaphorically conveyed through the concept of "tilling the soil." In this sense, it reflects our duty as stewards of creation.
During challenging times, it is essential to value that famine, mentioned in the Bible, cannot always be attributed to divine judgment or punishment.
The Bible offers a distinct perspective on the food crisis, recognizing its natural, social, and economic causes while emphasizing compassion, justice, and trust in God's guidance.
Governments, international organizations, and individuals must collaborate to address the global food crisis. We can create a resilient and fair future by tackling poverty, climate change, and unsustainable practices.
After all, taking immediate action is crucial to ensure food access for all and eliminate hunger. Let us work together to make our vision of a shared feast a reality for everyone.
