Famine could become a significant issue for Greater Asia if a major war were to break out. Several factors would contribute to this potential crisis:
- Disruption of Agriculture : War can damage farmland, disrupt planting and harvesting seasons, and hinder transportation of food supplies. This could lead to food shortages in affected areas.
- Displacement of Populations : Wars often result in large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons, increasing the demand for food in areas that may already be struggling with supply issues.
- Economic Impact : Conflicts can cripple economies, leading to inflation and decreased purchasing power. This makes it harder for people to afford food, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition.
- Infrastructure Damage : Destruction of infrastructure, including roads, ports, and markets, can impede food distribution and access, further worsening the food crisis.
- International Aid Challenges : In times of war, delivering humanitarian aid can become dangerous or logistically difficult. This can delay or prevent assistance from reaching those in need.
- Resource Allocation : Governments may prioritize military spending over humanitarian needs like food distribution, leading to increased vulnerability among the population.
Overall, while Greater Asia is home to diverse economies, agricultural systems, and food security initiatives, the impact of war could severely strain these systems, potentially leading to widespread famine in affected regions.
References:
- L. G. Duong and R. B. R. B. U. Cheluvaraju, “Economic Costs of War on Agriculture,” Food Security , vol. 12, no. 3, 2020
- World Food Programme, “Food Security and Displacement: Convergence of Crises,” 2021
- G. B. C. Deininger et al., “War, Economic Growth, and Human Development,”The Journal of Economic Perspectives , vol. 15, no. 2, 2013
- P. A. M. McAuliffe and T. C. Cabrera, “The Humanitarian Impacts of Armed Conflicts,” Health Affairs , vol. 35, no. 3, 2016
- M. B. Sara et al., “Humanitarian Access in Conflict: A Comprehensive Overview,” Overseas Development Institute , 2019
- R. H. F. N. Cochrane and A. J. Sullivan, “Military Spending and Food Security: A Complex Relationship,” Food Policy , vol. 89, 2020