Veganism and world hunger

Across the globe, there are countries struggling with starving citizens. World hunger has been an issue for too long when there is plenty of food to go around. A possible solution to this worldwide issue already exists, but nothing is being acted on. 

It isn’t a matter of the Earth not being able to provide enough food for its growing population, but the food itself is what needs to be revised. Agricultural land is divided in two different categories, animal raising or plant producing. These separate industries are used to cultivate food in one way or another. However, one option is far more sustainable and beneficial for the fight to end world hunger, let alone environmentally friendly.

Crops are grown to either feed humans or feed animals that will eventually feed humans. The consumption of these animal products isn’t sustainable for our planet and especially our population. Farmed animals consume five times as much food as humans making it the largest waste of resources that could be used to produce fruits, vegetables, and grains for humans. People are starving in every country and animals are the main source of their food deficits. One-third of all landmass is dedicated to raising animals for food, including the amount of space it takes to grow what satiates them. Land currently being used for animal agriculture could sustain more than twice as many people if it converted to crop yielding. If distributed properly to those in need, lives would be saved. 

“Replacing all animal-based items with plant-based replacement diets can add food to feed 350 million additional people,” published by the National Academy of Sciences.

The grain produced in third world countries is given to feed livestock, not the mouths of their people. There would be a 70 percent increase in the amount of food available if animal products were eliminated. More crops could be saved from going through the energy diminishing biological processes of animals, and given to people who are in need. If these farms are replaced to grow edible-plants, there is potential to end world hunger.

This proposed solution has been outlined and some difficulties are apparent. There are incongruities between each country’s economy and access to food. Nutritional value differences in the two diets can’t be disregarded. The less amount of food people have to eat, the more nutritionally dense it should be. This will ensure that they have more energy for longer. While these are all true statements, if animal agriculture is converted into plant-producing land, far more food will become available and inexpensive. The cycle would be a positive feedback loop in which one problem is solved after another. 

While veganism will in no way solve world hunger in its entirety, it’s at least a start. More food will reach people’s tables instead of being used for animal agriculture.