Sub-Saharan Africa

What sustains us as humans? This question has many correct answers, but one of the most common and agreed upon answers is food. Food has the ability to sustain us biologically, socially, and culturally. In the United States there is a culture of indulgence by way of food which has led to it becoming one of the most obese countries in the world, however in countries such as South and East Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, people struggle to sustain themselves. Many wonder how the inability to sustain oneself came to be an issue and how those who live in these areas continue to survive despite limited or depleted resources. While the United States is a prosperous country where even low income families have a means to get food, no money, no resources, …show more content…
continues to thrive in its indulgent culture and have easy access to sustainability, Sub-Saharan African continues to suffer due to poverty, disease, and famine. Many people may wonder who put these people in this situation, however research shows that some the issues faced by the citizens of Sub-Saharan Africa are self inflicted. Selling too much from the supply of crops and large families with domesticated animals living on small scaled land also contributes to the diminished resources (Shipton 1990: 354). While the main issue is Africans not having enough food to eat, we must acknowledge that there are leadership and food management issues in Africa. Of course if Sub-Saharan Africa were a moist land filled with green pastures with bountiful crops, this discussion would be less likely to come up. Another important factor that plays a role in famine in Africa is drought and desertification. If there aren’t sufficient amounts of water, there is no way that the plants and animals will survive. This will result in lower chances of the owner surviving as well. Population growth must also be considered. It is known fact that if there are more people, more resources, food and water specifically will be required in order for everyone to survive. This is rapidly occurring in where women are projected to give birth to at least 5 children in their life (Warr 2013). Already difficult to sustain one’s self, providing for five children becomes near …show more content…
However, in America’s rapidly changing culture people eat because they are depressed or bored. The food consumed during this period is known as comfort food. In this instance food sustains us by getting rid of our depression or boredom. Now it’s possible to read people by the food that they purchase whether it be processed or organic without even talking to them. While food sustains some, many others struggle to reach that same level of sustainability. Even countries with more than enough to survive struggle with heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. There are levels of sustainability through food. We can overindulge, starve, or be moderate, save, and share. The main implication of moderation, saving, and sharing is that more people will have access to much needed food. It seems as though we consider it normal that people in Africa and Asia are starving as if that’s natural and that ‘s how they choose to live their lives. However, we should ask ourselves if that’s how they SHOULD live, and if that’s how we WANT to live, because we shouldn’t. Another general assumption is that food instability has no implications, however this is false. Starvation leads to loss in body and brain function which can certainly be a result of poor nutrition. That being said, humans should want some form of sustainability through food not only for themselves, but for all

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