The power of science in solving global hunger is overrated. How far do you agree?
Interpretation of keywords:
Overrated:
- We have too much faith in the power of science when in reality, science has its limitations in solving global hunger
- The power of science is exaggerated – it is not as powerful as it seems
Hunger:
- referring to situations of food shortage
This question is an examination of the effectiveness and limitations of science (in solving the root causes of hunger)
Questions you may want to ask yourself:
- What is science ( what is the scope of science that will be discussed. )
- What is the role of science
- What are the current expectations of science?
- What are the causes of global hunger?
- How can science solve global hunger?
- Has science failed us in solving issues?
Terms that are related to science and technology:
Genetically Modified Foods:
Foods that have had their genetic makeup altered using genetic engineering to usually produce desirable traits.
Let’s get straight to the content!
NOT OVERRATED
Physical technology and science that solves hunger.
CONTEXT:
Modern technology has engendered (produced, led to) dramatic revolutions in the way how crops are produced, thereby effectively increase the production and quality of food for humanity. Modern technology has revolutionised the food industry by helping to enhance the quantity and quantity of food.
Green revolution:
Green Revolution is indeed a critical juncture in agricultural development in the 1960s, as for the first time, modern farming techniques were introduced to accelerate the production of high-yielding varieties in the crops.
Technological advancements:
Effective irrigation, advanced chemical fertilisers and the use of genetically modified crops were hailed/lauded as some of the highlights of Green Revolution.
Golden rice:
The introduction of Golden Rice, a form of the genetically modified crop that is meant to address the problem of food insecurity and Vitamin A deficiency, as many malnourished children are at risk of losing their eyesight in many African nations.
WeFarm mobile:
The WeFarm mobile phone and online network is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to enable local farmers to use their mobile phones to share ideas and helpful tips, so that they can work collaboratively to mitigate agricultural problems that may affect their crops, such as infections plant diseases or the onset of droughts
Satellite technology:
Scientists are now making use of satellite technology to analyse the upcoming patterns of drought and flash floods, thereby helping to prevent or mitigate(ameliorate) food insecurity or crop failure.
Link and focus back to question:
Modern technology has enabled us to capitalise on the growing power of “Big Data” and use it to empower local farmers by creating an interconnected and globalised network helping them to share resources and tips in combating common agricultural problems faced. Such modern technology helps farmers to prevent sudden or impending crop failure that could potentially cripple food and crop supply in certain local communities.
OVERRATED
Science does not have the power to impact the hunger crisis.
CONTEXT:
Science is merely a symptomatic relief for the problem of hunger, as hunger is often a manifestation(reflection) of entrenched(deep-rooted) domestic problems in a country, which are ultimately attributed to poor governance and the political environment.
Corruption as a cause of hunger:
In many Sub-Saharan African nations such as Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, hunger is a rampant scourge afflicting many because the governments are mired in entrenched problems such as corruption and political instability.
These governments are often accused of squandering international food aids and monetary aids sponsored by World Food Programme and Oxfam.
Governments in these nations are often incapable of allocating food resources and developing their domestic agricultural activities, even though there are ample lands in their countries.
Haiti:
Poor governance that is said to be responsible for the unequal distribution of food and lack of foresight in agricultural planning.
Link and focus back to question:
These examples above evince the broader argument that science is not a magic pill, as it is unable to provide solutions for a hunger as a problem that is rooted in political ramifications.
Science is profit driven therefore it will not prioritise solving hunger.
CONTEXT:
One has to also recognise hunger is attributed to the broader issue of how the food industry is essentially dominated by powerful profit-driven food corporations. Hence, as a result, the food production of local farmers is severely affected as they can no longer compete with these monopolistic food corporations.
Monsanto
Monsanto, a giant GM (Genetically Modified) crop producer, has been accused of driving many farmers into poverty and bankruptcy, as farmers are unable to compete fairly with the high-yielding varieties of these GM seeds produced by Monsanto.
By and large, the commercialisation of the food industry has affected the livelihoods of many farmers, thereby disrupting the food production in many local communities.
Link and focus back to question:
In view of the profit motive of some corporations, in this case, science is certainly unable to resolve food crisis, as long as nothing is done to empower the poorer farmers.
Science is powerless against climate change.
CONTEXT:
One also needs to examine the inevitable environmental impact on the food crisis in today’s world, as science can do very little to help solve global hunger, in view of the erratic patterns of climate in today’s world
Global Warming and Land Locked Nations :
Global warming and the worsening El Nino effect that are the culprits for severe droughts in many local communities across the African continent, such as Ethiopia. Countries like these have a high level of dependency on agriculture. In Ethiopia, agriculture and farming account for a whopping 40% of their countries GDP.
Link and focus back to question:
Science as an intervention certainly seems powerless in averting forces of nature that are triggered by evolving climatic patterns in today’s world.
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