Famines in North Korea
North Korea has experienced a number of famines over the years, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of people. The severity of these famines has been attributed to the North Korean authorities’ lack of proper food management, disrupting daily life and threatening the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. Consequently, North Korea has been suffering from a chronic food shortage problem that has been in place since the 1990s.
The first famine to hit North Korea occurred in 1994 and is commonly referred to as the “Great Famine” or Arduous March. The Great Famine occurred as a result of natural disasters, including floods and droughts, as well as government mismanagement of the agricultural sector. These problems caused a severe nationwide lack of food, leading to the death of an estimated 600,000 to one million people.
The Great Famine was followed by a second, even more severe famine from 1997 to 2000. This period, referred to as the “Second Famine”, was caused by a combination of crop failure, low availability of aid and a stricter food distribution system. This famine is estimated to have killed as many as two million people.
The Third Famine in North Korea took place between 2006 and 2009, and was less severe than the previous two famines. This famine was caused by an international embargo of food supplies, in response to the North Korean government’s attempts to develop nuclear weapons. The embargo caused widespread food shortages, but the effects were not as severe as the previous famines due to increased aid from the international community.
In addition to the aforementioned famines, North Korea has also experienced periodic localized food shortages over the years, particularly in households with limited access to food resources. These have been caused by a combination of insufficient production and distribution in the agricultural sector, earning sanctions from the international community and inadequate investment in the agricultural sector by the North Korean authorities.
The impact of the famines on the North Korean people has been considerable. According to a report from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), more than two-thirds of the population has been affected by chronic malnutrition, and more than 10 percent are undernourished. Furthermore, more than one-third of children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition.
The WFP has been actively supporting the North Korean people with its Food Assistance Program since 1995. The program provides targeted food assistance to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children under the age of five. The WFP has also been working to improve food security by providing training and support to farmers, and investing in agricultural research to identify ways to boost production.
Effects of Famine on North Korea
The effects of the famines have been profound, with the North Korean people enduring extreme hardship, particularly in rural areas. According to estimates from the United Nations, approximately 6 million people are in need of urgent food assistance due to the long-term food shortage. The lack of food has resulted in widespread malnourishment, with the United Nations reporting that over two-thirds of the population is chronically malnourished.
The lack of food also has serious implications for the North Korean health system. Malnourished people are more susceptible to disease, and there have been reports that some hospitals have seen a sharp rise in the number of malnutrition-related deaths. Furthermore, the malnourishment has particularly affected children, with the United Nations reporting that 33 percent of children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition.
North Korea’s economy has also been severely affected by the food shortages. The lack of food has caused a decline in the working-age population, as people have been unable to find employment due to their malnourished state. The North Korean government has also had to divert resources to the food sector, diverting them away from other sectors and potentially reducing the overall efficiency of the economy.
Some also point out that the North Korean authorities bear a significant amount of responsibility for the food shortages. The government’s economic policies, combined with its restrictions on international trade and its failure to invest in the agricultural sector, are seen as being key factors in the food crisis.
Moreover, there have been reports of widespread corruption among government officials, with some officials reportedly diverting food and supplies away from those who need them most. This has had a particularly detrimental effect on rural communities, where it is estimated that around half of the population lives in poverty.
International Responses to Famine in North Korea
In response to the food crisis in North Korea, numerous countries and organizations have been providing food aid to the country. The United States, China, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom and other countries have all provided food aid to North Korea, in the form of both emergency humanitarian aid and long-term development assistance.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has also been providing food assistance to North Korea since 1995. The WFP has provided targeted food assistance to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children under the age of five, as well as supporting small-scale agriculture in an effort to combat food insecurity. In addition, the WFP has been working on training and research programs to help boost agricultural production.
Other international organizations have also been involved in supporting North Korea in its efforts to resolve the food crisis. These include the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which has been providing nutrition assistance, and the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND), which has been advocating for improved diplomatic ties.
North Korea’s Efforts to Combat Food Insecurity
In addition to the international assistance, North Korea has been taking steps to address the root causes of the food crisis. The North Korean government has opened up its markets to international investment, allowing foreign companies to invest in the country’s agricultural sector. Furthermore, the government has pursued a number of policies aimed at improving access to food resources, including the introduction of food stamps, subsidies for grain purchases, and investments in agricultural research and development.
The Ministry of Agriculture has also been undertaking reforms in an effort to improve agricultural production, including reforms to land management, irrigation, and cultivation technique. It is hoped that these efforts will eventually lead to more efficient production, which would in turn help to reduce food insecurity in the country.
In addition, the North Korean government has been introducing initiatives to promote economic development in rural areas. These initiatives include investments in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and irrigation systems, as well as providing financial support to farmers and small businesses.
Furthermore, the government has also been attempting to promote international trade, in an effort to increase the availability of food and other resources in the country. This includes the creation of special economic zones that are designed to attract foreign investment, as well as an effort to strengthen ties with its neighbours.
Conclusion
North Korea has experienced a number of famines over the years, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of people. The severity of these famines has been attributed to the North Korean authorities’ lack of proper food management, disrupting daily life and threatening the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. Consequently, North Korea has been suffering from a chronic food shortage problem that has been in place since the 1990s.
The international community and North Korea have been taking steps to address the root causes of the food crisis, and it is hoped that these efforts will eventually lead to greater food security for the North Korean people. In the meantime, the international community will continue to provide food assistance to those in need, as well as support North Koreans in their efforts to improve their country’s economy.
