North Korea’s food security
North Korea is a country that is often in the news due to its oppressive politics and its secretive nature. But behind its closed doors, there is an important issue facing the people of North Korea: food security. Despite North Korea’s large population, the country struggles to produce enough food to feed its people, often relying on aid from other countries. This article will explore how North Korea gets its food, from imports to local production, and how it remedies food shortages in times of crisis.
North Korean imports
Due to the shortage of food production within North Korea, most of its food is imported, notably from China. However, the United Nations estimates that North Korea is heavily advised by illegal imports due to ongoing economic sanctions. This is due to North Korean government’s attempt to maintain a certain lifestyle and quality of life, using illicit means to acquire necessary goods and services. Moreover, imports are also hindered by the lack of access to international finance, which restricts North Korea’s ability to engage in any significant international trade.
This means that much of North Korea’s food is smuggled in, often bypassing safety checks. As a result, North Koreans are exposed to unsafe, unregulated food qualities and conditions. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), up to 80% of the food consumed in North Korea is illegal. This is especially concerning because North Korea is already one of the world’s most food-insecure countries.
North Korean production
North Korea does produce some food domestically, but this is mostly for export purposes and does not meet the needs of its own population. For instance, North Korea is the world’s third-largest exporter of rice and has a significant fish farming industry. Domestic production relies heavily on government subsidies as well as trade with China and South Korea.
Since the mid-nineties, North Korea has gone through significant economic turmoil, and many of its agricultural resources have declined. This is due to a combination of the decrease in democratic reform, the breakdown of international support, and the decline in agricultural land due to intensified urbanization. As a consequence, North Korea is unable to produce a large enough food supply to meet the needs of its own population.
North Korean Aid Programs
To ensure food security, North Korea relies on international aid from countries like China, the United States, and the United Nations. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provides humanitarian assistance to all North Korean citizens by means of food, nutrition, and logistical support. The WFP has been working in North Korea since 1997, coordinating projects to improve food security, the health and safety of North Koreans, and the nutrition of women and children throughout the country.
However, the aid program often receives criticism from concerned parties due to the unreliable nature of aid distribution and its failure to reach the most vulnerable segments of society. In addition, the UN has restricted aid to North Korea to prevent them from using it to enhance their nuclear weapons capabilities.
In 2018, the United States announced they would be cutting off aid to North Korea in response to the country’s continued development of nuclear weapons. This further strained the already struggling food security situation in North Korea.
North Korean food supply today
Today, North Korea’s food supply still remains precarious, but progress has been made over the years. In recent years, North Korean citizens have been able to access food at state-controlled markets and buy fresh produce from local farmers. This is due to the North Korean government’s recent efforts to increase food production.
In addition, international aid has also had a positive effect on North Korea’s food security, as it has allowed them to access essential nutrition and resources. In 2018, the UN’s World Food Programme produced a record 4.6 million tonnes of food aid to North Korea. These efforts have resulted in a decrease in extreme poverty and hunger in the country.
North Korean food aid programs in action
The North Korean government has established a number of food aid programs to support the country’s food security needs. The most notable of these is ‘The People’s Food’, a program designed to provide monthly food rations to the populace. This program is heavily subsidized by the government to ensure everyone in North Korea has access to food. The government also provides food subsidies to local farmers, in addition to providing them with access to improved farming methods.
In addition, the United Nations World Food Programme also funds a number of projects aimed at improving nutritional security in North Korea. These projects include school feeding programs, agricultural training, and the provision of fortified supplements to support the elderly and children. These programs have had a significant impact on decreasing malnutrition and food insecurity in North Korea, by allowing more people to access food and nutrition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, North Korea’s food security remains precarious, but progress has been made in recent years to improve the situation. North Korea relies heavily on imports from other countries, especially China, as well as international aid from the United Nations. The North Korean government is also implementing a number of food aid programs to ensure everyone has access to food. The combination of these efforts, both from the government and international organizations, has allowed North Korea to move closer to achieving food security.
