Political instability and food security : the long view towards 2050

Summary

Political instability and violent conflict have devasting effects on short- and long-term food security. A large part of the population in Africa lives in areas affected by violent conflict, specifically the Sahel-Sahara region, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes region where recurrent and persistent conflict disrupts agriculture production, damages infrastructure, and destroys income and essential resources. A large part of malnourished and food-insecure people in Africa are living in areas affected by long-term conflict. Given the duration and the severity of these so-called protracted conflicts, not only the short-term consequences, but also the long-term damage in the form of the effects on human resources, education deficits, and institutional change are detrimental for long-term food security. By a case study of Chad we analyse how the long-term conflict leads to shortened stature and life chances for children born during these protracted crises, leading to lower incomes and productive capacity later in life. Important policy lessons for promoting long-term food security by 2050 can be learned from a more systematic and in-depth assessment of the long-term consequences of conflict.