War has consequences.
Between 1845 and 1852, Ireland experienced a widespread famine that led to the destruction of its staple crop, the potato, hence the name “Potato Famine.” While a fungus that decimated the crop was largely considered as the main cause of the famine, other factors like British colonial rule exacerbated the situation. During this period, Ireland was exporting food to Britain’s colonies while struggling to feed its own population. Moreover, the famine victims found little relief in the shelters constructed by the British to “help” them. These frail Irish men and women were required to perform arduous labor just for a meager two meals a day. Disheartened by the lack of opportunities at home, many Irish emigrated to countries like the United States in hopes of leading a decent life.
Fast forward a few years, and another famine struck the world, this time in Bengal, then under British rule in India. Like the Irish famine, the causes of the Bengal famine were complex and manifold, but a major contributor was the severe disruption of food supply and distribution networks owing to the war. Similar to their approach in Ireland, the British imposed high taxes on land and prioritized the needs of the British army over those of the civilians of Bengal. As World War II raged on, the British diverted all major resources from Bengal towards their war efforts. A series of natural calamities only further exacerbated the situation.
Wars cause famine. Whenever war or conflict arises, the ecosystem of the area suffers greatly. Currently, owing to the wars in Palestine and Ukraine, we are on the verge of witnessing two more potential famines within our lifetimes. A recent United Nations report highlights the critical food insecurity affecting nearly the entire population of Gaza, with millions facing acute malnutrition and starvation. The World Food Programme (WFP) and other organizations are working to increase food supplies and improve distribution networks, but the challenges remain substantial. In particular, the delivery of aid is frequently obstructed by military actions and infrastructural damages.
While there isn’t an immediate danger of famine in Ukraine, attacks on infrastructure, including grain silos and ports, along with the destruction of farmland due to landmines, have hampered farming activities and food distribution. This has led to increased food insecurity within the country, where many families are struggling to access sufficient food.
It’s important to note that while the war in Gaza is only six months old, the conflict in Ukraine began over two years ago. Despite numerous peace talks and calls for a ceasefire, all efforts have reached dead ends. If these situations persist, history is likely to repeat itself, prompting one to wonder if the consequences of these wars will be even worse than before.
