IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1275 - In spite of advances in agriculture many people still go hungry
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry.
Why is this the case?
What can be done about this problem?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
We have achieved significant advancements in agriculture and food production, yet a large proportion of the global population suffers from food insecurity. The causes of this pervasive issue are multifaceted and complex, with a range of social, economic, and political factors contributing to the problem. In this essay, I will shed some light on the causes of this issue while also suggesting some effective solutions.
One key factor to this problem is the growing global population, which is expected to exceed 10 billion by 2056. This growth puts significant pressure on agricultural production to meet the growing demand for food. However, the increase in population also results in a strain on natural resources, such as water and arable land, which are essential for food production. For instance, the growing global population on food production can be observed in regions experiencing rapid urbanization. As more people move to urban areas, the demand for food increases, necessitating large-scale agricultural operations to meet the needs of densely populated cities.
Furthermore, climate change exacerbates the issue of food insecurity. Extreme weather conditions such as droughts, floods, and heat waves can adversely affect crop yields, leading to food shortages and price spikes. The effects of climate change on food production and distribution are predicted to worsen in the coming years, particularly in vulnerable regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
To address this complex issue, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate and long-term causes of food insecurity. This may include policies and programs that support sustainable agriculture practices, increased access to education and healthcare, and the promotion of economic growth and development. Governments and international organizations must also work to address the root causes of conflict and political instability, which often exacerbate food insecurity.
In conclusion, the issue of global hunger is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and sustained effort to address. While significant progress has been made in recent years, much work remains to be done to ensure that every person has access to the basic human right of food security.
Sample Answer 2:
Despite the progress made in agriculture, there are still millions of people worldwide who suffer from hunger. This is a complex issue that this essay will deal with. In it, I will suggest multiple causes of this problem and suggest possible solutions.
One reason for this problem is the unequal distribution of food. While some countries produce more than enough food to feed their population, others face difficulties in meeting the basic needs of their people. Additionally, food waste is a major issue in developed countries, with large amounts of food discarded each year, while many people in developing countries struggle to find enough food to survive.
Another factor is poverty. Many people cannot afford to buy enough food to meet their needs, and this is often compounded by political instability and conflict, which disrupt food production and distribution. Conflict and political instability further worsen this situation in many parts of the world. For example, in countries like Yemen and South Sudan, ongoing conflicts have devastated agriculture and food systems, leaving millions of people without access to basic necessities.
To address this issue, several actions can be taken. First, we should prioritize policies and programmes that aim to reduce corruption and poverty, as well as increase access to food, especially in vulnerable populations. For example, enacting laws that hold public officials accountable for misusing funds and enforcing fair distribution of resources can help combat corruption and hunger effectively.
Second, initiatives aimed at reducing food waste and redistributing surplus food to vulnerable communities should be prioritized. For instance, local grocery stores and restaurants can collaborate with food banks to donate unsold but edible food items. By taking this step, we can ensure that excess food is channelled towards addressing hunger and food insecurity.
In conclusion, despite the advancements in agriculture, hunger remains a pressing global issue. Addressing this problem requires a concerted effort from governments, organizations, and individuals to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food.
Idea generation for this Essay.
Here is a list of a few reasons why people still go hungry despite the advancements made in agriculture:
1) Rapid Population Growth: The exponential rate of population growth all around the world means a strain on already limited arable agricultural land on the one hand and the need for more and more food grains on the other hand.
2) Rapid Urbanization: Rapid urbanization decreases the land and water bodies in and around the cities while also increasing the demand for food for the added population. This can create food insecurity for city dwellers.
3) Poverty And Income Inequality: In many developing countries, poverty and income inequality are major barriers for people to access sufficient food. For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty rates are quite high, millions of people struggle to afford nutritious meals, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition.
4) Wars And Conflicts: Wars, conflicts and civil unrest can disrupt food production and distribution, leaving communities vulnerable to hunger. An example is the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where the civil war has led to food insecurity and a humanitarian crisis, affecting millions of people.
5) Extreme Weather Conditions: Climate change-induced droughts, floods, and extreme weather events impact agricultural productivity and food supplies all around the world, and their severity has increased in recent years. For instance, the 2020 locust outbreak in East Africa devastated crops, exacerbating food insecurity in the region.
6) Rising Food Prices: Rising food prices make it difficult for poor and low-income populations to afford the necessary food items. The 2007-2008 global food crisis witnessed soaring food prices, pushing millions into food insecurity and poverty.
7) Lack Of Infrastructure And Technology: Insufficient infrastructure, such as transportation and storage facilities, leads to post-harvest losses and food wastage. In some remote regions of South America, where road networks are inadequate, perishable goods often go to waste before reaching markets. Many parts of the world still do not have sufficient technology to prevent food waste.
8) Political Instability and Poor Governance: Weak governance and corruption can hinder effective food distribution and humanitarian aid. In many countries, the political and economic crisis results in food shortages and malnutrition.
9) Overexploitation Of Natural Resources: Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as deforestation and overfishing, deplete natural resources essential for food production. The overfishing of marine resources in Southeast Asia has endangered fish stocks and reduced fishing communities' access to food. This has led to a decreasing production of food which is a staple food item for many people in this region.
Here is a list of solutions that can effectively address this problem:
1) Reducing Food Loss And Waste: Implementing measures to reduce food loss and waste throughout the supply chain can save valuable resources and feed more people. Supporting initiatives like food recovery programs and improved post-harvest handling techniques can minimize food waste and increase food availability.
2) Empowering Women In Agriculture: Closing the gender gap in agriculture can significantly impact food security. Providing women with equal access to resources, education, and decision-making power can increase agricultural productivity and improve household nutrition. Initiatives like Rwanda's Land Tenure Regularization Program have empowered women farmers by granting them land ownership rights.
3) Investing In Research and Development: Supporting agricultural research and innovation can lead to the development of improved crop varieties and technologies. For instance, the development of drought-resistant and high-yielding crop varieties in India has increased food production and resilience to climate change.
4) Enhancing Food Safety Nets: Governments should strengthen social safety nets, such as food assistance programs and cash transfers, to provide a safety net for vulnerable populations during times of crisis. Brazil's Bolsa Família program is an example of a successful social assistance initiative that has reduced poverty and improved food security.
5) Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices: Encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices can boost agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Supporting initiatives such as agroforestry, organic farming, and water-efficient techniques can sustainably enhance food production.
6) Taking Measures To Prevent Climate Change: If we can prevent climate change, extreme weather would less likely hamper our food production. This would also prevent our crops from being destroyed by extreme weather conditions like droughts and floods.
7) Checking the Global Population Growth: An increasing population would mean a need for more food while also shrinking farmlands. If we can check the rapid population growth, it would mean fewer hungry mouths to feed.
8) Ensuring Increasing Political Stability: Without political stability and global understanding, we can not prevent conflicts and wars. If we can agree to stop unnecessary conflicts and wars, we can save millions of people from poverty and food insecurity.
9) Improving Infrastructure And Technology: Improving infrastructure, such as transportation and storage facilities, can ensure better harvest and prevent food wastage. Moreover, technological advancement can help us produce more crops and send them to remote areas to fight hunger and poverty promptly.
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