Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts can have a devastating impact on food security. These events can damage crops, disrupt transportation systems, and displace communities, making it difficult for people to access the food they need to survive¹.

One of the most immediate effects of a natural disaster on food security is the destruction of crops. A hurricane can wipe out entire fields of rice, corn, and other staple foods, leaving communities without a source of food. Droughts can also damage crops, as plants struggle to survive without enough water². In addition to destroying current crops, natural disasters can also prevent farmers from planting new ones, further exacerbating the food security crisis³.

Another way in which natural disasters can affect food security is by disrupting transportation systems. Floods can wash out roads and bridges, making it difficult for trucks to transport food to affected areas⁴. Hurricanes can also damage ports and airports, which can make it hard to bring in food aid from other countries. This can leave communities isolated and without access to food⁵.

Finally, natural disasters can displace communities, forcing people to leave their homes and farms in search of safety. This can make it difficult for people to access their stored food and can also make it hard for them to return to their land and plant new crops⁶. This displacement can also increase competition for food and resources in the places where people end up, further exacerbating the food security crisis⁷.

The impact of natural disasters on food security can be severe, and it is important for organizations that work to advocate for human rights and a reduction in global hunger to be aware of these issues. Like GreaterGood's non-profit partner Greater Good Charities, they can help by providing food aid and other forms of assistance to communities affected by natural disasters, working to improve the resilience of food systems, and advocating for policies that can help to mitigate the effects of natural disasters on food security.

However, it is important to note that addressing food security during and after a natural disaster is not a one-time solution, it requires a long-term approach. This includes investing in infrastructure and technology that can help to make food systems more resilient, supporting local communities and farmers, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. By taking these steps, we can work to reduce the impact of natural disasters on food security and help to ensure that communities have access to the food they need to survive.

Take the pledge and ensure that food systems around the world are more resilient to natural disasters!

More on this issue:

1. United States Environmental Protection Agency (19 July 2022), "Agriculture and Natural Events and Disasters."
2. Frances Robles and Luis Ferré-Sadurní, The New York Times (24 September 2017), "Puerto Rico’s Agriculture and Farmers Decimated by Maria."
3. Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department Of Agriculture (12 August 2019), "Report: Farmers Prevented from Planting Crops on More than 19 Million Acres."
4. Arcadia Publishing (2023), "How Natural Disasters Affect America’s Food Supply."
5. iContainers (2023), "How hurricanes affect shipping and logistics."
6. Elizabeth Ferris, Brookings (17 October 2008), "Displacement, Natural Disasters, and Human Rights."
7. Idriss Jazairy, Inter Press Service News Agency (13 October 2017), "Food Insecurity and Forced Displacement of People: Where do we Draw the Line?"