Explain two possible disadvantges of food aid for a community that is currently experiencing food shortages.

Food aid is often donated by richer countries and is used in emergency situations but also to help solve long-term hunger. However, this type of aid comes with many disadvantages as often the type of food delivered to a community can be inappropriate, for example giving wheat to a country where the staple food is rice(Nigeria1980's). This may result in dumping whereby the donated food becomes waste as it is not used. Furthermore, food aid may alleviate food shortages in the short term; however, once the donated food has been used up the food shortages are likely to continue. In addition to this food aid can also discourage farmers from farming since they are given food for free and do not feel the need to farm. Lastly, if the food aid falls into the hands of a corrupt individual or government the food is likely to be sold and used to make money for example in Tanzania 1990's.

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Answered by Rosie A. Geography tutor

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