2009 Global Hunger Index - International Food Policy Research ...

services and assets, and its vulnerability to nonprice factors (Benson
et al. 2008). The direct effects of financial turmoil and the fall in export
revenue and remittances are likely to be felt most by the urban
poor and those employed in low-skilled manufacturing industries. Yet
the rural poor are also severely affected indirectly because of the close
rural–urban and farm–nonfarm linkages in many developing countries
(Heady 2009). Within households, the food and financial crises also
affect household members to different degrees. Crises tend to affect
women more deeply and for longer because women more often lack
the income and assets that could help them cope with the crisis (Quisumbing
et al. 2008).
Conclusion
Policy responses to the food and financial crises must recognize that
impacts differ across and within countries. Social protection strategies
should be designed to mitigate the current shock for the most vulnerable,
lay the foundation for sustainable recovery, and at the same time
prevent negative impacts in the future. Nutrition interventions, such
as school feeding and programs for improved early childhood nutrition
and improved nutrition for pregnant and lactating mothers, should be
strengthened and expanded to ensure universal coverage.
1 Countries with high overall vulnerability are projected to experience a decline in real gross domestic
product (GDP) of 2.5 percent or more and a decline in reserves of 0.5 months of imports or more.
Medium overall vulnerability corresponds to a 0.5–2.5 percent drop in real GDP and a drop in reserves of
less than 0.5 months of imports. Low overall vulnerability corresponds to less than a 0.5 percent drop in
real GDP.
Countries with high overall vulnerability had reserve coverage of less than three months of imports in
2008 and could lose more than an extra 0.5 months in the shock scenario. Countries with medium
overall vulnerability either currently have more than three months of export coverage and are projected to
lose more than 0.5 months in the shock, or currently have less than three months of coverage and are
projected to lose less than 0.5 months with the shock. Countries with low overall vulnerability currently
have more than three months of import coverage and are projected to lose less than 0.5 in the shock
scenario.
“We are living on the edge.”
“We do not understand what is going on in Tana*.
The politicians there do not care what happens to
the coastal populations.”
“Many food items have become so expensive that we
only consume tiny amounts of it, even fish. We eat very
simple things, rice and more often cassava.”
* Antananarivo, the capital
Fara
Southern Madagascar
Hojieva Jumagul
Kuhistoni Mastcho district,
Republic of Tajikistan
“I have a son, who lives in Russia as a migrant. He has
helped me during the past 2 years. He regularly sent
money, with which we repaired our house, bought a
satellite dish and provided for the wedding of my
daughter. He has not sent anything for 6 months,
saying that he doesn’t have a job there.”
“Neighbours say that many people are afraid to go to
Russia now. They are afraid that they will not be able
to find jobs.”
2009 Global Hunger Index | Chapter 03 | Financial Crisis Adding to the Vulnerabilities of the Hungry 19