Acta Oeconomica Pragensia 2012, 20(3):19-35 | DOI: 10.18267/j.aop.367

Horn of Africa Countries and the Malnutrition Problem

Zbyněk Kuna

Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze, Provozně ekonomická fakulta (kuna@pef.czu.cz). Poznatky uváděné v článku vyplynuly z řešení VZ MSM 6046070906 Ekonomika zdrojů českého zemědělství a jejich efektivní využívání v rámci multifunkčních zemědělskopotravinářských systémů.

The author thinks about the economies and the food problem of the Horn of Africa countries. The drought and famine conditions in the Horn of Africa, coupled with the conflict in Somalia, have affected over 12 million people. There is a very low nutrition level in the long term in all the countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia). A high level of basic demographic indicators and an unfinished demographic transition will mean a further significant population increase. The countries have different backgrounds for future economic development. Ethiopia is the region's strongest country economically with a presumption of gradual increase in its industrial production. The economy of Djibouti is highly dependent on a local seaport situated in a strategic position. Eritrea has lagged behind recently and it will be important for its future development to overcome discrepancies with Ethiopia, which could use its ports. The most complicated situation is in Somalia, which has been divided among local clans for two decades and the population is terrorized by armed groups. The information introduced in this paper results from the implementation of institutional research project MSM 6046070906 "Economics of resources of Czech agriculture and their efficient use in multifunctional agri-food systems".

Keywords: Horn of Africa, malnutrition, food crisis, agriculture, economy, demography

JEL classification: J11, O55, Q19

Published: June 1, 2012  Show citation