The Myth

1. ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY
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Scarcity or Distribution
The Myth

2. Our Conundrum
• In 2008, NIGER’S POPULATION SUFFERED
FROM FOOD SHORTAGES – CONSIDERED BY
THE UN ‘FAMINE CONDITIONS.’
• In 2008, NIGER EXPORTED FOOD TO EUROPE
AND OTHER LOCALES. WHY?

3. THE MYTH
• THE WORLD’S POPULATION HAS GROWN TO
SUCH HIGH NUMBERS THAT FOOD SUPPLY
CANNOT KEEP PACE.
• LOOK AT ALL THE AREAS IN THE WORLD

4. World Hunger Map

5. THE FACTS
• THE WORLD TODAY PRODUCES ENOUGH
GRAIN ALONE TO PROVIDE EVERY HUMAN
BEING ON THE PLANET WITH 3,500 CALORIES
A DAY!!!
• INCREASES IN FOOD PRODUCTION DURING
THE PAST 35 YEARS HAVE OUTSTRIPPED THE
WORLD’S POPULATION GROWTH BY 16%!

6. NIGER in West Africa

7. Famine in NIGER

8. NIGER Facts
• Landlocked in the west of Africa, Niger uses
the Niger River as a link to the distant sea
• Most people live in the southern savanna
region; the north is consumed by the Sahara.
• This crossroads of ancient trading empires
became a French colony in 1922 and gained
independence in 1960.
• At the mercy of drought and desertification,
Niger relies on foreign aid.

9. West African Colonies

10. Women Farmers