Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pyongyang (Agenzia Fides) - North Korea is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis: in the country that is already suffering chronic problems of hunger, poverty, underdevelopment, and an especially small harvest in 2008, due to flooding last August. The people, who are already struggling to survive and in part depend on foreign aid, run the risk of falling into a serious food crisis that could claim the lives of thousands, especially in the most impoverished areas.
“The food security in North Korea is in danger and the situation is worsening,” said Tony Banbury, Asia’s Regional Director of the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations. According to recent FAO estimates, in 2008 in North Korea, there will be a food deficit of 1.66 million tons, which is almost double that of 2007, and is the highest figure since 2001.
In the last year, the prices of food in the capital, Pyongyang, has doubled, reaching its highest peak since 2004. Rice is costing 2,000 won per kilo, up from the 700-900 won per kilo that it cost in April 2007. Corn costs have risen from 350 won per kilo (April 2007) to 600 won per kilo. There has been a drastic increase in the price of meat, potatoes, and eggs, transforming these staple products in luxury food items for the majority of North Korea’s population, considering that the average monthly wage is 6,000 won per month.
The rapid rise in food prices confirms analysts’ fear of famine in North Korea. WFP’s Director in Pyongyang, Jean-Pierre de Margerie, says that “today, one third of the monthly salary is needed just to purchase a few days’ worth of rice. Families, especially the most vulnerable members, will suffer from this lack of food access and will be forced to eat less meals, thus impoverishing their dietary supplement and increasing their risk for diseases.”
According to government statistics in North Korea, agriculture production in 2007 has only resulted in 3 million tons of grains (rice, corn, wheat, and barley) and potatoes, which shows a 25% drop since 2007 and the smallest harvest since 2001.
North Korea has been suffering from a chronic food crisis, due to the fallen state of the economy and the unfavorable agricultural situation and last year’s flooding has aggravated the already existing problems. The provinces that have been most affected by the flooding are those with the greatest drop in production: South and North Pyongyang, South and North Kwanghae, and Kangwon.
Over 6.5 million people in North Korea live in precarious food conditions, a figure that could increase with time, if serious measures are not taken in dealing with the growing scarcity of food. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/4/2008, righe 35, parole 446)
