Trends and interrelationships in food, population, and energy in eastern Africa : a preliminary analysis -- volume 1, overview

A review of the literature addressing this issue is summarized in this paper. First, general development trends in the region during the period 1960-80 are identified: (1) high population growth, (2) rapid urbanization, (3) dramatically increasing energy costs and export imperatives; (4) resource depletion, as evident in the loss of forest land, land productivity, and wildlife; (5) international and national unrest and resultant high refugee populations; (6) drought and floods; and (7) recurrent food shortages. The report then reviews recent research on regional trends related specifically to food/agriculture, population, and energy, as well as interrelations among and between the three areas. Preliminary findings on these subjects are presented, both for the region as a whole and for the nations of Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Recommendations are made to: (1) improve collection of data on food production and consumption, food shortages, and energy flow through the food system; (2) encourage development of national food policies; (3) incorporate population assessments into project design; (4) focus projects more directly on food production/consumption and utilize traditional production schemes; and (5) develop a cooperative East Africa/U.S. framework for short-term interventions. The paper also identifies priority research topics for use in designing food policies.