When Hunger and Crime Collide: The Disturbing Connection Between Starvation and Criminal Behaviour

Hunger is a basic physiological need that is essential for human survival. However, the effects of hunger go beyond the physical sensations of an empty stomach. Hunger can have a significant impact on human behavior, including influencing physical action and even leading to criminal activity. This article will explore the chemical and biological aspects of hunger and its effects on human behavior, with a particular focus on developing countries.

When a person is hungry, their body releases a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates the appetite and increases the desire to eat. Ghrelin is produced by the stomach and sends signals to the brain that regulate hunger and food intake. This hormone also affects the reward centers of the brain, leading to cravings for high-calorie foods and increasing the likelihood of overeating.

However, when a person is unable to access food, the body goes into survival mode. The brain releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and agitation. This stress response can also increase the risk of aggression and violence, as well as impairing decision-making and impulse control.

In developing countries, hunger is a widespread issue that affects millions of people. The lack of access to nutritious food can lead to malnutrition, which can have severe consequences for physical and mental health. In addition, the stress and anxiety caused by hunger can exacerbate existing social and economic problems, leading to conflict and unrest.

For example, in parts of Africa, food insecurity has been linked to political instability and conflict. In Nigeria, the Boko Haram insurgency has been partly attributed to poverty and food insecurity. Similarly, in Yemen, the ongoing conflict has led to widespread hunger and malnutrition, with devastating consequences for the population.

In Kenya, a report by the World Food Programme found that food insecurity was a major contributor to the country's high levels of crime. The report noted that many individuals turned to crime as a means of survival due to lack of access to food and basic necessities.

In Nigeria, a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) found that hunger was a major cause of child trafficking in the country. The report noted that many parents sold their children into slavery due to extreme poverty and lack of access to food.

Hunger is a complex issue that has significant chemical and biological effects on human behavior. While hunger is a basic physiological need, the lack of access to food can lead to stress, anxiety, and eventually criminal activity. It is essential to address the root causes of hunger, including poverty and inequality, to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food and can live healthy, fulfilling lives.

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References

Hunger and World Poverty, World Food Program https://www.wfpusa.org/issues/hunger/

Hormones and Hunger: A Review, US National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535701/

The Relationship between Food Insecurity and Insurgency in Africa, Frontiers in Political Science https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2018.00034/full

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2017). "Hunger fuelling child trafficking in Nigeria." UNICEF. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/stories/hunger-fuelling-child-trafficking-nigeria.

World Food Programme. (2019). "Food insecurity and crime in Kenya: A study on the linkages between food insecurity and crime in Kenya." World Food Programme. Retrieved from https://reliefweb.int/report/kenya/food-insecurity-and-crime-kenya-study-linkages-between-food-insecurity-and-crime-kenya.

Kuehnle, K., & Kendall, T. (2014). "Food insecurity and violence in Haiti: The role of social networks." Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 29(4), 758-778. doi: 10.1177/0886260513505621.