Egyptian Bread Riots

One important aspect of sustainable agriculture that often remains overlooked is the negative effect which it can have on the stability of governments. Although these may seem unrelated, governments have been hit hard by food shortages due to climate related natural disasters, which without sustainable agriculture, can proceed to wipe out entire food supplies. The Middle East has been hit particularly hard by these food shortages due to the nature of their governments subsidy system. In the mid to late 1900s, many governments attempted to launch plans of food subsidies in an attempt to maintain power and favor of the people. Suddenly, citizens were receiving more aid than ever before and put much trust in the previously unstable relationship with the government. However, although good in principle, the citizens soon became reliant on these subsidies and expected them from their government. Many nations have attempted to receive aid for the debt that these subsidies have placed them in however the International Monetary Fund will only reward loans when subsidies are dramatically reduced. This article discusses Egypt in particular and the struggle which the government has had with their system of subsidies. In Egypt, both times in which food subsidies have been reduced, in 1977 and 2008, massive protests have endured. Their cries were answered with the reinstatement of subsidies; however, the Egyptian government has still not found a way to affordably provide these subsidies, continuing on a dark path for their economy. Every time the government attempts to address this problem, solve their debt, or work to instate the IMF’s plans, they are met with resistance and disapproval by their people. Now, the issues have even been heightened to a new level in the face of climate change and mass crop shortages. The decrease in supply causes the people to blame the government for rising prices. Currently, out of Egypt’s population of 90 million citizens, a whopping 70 million receive subsidy cards. These cards on average would turn a 75 piastres loaf of bread into a 5 piastres loaf of bread. With recent shortages in sugar and bread, two of the most highly subsidized items, the government has been met with violence upon reductions of these subsidies. Given Egypt’s past history of food riots, talk of violence has begun to emerge again. This article goes more in depth about the history of these subsidies within Egypt and the large part they play within the stability of the citizens’ relationship with their government. The most important sections to read are the first two sections: “Theoretical Framework” and “History of Food Subsidies.” Don’t worry about reading the last section “Food Subsidy Reform,” unless you are further interested. I hope this article makes you realize how impactful these food shortages caused by the lack of sustainable agriculture can be in many nations and gives you an interesting perspective to the topic!

http://publicspherejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05.egypt_.pdf