Problems specific to rural areas Environmental constraints and government neglect of rural areas have contributed to food insecurity. Fragile ecosystems Many of the poor are concentrated in arid and semi-arid areas where they are forced to cultivate marginal land ever more intensively, thus heightening environmental degradation. The Horn of Africa has some of the world's lowest crop yields. But even farmers who have more reliable water access tend to lack knowledge, finance and access to markets. Neglect of pastoralism Efforts by governments and international organizations to improve pastoral systems have often inadvertently done more harm than good, damaging the environment and reducing the ability of pastoralists to cope with drought.
Most people depend almost entirely on agriculture.
Lacking the knowledge or skills to diversify their sources of income, they are very vulnerable to climatic shocks. Weak infrastructure With few roads and limited access to other means of communication, many farmers are isolated from the national economy. Few social services Standards of health and education are low, especially in rural areas. Few people in rural areas have access to safe water or sanitation. Slow responses to alerts Most countries have early warning systems to signal impending food crises, but governments and donors are slow to respond.