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Big Data and Drone Tech Can Help Fight Famine

Posted: September 6th, 2017

By Scott Aughenbaugh

Scott Aughenbaugh is a Research Fellow with the Center for Technology and National Security Policy at National Defense University and Director of External Engagement for MD5, the National Security Technology Accelerator. His research covers emerging technology trends, innovation, security strategy, and long-term futures.

Hunger and political instability go hand in hand. Fighting and droughts across Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen, and parts of Nigeria have caused dire situations and have driven up food prices, placing over 20 million people under increased risk of food insecurity. Terrorist groups and criminals prey on such situations, exacerbating political tensions and violence.

Leadership in North Korea, meanwhile, uses food as “a means of controlling the population,” according to a U.N. report.  Terrorist groups like ISIS, Boko Haram, and Al-Shabaab have used food insecurity as a recruitment tool and to expand operations during periods of political instability, in some instances rebranding UN food aid packages.

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