Which factor is identified as contributing to hunger in developing countries?

The degradation of land plays a significant role in contributing to hunger in developing countries because it directly affects agricultural productivity. When land becomes degraded due to practices such as over-farming, deforestation, or lack of sustainable land management, its ability to support crops and livestock diminishes. This can lead to lower food production, making it difficult for communities to access sufficient and nutritious food.

In many developing regions, where agriculture is a primary source of sustenance and livelihood, the adverse effects of land degradation can be devastating. Contaminated, eroded, or depleted soils may result in lower yields, forcing farmers to either produce less food or rely on increasingly costly inputs, which can exacerbate poverty and food insecurity. Thus, the degradation of land is a critical factor that intertwines environmental health, agricultural sustainability, and food security, particularly in vulnerable regions where the population may already be susceptible to hunger and malnutrition.