As I understand it, there isn’t actually a shortage; as an informative article in today’s Washington Post explains, the problem is that the “global economy” model never panned out. This is because of wealthier nations continuing to apply trade restrictions despite endorsing free trade. Whereas many in Africa used to engage in subsistence farming, they now have turned their efforts towards other enterprises (mining etc.), causing a reliance on exports which in turn has brought agriculture to a near halt. Wealthier countries (notably those in Asia) which rely on imports are now hording goods, making the “shortage” even more severe. Lucky for us we also live in a rich country that has the ability to stockpile goods –plus we’ve got plenty of arable land. I wouldn’t worry about what’s going on at a Costco in California. Instead I’d be worrying about the people of Senegal, Mauritania and the other African nations who’ve been screwed by a globalization that never quite happened.
