pinch points Flashcards
define pinch points
Pinch points refers to physical locations where global transportation routes are compromised; they are places in the transport chain where disruption occurs. Pinch points challenge food security as they can prevent trade of food products meaning countries which rely on imported food experience food insecurity.
an example
An example of a pinch point is The strait of gibraltar which connects the atlantic ocean to the mediterranean sea, at the narrowest point it is only 8.7 miles wide and creates a natural bottle neck which slows the transport of goods. the pinch point also experiences complex currents and winds which pose a mixture of challenges to navigation and constricts the flow of goods.
impacts AC
The strait of Gibraltar facilitates trade to many AC countries such as the USA and various ports in European countries. The physical conditions at pinch points reduce the flow of goods. This can be significant in AC countries as out of season foods or foods not grown in the country become unattainable for many people meaning some of the population becomes food insecure because of poor utilisation.
impacts LIDC
The strait of Gibraltar also is key in transport of food supplies from Europe to countries in North Africa, such as Morocco. Morocco’s main port in Tangier is connected to the strait of Gibraltar and when access is constricted it can cause food insecurity in the country. Morocco is an LIDC and is 47th in global food security however it has some areas where food insecurity is more prevalent so when supply of food is constricted it can push a large population of people in poorer areas to be food insecure. Additionally, blockages at pinch points can prevent food aid which largely challenges food security in any country that is going through a crisis as the physical availability of food many people would have relied on is then gone
food aid
For example, in 2020, the WFP provided food assistance to over 250,000 people in Mauritania.
Transport Routes: While Mauritania itself is not directly adjacent to the Strait of Gibraltar, the maritime routes through the Mediterranean and the Strait are essential for transporting food aid from Europe and other regions to West Africa, including Mauritania.
