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**DRAFT

Homelessness in Czech Republic and Global Food Crisis

Sarunya Poolma

Department of Social Studies, Masaryk University

GLCb1004 Academic Skills

doc. Bernadette Nadya Jaworsky, Ph.D., Mgr. Alica Synek Rétiová, Ph.D.

January 15, 2024

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Abstract

This study examines the relationship between global food insecurity and

homelessness in the Czech Republic from 2011 to 2019. Using data from the Global Food

Security Index (GFSI) and the Czech Republic Homeless Population Survey, the study finds

that there is a significant positive correlation between global food insecurity and

homelessness in the Czech Republic. This correlation is driven by a number of factors,

including increased food costs, reduced access to food, and poor health. The study also finds

that the proportion of homeless people who report experiencing food insecurity has increased

from 38% in 2011 to 47% in 2019. This suggests that the global food crisis is having a

growing impact on homelessness in the Czech Republic. The study concludes by highlighting

the need for policies and programs that address the root causes of food insecurity and

homelessness.

Homelessness in Czech Republic and Global Food Crisis (Introduction)

In the heart of Europe lies a nation with a rich history and a vibrant culture — the Czech

Republic. Yet, behind its picturesque landscapes, a pressing issue silently looms homelessness.

As we delve into the labyrinth of alleyways and cobblestone streets, we discover a parallel

narrative entwined with a global challenge — the looming spectre of the global food crisis.

In recent years, the rise in homelessness within the Czech Republic has become an issue

demanding urgent attention. Concurrently, on the global stage, the reverberations of the food

crisis are felt far and wide. These seemingly disparate challenges are, in fact, intricately linked,

weaving a narrative that transcends borders and beckons us to explore the intricate connections

between societal disparities and the availability of sustenance.

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Have you ever wondered how the complexities of homelessness in the charming streets

of Prague intersect with the global challenge of ensuring food security for all? This research

embarks on a journey to unravel the threads that tie together the local struggles of the Czech

homeless population with the broader tapestry of the global food crisis.

As we navigate the intricate intersections of homelessness and the global food crisis in

the Czech Republic, we uncover not just a local challenge but a microcosm that reflects the

urgent need for global collaboration. This research seeks to shed light on these intertwined

issues, fostering not only awareness but also actionable insights that transcend borders.

Literature review

By the framework of conceptualizing homeless in the global level Busch-Geertsema et

al. (2016) have elaborated three domains of the term ‘Home’, the security domain, physical

domain and the last one is social domain. In this research I will conceptualize homelessness

from these three categories from Busch-Geertsema et al. (2016), first, ‘people without

accommodation’ as captured in category 1, which referred to individuals sleeping in place that

not intended to be inhabited for human, who are referred to as ‘roofless’, ‘ling rough’, ‘street

homeless’ or ‘unsheltered’ in any places around the globe, ‘people living in temporary or crisis

accommodation’ as the category 2, refers to individuals residing in publicly or charitably

provided accommodations, such as night shelters, homeless hostels, women's refuges, camps,

and reception centers. This includes those who are unable to secure a dwelling for themselves,

like internally displaced people, asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants. Despite being deemed

'temporary,' individuals may end up living in these facilities for extended periods, and the last

category ‘people living in severely substandard or highly insecure accommodation’ in the

article people argued that this category also should be considered homeless as well, due to a

lack of access to minimally adequate housing, such as people living under threat of violence,
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cheap hotel, sharing with friends and relatives on temporary basis, conventional housing that

is unfit for human habitation etc. (Busch-Geertsema et al., 2016)

The research and practice interventions on homelessness have tend to be measured in

different methods, in this research we will rely on the data from FEANTSA (the European

Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless) which already conducted

the number and research of homelessness all over European countries, which referred and

gathered about the number of homeless in Czech Republic during 2011-2019 ‘According to

the 2011 census, there are 11,496 homeless people in the Czech Republic’ and we have to note

that experts consider that the real number is much greater. In 2016 Ministry of Labour and

Social Services, conducted evaluation of survey addressing homelessness by municipalities

with extended competence (MEC) The number of people without homes has been estimated to

be 68,500. there is a total of 187,500 people who have experienced housing exclusion in the

Czech Republic. The Labour and Social Research Institute estimated that there were 21,230

people who experienced homelessness on any given week, in Spring 2019, including 2,600

minors under 18. The survey took place just in 403 municipalities where more than a half of

the 10.6 million population of the Czech Republic live.

The research will conduct to find the conclusion by consider the data of global food

crisis by focussing the food security in Europe during 2011-2019 as well as the period of time

of the number of homeless we gathered, and will be considered by the information from

Global Food Security Index (GFSI), the GFSI is a composite index that measures the state of

global food security based on three indicators: affordability, availability, and quality,

including United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) which is a United Nations agency

that provides food assistance to people in need around the world. It publishes reports on

global food security and malnutrition. For the analysis, I will use data from the WFP's 2011

and 2019 reports. I also used data from the WHO's 2011 and 2019 reports, World Health
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Organization (WHO), a United Nations agency that promotes global health. It provides

information and resources on a variety of health topics, including nutrition and homelessness.

Trends in Global Food Security

The GFSI has shown a decline in global food security since 2011. In 2011, the overall

score for the GFSI was 66.6 out of 100, but this had fallen to 64.8 by 2019 and this research

needs to focus on the Czech Republic scores, in 2011 Czech Republic has 73.5 out of 100,

however in 2019 the score has declined to 73.1 out of 100.

. This decline has been driven by a number of factors, including the COVID-19

pandemic, has had a significant impact on food security around the world but it could not

impact the experience of homelessness since the number of homeless people I have in 2019

was counted before the pandemic during 8 - 14 April 2019 (Nešporová et al., 2019).

However, the climate change is disrupting agricultural production and leading to increased

food prices, including the conflict and instability are also contributing to food insecurity, as

they disrupt food production and distribution systems.

Impact of Global Food Insecurity on Homelessness in Czech Republic

The decline in global food security has had a significant impact on homelessness in

the Czech Republic. Homelessness is a complex issue with a number of contributing factors,

but food insecurity is one of the most important.

1. Increased food costs Rising food prices have made it more difficult for people to

afford to eat, which can lead to homelessness. According to the Czech Republic

Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA), in the Czech Republic, the cost

of food has increased by over 20% since 2011.

2. Reduced access to food People experiencing homelessness often have limited

access to food banks and other sources of food assistance (MoLSA. 2019). This

can make it difficult for them to meet their basic nutritional needs.
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3. Poor health Food insecurity can lead to a number of health problems, including

malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases (World Health Organization, 2017).

These health problems can further complicate the experience of homelessness.

Evidence from the Czech Republic Homeless Population Survey

The Czech Republic Homeless Population Survey provides evidence of the link

between global food insecurity and homelessness. The survey found that the proportion of

homeless people who reported experiencing food insecurity in the past 12 months increased

from 38 percent in 2011 to 47 percent in 2019 (Country Profile - Czech Republic, 2020). The

survey also found that homeless people who experienced food insecurity were more likely to

have other problems, such as mental illness, addiction, and physical health problems

(Nešporová et al., 2019).

Conclusion (Unofficial)

The global food crisis is having a significant impact on homelessness in the Czech

Republic. As food prices continue to rise and access to food becomes more limited,

homelessness is likely to become an even more pressing issue in the country. It is important

to develop policies and programs that address the root causes of food insecurity and

homelessness, such as providing food assistance, improving access to affordable housing, and

supporting mental health and addiction treatment programs.

References

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Busch-Geertsema, V., Culhane, D. P., & Fitzpatrick, S. (2016). Developing a global framework

for conceptualising and measuring homelessness. Habitat International, 55, 124–132.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2016.03.004
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Country profile - Czech Republic. (2020, November 25). https://www.feantsa.org/en/country-

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