Public Distribution System
Food shortage was pronounced by the Public Distribution System (PDS)’s inefficiency. The PDS distributed (and technically still does, although there is little food to give out) food according to political standing and degree of loyalty to the state. The structure is as follows (the World Food Program has estimated that at least 600 grams/day of cereal is needed for a "survival ration"):
| Categories | Amount Allocated |
|---|---|
| Privileged Industrial Workers | 900 grams/day |
| Ordinary Workers | 700 grams/day |
| Retired Citizens | 300 grams/day |
| 2-4y years old | 200 grams/day |
However, the extended period of food shortage put a strain on the system and spread the amount of food allocation thinly across the groups, affecting 62% of the population who were entirely reliant on the PDS. The system was feeding only 6% of the state by 1997.
| Year | Changes |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Reduced 10% |
| 1992 | Reduced another 10% |
| 1994 | 450 down to 400 grams/day |
| 1997 | 128 grams/day |
The annual amount farmers could keep fell from 167 to 107 kilograms each. In attempting to solve the hunger, albeit contentious, the North Korean government suggested “alternative foods” for the people to sustain themselves. For example, small bricks of bark, leaves and grass were added into the dietary routines of some.
Read more about this topic: North Korean Famine
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