A one-to-two-sentence paraphrase of the passage is this: Swift argues that the poverty of Ireland is so severe that it is economically advantageous to sell children of the poor for food, thereby reducing the national burden and providing a resource for the public good.
What is the explanation of the passage?
The passage expresses a stark and disturbingly pragmatic solution to the problem of poverty in Ireland. Swift suggests that instead of supporting or caring for the impoverished children, it would be more economically efficient to sell them as a food source.
This would alleviate the financial strain on their families, provide a resource for the public good, and contribute to the prosperity of the nation.