Final answer:
The belief that hunger and malnutrition in poor countries are exclusively due to insufficient food production is false. Economic issues, distribution problems, and educational deficits, as well as unequal food distribution and accessibility, contribute significantly to malnutrition, not just in poor but also in wealthier countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that hunger and malnutrition in poor countries are solely a result of those countries not being able to produce enough food to feed their population is false. While food production issues do exist, there are a multitude of reasons why hunger and malnutrition persist. Factors like poverty, food cost, distribution challenges, and education on nutrition play significant roles. Additionally, the global food supply is sufficient in quantity, but problems arise from unequal distribution, lack of accessibility, and inefficient food systems where, for instance, a significant portion of grains are used as animal feed.
Moreover, even in wealthier nations like the United States, malnutrition can occur due to socioeconomic disparities that result in some people having limited access to nutritious food. Areas known as "food deserts" have limited availability of fresh produce, driving individuals to rely on processed foods or high-fat, high-sugar fast-food options. This demonstrates that malnutrition is not only a problem of food production but is also closely linked to economic and social issues.